Commencement
Information for Guests

Admission to the ceremony is free, however, tickets are required for entry. This process helps university officials ensure the venue is not overcrowded and adequate spacing can be maintained during the event.

• All attendees 5 years and older must have a ticket.
• Tickets are valid only for one ceremony.

Guests of candidates

A limited number of tickets per candidate are available. These tickets are reserved in advance by the candidate.

Tickets for general public

Issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Johnson Coliseum Ticket Office one hour before the ceremony begins to be eligible to receive a ticket for the commencement ceremony you wish to attend.

The ceremony will be publicly livestreamed on the SFA YouTube page. The livestream begins when the ceremony starts. 

The livestream recording also will be available after the ceremony ends.

As a formal ceremony, all attendees are expected to abide by any protocol or guidelines issued by the university which will, at a minimum, include the following:

• All attendees must follow all written and verbal instructions.
• All attendees must remain seated during the ceremony and remain for the entire ceremony.
• All graduates are required to wear formal academic attire.
• All cell phones or other electronic devices must be silenced.
• The use of air horns and any other artificial noisemaker, fireworks, balloons, flags, or banners is prohibited.

Any attendee who is disruptive or fails to follow instructions may be escorted from the venue. Each SFA graduate and guest deserves to enjoy a ceremony that reflects the candidate's significant accomplishment without inappropriate or excessive interruptions.

Read HOP policy 02-103 (PDF) for full details of expectations.

Commencement ceremonies are photographed by GradImages.

Photo proofs are sent to each graduate that provides an email or mailing address.

If you do not receive your photo proof or have other questions, contact GradImages by calling 800.261.2576, emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net or visiting gradimages.com.

Ceremonies occurring May 2021 and prior: Photographed by Flash Photography

Transportation from parking lot to facility

University police will provide cart transportation from the commuter parking lot to the bottom of the ramp outside the entrance of the Johnson Coliseum.

For planning purposes, our Commencement Map and Layout webpage offers photos and details of the entrance exterior and concourse level. The commencement seating map can be used to understand the interior layout for the ceremony.

Courtesy wheelchairs

SFA has a limited number of wheelchairs, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Disability Services table at section 123 will provide available courtesy wheelchairs for ceremony guests.

Wheelchair seating

Platforms on the concourse level, located on each side of the ceremony stage, are designated specifically for wheelchair seating.

View commencement seating map.

Sign language interpreter

A sign language interpreter will be present on the east side of the platform during the commencement ceremony.

Reserved seating for persons using sign language interpreter services will be available near the platform. 

Fingerspelling a candidate's name

If possible, please send the interpreter coordinator your request in advance by completing the online interpreter request form.

On-site requests may be completed prior to the platform processional. Visit the Disability Services table at section 123.