Ceremony Dates
Commencement exercises are held for graduation candidates in both May and December each year. Find out the dates for upcoming ceremonies.
Doors open two hours prior to the ceremony. Just arrive dressed in your cap and gown
with your seat number. It’s that easy. Arriving early gives you time to park, get
in to the arena, find your seat and check your name card.
Order of Exercises
The ceremony usually takes around 2 to 2 ½ hours. Generally the order of exercises is as follows:
- Procession including the university mace, faculty, officials and guests, deans, Board of Trustees, distinguished guests and the president
- Singing of National Anthem
- Invocation
- Opening remarks by the President
- Conferring of honorary degrees
- Commencement address
- Presentation of candidates
- Conferring of degrees
- Singing of Alma Mater
- Recessional
Event Details
Parking
Research parking availability and different options to prevent stressful delays.
Tickets and Seating
Find out about tickets and seating options available inside the Colonial Life Arena.
Photography
Access professional photos and videos of commencement exercises.
Assistance
Find services and seating for guests with accessibility challenges on graduation day.
Name Cards
Your name card is used during the commencement ceremony to make sure your name is properly announced.