Information for Degree Candidates
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.
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. Immediately following rehearsal,
Carillon Ceremony
The Carillon Ceremony will be held in Lupton Auditorium immediately following the rehearsal and class photo on May 16. Graduating seniors will have the chance to climb the Lupton 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 until an hour after the ceremony ends, until approximately 12 p.m.
Cap and Gown Packages from Herff Jones
The online order deadline for ordering a cap and gown from Herff Jones was March 20, 2023. The cap and gown website will not be available after this date. Students have the option of shipping their cap and gowns to their home for a shipping fee, or picking them up on campus at no extra charge. Graduates will receive a 2023 tassel. Order online here!
Order your cap and gown on campus:
- February 15, 11 a.m. – 3 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:
- May 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center
- May 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Turner Lynch Campus Center
Additional products are available on the Herff Jones website, including personalized graduation announcements, Oglethorpe rings, and diploma frames.