Florida University Commencement: A Large Student Turnout

The University of Florida is a large public institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,924 as of Fall 2023. The university's commencement ceremonies take place at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer C semesters. The University Wide Commencement Ceremony is held in the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and does not require tickets for graduates or guests. The university also holds College Recognition Ceremonies and Degree-Specific Ceremonies for individual colleges and degree programs. The University of Florida's commencement ceremonies publicly recognize graduates and are separate from degree certification, which is the official awarding of degrees after meeting all requirements.

University of Florida's student population

The University of Florida is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It was founded in 1853 and has since grown to a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,924 as of Fall 2023. The university's campus size spans 2,000 acres and is situated about two miles from downtown Gainesville, which is bolstered by the school's student population of over 50,000.

The University of Florida offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to its large student body. The Florida Gators sports teams, represented by mascots Albert and Alberta the Alligators, compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. About 15% of students are involved in the 60-plus fraternities and sororities on campus. Additionally, the university hosts Gator Nights every Friday, providing free late-night entertainment and snacks for all students.

With a diverse student population, the University of Florida provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved and form communities. There are over 900 student organizations to choose from, ranging from academic clubs to social groups. Each semester, the Involvement Team organises Student Organisation Fairs to facilitate student engagement and foster a sense of community.

The University of Florida also boasts well-regarded graduate programs through its various colleges, including the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the Warrington College of Business, the Levin College of Law, and the College of Medicine. The university is integrated with the retirement community of Oak Hammock, offering students opportunities for internships, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.

Commencement ceremony dates

The University of Florida holds commencement ceremonies in May, August, and December. The exact dates vary each year, but the University Wide Commencement Ceremony typically takes place on a Friday in May, with the Doctoral Commencement Ceremony taking place the day before.

For example, in 2023, the Doctoral Commencement Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 4, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, while the University Wide Commencement Ceremony was held on Friday, May 5, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The College Recognition Ceremonies, which vary by college and department, are usually held on the Wednesday before the University Wide Commencement Ceremony through the Monday after.

The University of Florida also holds commencement ceremonies in August and December, which include Doctoral Commencement Ceremonies and Master's, Specialist's, and Bachelor's Ceremonies. These ceremonies are typically held over a weekend, with multiple ceremonies for different colleges and departments.

The specific dates and times of commencement ceremonies at the University of Florida can be found on their website, along with information on the location, guest admission, and any other relevant details. The website also provides information on the previous commencement programs and ceremonies.

Degree-specific ceremonies

The University of Florida holds degree-specific ceremonies hosted by the college from which the candidates earn their degrees. These ceremonies take place on dates and times other than graduation weekend, and degrees are conferred at these ceremonies, with graduates being individually recognized.

Thursday, May 1

Doctoral Commencement Ceremony: 9am-11am

Friday, May 2

University Wide Commencement Ceremony: 7pm-9pm

Saturday, May 3

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #1: ART; DCP; HHP; H.W. ENG; CJC; MED; NURS; PHARM; PHHP; VET MED: 7pm-9pm

Sunday, May 4

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #2: CALS; EDU; CLAS; WCB: 10am-12pm

Monday, May 5

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #3: DCP; CLAS: 2pm-4pm

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #4: H.W. ENG; EDU: 7pm-9pm

Friday, August 9

Doctoral Commencement Ceremony: 2pm-4pm

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #1: ART; DCP; HHP; H.W. ENG; CJC; MED; NURS; PHARM; PHHP; VET MED: 7pm-9pm

Saturday, August 10

Master's, Specialist's and Bachelor's Ceremonies, Ceremony #2: CALS; EDU; CLAS; WCB: 10am-12pm

Student accommodation

The University of Florida, established in 1853, is located on a 2,000-acre campus in the city of Gainesville. With over 50,000 students, it is one of the largest campuses in the nation. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 16 colleges, from business and law to engineering and medicine.

Student housing at the University of Florida is managed by the Division of Student Affairs, providing accommodation for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students both on and off-campus. Approximately 8,100 students reside in single-student residence halls, while nearly 1,600 students and their families live on campus in 980 apartments arranged in Village Communities.

On-Campus Undergraduate Housing

The University of Florida offers a variety of residence halls for undergraduate students, including historic buildings such as Henry H. Buckman Hall, William R. Thomas Hall, and Andrew Sledd Hall. The Honors Residential College provides housing for freshmen with themed buildings, accommodating the needs of honors students with facilities like meditation spaces, a student library, and music rooms.

On-Campus Graduate and Family Housing

For graduate students and those with families, the University of Florida offers several village communities. These include Corry Village, Diamond Village, Maguire Village, Tanglewood Village, and University Village South. These complexes provide apartments for nearly 1,600 students and their families.

Off-Campus Student Housing

For those who prefer to live off-campus, there are numerous options available in Gainesville, which is just two miles from the university. Student.com, for example, offers a platform to compare different accommodation options and choose the best one based on individual needs.

Student activities

The University of Florida (UF) offers a wide range of student activities to cater to its diverse student body. With over 50,000 students, UF provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved and build a sense of community. Here are some of the key aspects of student activities at UF:

• Student Organization Fairs: Each semester, the Involvement Team hosts Student Organization Fairs on the sidewalks of the North Lawn. These fairs provide a platform for students to explore and engage with various student organizations. With over 900 student organizations to choose from, students can find like-minded individuals who share their interests and passions.
• Gatornights: Gatornights is a weekly event held during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. It offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, comedy shows, improv performances, interactive games, DJ nights, and food. All students are welcome to attend and enjoy a fun-filled evening with their peers.
• Athletics and Sports Teams: UF is known for its strong athletics program, with the Florida Gators competing in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. The Gator football team, in particular, has a notable reputation, playing in the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately known as "The Swamp." The annual Gator Growl, held during Homecoming weekend, is the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. Students can also join various fraternities and sororities, with about 15% of the student body involved in these organizations.
• Gator Nights: Every Friday, students can participate in Gator Nights, which offers free late-night entertainment and midnight snacks. It is a popular event that caters to students looking for fun and socialization on campus.
• Academic and Career Development: UF provides a range of academic and career support services. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Warrington College of Business, Levin College of Law, and the College of Medicine offer well-regarded graduate programs. Additionally, the university is integrated with the Oak Hammock retirement community, where students can gain valuable work experience through internships and mentorship opportunities.
• Commencement Ceremonies: UF holds commencement ceremonies at the end of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. These ceremonies publicly recognize graduates from various degree programs. The university-wide commencement ceremony is held in the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, while individual colleges may have their own recognition ceremonies to celebrate their graduates.

The University of Florida offers a vibrant and engaging student life, ensuring that students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting connections during their time on campus.

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