Undergraduate Awards and Graduation Ceremony
The Department of Molecular Biosciences holds a medal commencement ceremony each May to honor the graduating undergraduate candidates of the entire academic year (past Fall, current Spring, and future Summer), followed by a brief reception. Attendance at the graduaiton ceremony is optional, however, you must be present in order to receive a medal.
2017 Keynote Speaker: Robert Butchofsky, M.B.A., Founder and CEO of Mati Therapeutic
Special Departmental Honors
Majors who seek special departmental honors must have an overall University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average in their major courses of at least 3.50. In addition, they must complete two semesters of the Biochemistry or Biology Honors Tutorial Course during the senior year, which includes a presentation and written thesis based on a faculty supervised research project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Do I need a ticket?
No, graduation candidates and audience members do not need tickets. You may invite as many friends and family as you wish.
Am I automatically included in the program?
Only graduation candidates who RSVP will be included in the graduation program. Click here to RSVP for the Spring 2017 ceremony.
Procedures at the Student Activity Center
Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
Students are seated on the far right and left sides of the auditorium by degree. However, candidates are not in alphabetical order due to the variance in the number of students graduating by major and the need to seat graduation candidates in sections without running out of seats. The department appreciates your patience with this process.
Guests are encouraged to show up early, especially large groups that are planning to sit together. The auditorium will be open throughout the ceremony, however, guests that arrive late will be ushered to the back of the auditorium so as not to disrupt the ceremony.
The university has safety procedures in place for all commencement ceremonies and venues. Backpacks, tote bags, or any bags larger than 12 inches in any dimension will not be allowed into the venue. In addition, all other bags, including purses, camerca cases, and diaper bags, may be searched by security officers before visitors are permitted to enter the venue. We strongly urge all graduates and guests not to bring bags to any ceremony unless they are absolutely necessary. Please plan accordingly.
What is the dress code for the ceremony?
Dress is business casual (no regalia).
What will be announced during the ceremony?
As participants walk across the stage, the department will announce student first and last names, additional degrees if earned from Molecular Biosciences, and special departmental honors.
In the interest of ensuring that the ceremonies average approximately 1.5 hours, the department does not announce certificates, minors, or degrees earned from other UT colleges.
Parking
Click here for visitor parking options around the SAC. The department does not provide parking. Please leave yourself extra time to find parking, as campus is very busy during this time.
Timeline
May 12, 2017: RSVP's due by 5pm | Click here to RSVP
May 19, 2017: MBS Graduation Ceremony, 3pm at SAC 1.402 | 2017 Program
