View Full Commencement Calendar
Requirements
If you plan to participate in the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at the Koger Center, you
must have:
- Completed all degree requirements
- Submitted your graduation application on my.sc.edu
- Please indicate attendance on the graduation application
- Summer and Fall ceremony is in December
- Spring is in May
- Please indicate attendance on the graduation application
- Successfully submitted your dissertation to the Graduate School (if required/applicable)
- Submitted your Dissertation Signature and Approval Form (if required/applicable)
- Submitted your Doctoral Hooding Program Information Form
- Submitted the online Survey of Earned Doctorates (PhDs only)
*Eligible candidates will receive email notification with more specific instructions.
Before the Ceremony
1. Purchase Your Cap or Tam, Tassel, Gown and Hood
What to Buy
Your doctoral gown should be black or garnet (available by special order only) and your tassel should be gold. Your hood depends on your discipline. Check with your program, department, or the University Bookstore to confirm the correct doctoral hood.
Where to Buy
Order your University of South Carolina academic regalia in person at the University Bookstore in the Russell House or complete your order online. For assistance, call the University Bookstore at 803-777-4160.
2. Optional: Order Personalized Announcements
Order official personalized invitation cards and announcements from Jostens, the representative
company for the University of South Carolina. Shop online among packages and individual products that will help you announce your accomplishment
in style.
3. Make Arrangements with Your Major Professor
Your major professor will accompany you onto the stage and assist with your hooding.
Remind Your Major Professor.....
They will need to bring their own cap, gown and hood to the ceremony.
If Your Major Professor Cannot Be at the Ceremony.....
If your major professor is on sabbatical or otherwise cannot attend the hooding ceremony, consult with your major professor to arrange for another member of your committee or faculty to accompany you onto the stage.
The Day of the Ceremony
Where to Go
Spring 2024 Doctoral Commencement Exercises will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Koger Center for the Arts.
When to Arrive
At least one hour before the ceremony begins.
What to Wear
You should be robed and have on your cap or tam, with hood in hand when you arrive for the ceremony.
Guests
Guests are welcomed. Tickets are not required.
Approximate Schedule
1 hour before ceremony
Candidates and faculty escorts should arrive at the Koger Center and proceed to the check-in stations in the lobby for further instructions.
30 minutes before ceremony
Everyone should be seated in procession order.
30 minutes before ceremony
Faculty who wish to be part of the ceremony but are not hooding candidates should arrive.
5 minutes before ceremony
Platform Party Procession begins.
1 hour after ceremony begins
The hooding ceremony ends. Graduates and faculty will process out of the Koger Center after the Platform Party leaves the stage.
Reception
A reception for you, your guests and the faculty will be held after the exercises conclude. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Photography
Professional photographers will take pictures from an assigned area. Information about how to access these pictures will be sent to you after the ceremony. Visit the photography page on the University Registrar website for more information.
Photo Galleries
Video
- December 2023
- May 2023
- December 2022
- May 2022
- December 2021
- May 2021
- May 2020
Questions?
Please contact gradcomm@mailbox.sc.edu.