1. Participation Confirmation

Students must confirm their attendance by paying, in fresh dollars, a registration fee of $230 that will be divided into two categories: a $150 non-refundable participation fee and an $80 refundable rental fee for the caps and gowns upon return in good condition at the Accounting Department for Hadat–Baabda, Nabi Ayla–Zahle, and Mejdlaya–Zgharta campuses students, from Monday, May 20 until Friday, June 7, 2024. The schedule for the campuses visits has been set as follows:

Hadat–Baabda Campus

Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus

Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus

Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

For logistical purposes, UA is committed to abiding by the rules associated with this event and will be unable to accept registrations made after June 7, 2024.

As the list of names will be retrieved from the SIS, students are asked to check the spelling of their names on the SIS. In case of any errors, the candidate must reach out for assistance, by sending an email to graduation@ua.edu.lb.

2. Caps and Gowns

All participants are required to wear caps and gowns during the ceremony. Reservations could be made from Monday, May 20 until Friday, June 7, 2024, according to the schedule below, provided that the students settle the registration fees and bring the payment receipts for confirmation.

The $80 rental fee will be refunded upon the return of the caps and gowns in good condition.

Hadat–Baabda Campus

Building A, Underground 3 (Mr. Chady Roukoz and Mr. Rodolph Wannis)
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus

Building A, Office 110 (Ms. Samia Mazraani)
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus

Office 4 (Ms. Marisia Khoury)
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

3. Commencement Rehearsal

To ensure a highly organized and well-prepared Commencement Ceremony, a rehearsal session will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the football stadium on the Hadat–Baabda campus.

UA will provide free transportation for students from remote campuses to the Hadat–Baabda main campus on the rehearsal date. The scheduled departure time from both campuses is as follows:

• 4:00 PM from Nabi Ayla–Zahle;
• 3:00 PM from Mejdlaya–Zgharta.

Participants shall abide by the rehearsal guidelines set out below:

• Attendance is mandatory; students who fail to attend the rehearsal will be prevented from participating in the Commencement Ceremony.
• Caps and gowns should not be worn.
• Compliance with safety measures established by the University is required.
• Places in the assigned assembly rooms shall be taken by students according to the numbers received by email beforehand.

Rehearsal Program

• Instructions and Announcements
• Line-Up
• Procession and Seating
• Q&A

Time Capsule

Students will be given a time capsule to deposit cherished objects they wish to bring on the rehearsal day, as they will be wrapped with their names affixed to them. Such valuable items (letters, photos, small electronic devices, USBs, T-shirts, etc., noting that big objects must be avoided) will revive memories of the good old days when the graduates open the time capsule 10 years later, on June 22, 2034. A memorable activity not to be missed! 

4. Post-Rehearsal Gathering

Following the conclusion of rehearsals, we welcome all participants to join us for a casual Post-Rehearsal Gathering filled with joy and cherished moments. It is a chance to mingle and share in the excitement of preparing for the big day.

While this ceremony will fire up all attendees with enthusiasm and enkindle joy in their hearts, it must not be forgotten that the Commencement is a dignified event that should inspire respect and ethical behaviors.

Instructions for Graduates

• The graduates’ expected arrival time at the Hadat–Baabda campus is between 3:30 and 4:00 PM.
• Caps and gowns should be worn with pride at the time of arrival.
• Female graduates are requested to wear a dress/skirt that matches the gown’s color (preferably black or white) and must avoid maxi dresses and miniskirts. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes (sandals, flip flops, western boots, and athletic shoes must be avoided).
• Male graduates are requested to wear black slack pants with a white buttoned shirt, a tie under the gown, and dark shoes and socks.
• Professional photographers will be available to take pictures of each candidate before and during the ceremony.
• Candidates should join the groups they belong to at the specified location by 6:45 PM.
• Candidates must assemble according to their assigned numbers and await instructions from the person in charge.
• The procession will start at 7:15 PM sharp. Graduates should remain lined up in a single file and respect the social distancing measures at all times.
• Graduates are expected to memorize the number that was allocated to them, as all seats will be numbered for better organization.
• Candidates are required to remain standing once they reach their seats until they are told to sit.
• The ceremony will begin at 7:30 PM sharp.
• All mobile phones should be turned off.
• At the time of conferring degrees, the person calling out the names will make an introductory statement, after which the first row of candidates shall move in the right direction as per instructions. The remaining rows shall stay seated and await their turns. They will be guided when it is time for them to stand up and move into position.
• Students will first form an orderly queue and then move to a designated stopping point. Once their names are called, they should walk towards the podium to receive their diploma covers. Attendees should avoid shaking hands and make sure to have their photos taken. They are then expected to return to their seats and keep seated.
• The tassel must be on the right side before the degrees are conferred and should be shifted to the left side afterward.
• Once the diplomas are distributed, graduates will be given the sign to remove their caps, after which the ceremony ends.

Instructions for Invitees

• Graduates may invite up to 4 guests.
• Seating will be on a “first come, first served” basis due to the limited number of seats.
• We respectfully ask that no children, under 10 years, attend the ceremony.
• Parking spaces are allocated for invitees (one spot for each family).
• Invitees can start arriving at the ceremony site from 5:30 PM onwards.
• Invitees are allowed to take photos from their seats only.
• Smoking is prohibited.

Returning Caps and gowns

All caps and gowns shall be returned between Monday, June 24, 2024, and Friday, June 28, 2024, from 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM, as well as between Monday, July 7, 2024, and Friday, July 12, 2024, from 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM, to your home campus, otherwise, the $80 fee will not be refunded.