Information for Degree Candidates

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Who qualifies for this year’s ceremony?

The 2024 Commencement includes anyone who had their degree conferred for Fall 2023, is on pace for conferral for Spring 2024, or meets the criteria to participate but will be a Summer 2024 conferral. Your eligibility to participate is included in the official review information that is provided after you apply for graduation.

If a student wants to be allowed to participate in the other Commencement group, they need to submit an Academic Appeal providing context to their request.

If you graduated last fall and wish to walk in the spring Commencement ceremony, contact the Registrar’s Office to let them know of your intent.

Graduation Application

Graduation Application Deadlines

Fall Term – November 1, 2023
Spring Term – May 1, 2024
Summer Term – August 1, 2024

Graduating students must submit a degree application through their student account by Monday, May 1, 2024 to be eligible to participate in Spring 2024 Commencement activities. Any graduation applications received after May 1, 2024 may result in a student’s name not being listed in the Commencement program and a delay in receiving a physical diploma.

Degree candidates must finish “Incomplete” grades and send any necessary official transcripts prior to having a degree conferred. To participate in Commencement activities and receive a diploma, degree candidates must also clear all holds on their account.

If you have any doubt that all holds have been cleared from your record, please visit your OASIS Student Account and the Student Planning module to see if there are any holds listed there. Learn more about the graduation application process.

Rehearsal

Graduates are expected to participate in the rehearsal prior to the ceremony so they know what to do during Commencement. Rehearsal will be held in the Library Atrium in Lowry Hall on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4 p.m. Graduating seniors will practice lining up and processing to the quad. The rehearsal will be followed immediately by the Carillon Ceremony.

Carillon Ceremony

The Carillon Ceremony will be held on May 16 in Lupton Auditorium immediately following the rehearsal and class photo. Graduating seniors will have the chance to climb the Lupton Hall bell tower and ring the carillon bells. A photographer will be on hand to capture the special moment! A toast to the graduating class, led by the Senior Class President, will conclude the ceremony.

Graduate Attire

Acceptable attire includes:

  • Short-sleeved white or light colored shirt/blouse (with dark tie)
  • Light-weight dark-colored trousers/pants
  • Light-weight dress
  • Dark shoes
  • Dress sandals (as long as they are not loud when walking)

Unacceptable attire includes:

  • Jeans
  • Shorts
  • Athletic shoes
  • Sandals
  • Flip-flops
  • Stilettos
  • Platform shoes

Arrival Time for Graduates

Graduates should arrive by 8 a.m. on the day of the ceremony and report to the Library Atrium in Lowry Hall.

How and when will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be handed out to graduates after the Commencement on May 18, 2024 in the Library by the study rooms for an hour after the ceremony ends, until approximately 12 p.m.

New graduates will also be sent a digital diploma. Read more about the new digital diploma here!

If you do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony, please request your diploma to be mailed using this form.

Cap and Gown Packages from Herff Jones

You must have a cap and gown if you plan to walk for Spring Commencement.

The online order deadline for ordering a cap and gown from Herff Jones for campus pickup is March 22, 2024. The deadline to order for home delivery is April 26 ( $14.90 shipping fee).
Order online here!

Or, order your cap and gown on campus:

  • February 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center
  • March 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center

Pick up your cap and gown* on these distribution dates:

  • April 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center Group Study Room
  • May 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center Group Study Room

*You must pick up your order. If you cannot make it, you can send a designated person to pick up your order, but you must email [email protected] with their information before pickup.

If you have any questions about ordering your cap and gown, please email us at [email protected].

Additional products are available on the Herff Jones website, including personalized graduation announcements, Oglethorpe rings, and diploma frames.

Graduation Packages