Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Candidates, are you prepared for commencement?
This page contains information specific to candidates and faculty members.
View commencement information for guests
Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Dec. 13 and 14, 2024, at the Johnson Coliseum
Location, days and times are subject to change.
| Ceremony | Undergraduate participants |
|---|---|
| 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 |
|
| 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 |
|
| 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 |
|
| Ceremony | Graduate participants |
|---|---|
| 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 |
|
Doors will open one hour before the ceremony begins. You must arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony start time. View additional candidate arrival instructions.
Arrival instructions: Candidates
If you haven't already, watch: How to wear your academic regalia.
- Arrive 45 minutes before your ceremony start time.
- Upon entering the Loddie Naymola Basketball Performance Center, follow directional signage to pick up your name card.
- Don't roll or fold this card at any point while it is in your possession as it will be scanned to announce your name and any honors earned as you cross the stage.
- Complete the back of the name card for the photographer.
- Proceed to the assigned line associated with your level (Doctoral, Master, Bachelor), college and side (East or West).
Approximately 15 minutes before your ceremony start time:
A commencement coordinator will provide academic procession instructions and candidates will be escorted to the proper seating on the coliseum floor.
When you approach the stage:
You'll hand your card to the commencement coordinator to be scanned. Your name will be announced and displayed as you cross the stage.
After the ceremony:
At the conclusion of the ceremony, all candidates will process back into the Loddie Naymola Basketball Performance Center and then exit the facility where they entered at street level.
IMPORTANT NOTICES:
By choosing to participate, each student is committing to stay for the entire ceremony. Participating students aren't permitted to leave early.
The commencement program lists applicants or candidates for degrees. Appearance in the program and attendance of a candidate at the ceremony is no guarantee of degree completion.
Arrival instructions: Faculty
No ticket requirement for faculty members.
Faculty will enter through the Loddie Naymola Basketball Performance Center and a commencement coordinator will guide them to a line-up location.
Arrive as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony to visit with your students.
Approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony start time:
Participating faculty members will line up and follow the faculty marshal through the academic procession.
Commencement photography
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
Accessibility services
If you are in need of assistance for your commencement ceremony, complete and sign the Commencement Accommodations Request form. Note that the form provides two day/time slots for you to visit with a representative from the Office of the Registrar prior to the ceremony. This meeting will occur at Johnson Coliseum, and you must provide a hardcopy of this document.
The registrar's office is committed to providing support for students with disabilities. To the greatest extent possible, we will observe confidentiality with respect to any request for accommodation. Students who feel they have not been accommodated appropriately may appeal the decision utilizing the university's appeals process.
Ceremony interpreting services
A sign language interpreter will be present on 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
- Advance request: Provide specific information for the interpreter coordinator by completing the online Interpreter Request form.
- On-site request: Prior to the platform processional, visit the Disability Services table located between the front entrance and The Jack Shop.
Commencement decorum
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.