Spring 2023 Commencement FAQ

Only working staff, graduating students and authorized guests are allowed in the graduate and staff entry points, or on the floor or field near graduate seating and the stage. This restriction applies to Gammage Auditorium, Desert Financial Arena, Sun Devil Stadium or other ceremony venues.

What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

University Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies are the university-wide ceremonies at which President Crow confers degrees.

Doctoral graduates have their names read and cross the stage at Graduate Commencement. Master degree candidates will be announced by college, but not individually. Undergraduates are presented by college at University Undergraduate Commencement.

Convocation events are celebrations of individual achievement where graduate names are called and graduates cross the stage. Convocation ceremonies are hosted by the college or special interest group. 

Will there be in-person ceremonies?

Yes. ASU will celebrate graduates in-person the week of May 8, 2023. For a list of ceremonies please visit https://graduation.asu.edu/ceremonies/latest 

Will there be convocation (college/school) ceremonies?

Yes. There will be in-person celebrations at the individual college level. The full list of ceremonies can be viewed at https://graduation.asu.edu/ceremonies/latest

Are face coverings required for students, staff and guests at graduation? 

As of March 14, 2022, face coverings will not be required across ASU campuses, except in a few locations (e.g., in designated courses with select required activities, on intercampus shuttles and in healthcare settings). Anyone (faculty, staff, students and visitors) on an ASU campus location may choose to wear a face covering at any time.

Are students allowed to remove their face covering on the platform/stage (i.e. while receiving their diploma or taking their Grad Image photo)?

Yes - while graduates are on stage, taking photos, they may remove their masks. As of March 14, 2022, face coverings will not be required across ASU campuses, except in a few locations (e.g., in designated courses with select required activities, on intercampus shuttles and in healthcare settings). Anyone (faculty, staff, students and visitors) on an ASU campus location may choose to wear a face covering at any time.

Will face coverings be required outside? 

No, masks will not be required outside. As of March 14, 2022, face coverings will not be required across ASU campuses, except in a few locations (e.g., in designated courses with select required activities, on intercampus shuttles and in healthcare settings). Anyone (faculty, staff, students and visitors) on an ASU campus location may choose to wear a face covering at any time.

Are face coverings required at offsite convocation ceremonies?

Venues not operated and maintained by Arizona State University may have different mask requirements. Please check with the venue for more details. As of March 14, 2022, face coverings will not be required across ASU campuses, except in a few locations (e.g., in designated courses with select required activities, on intercampus shuttles and in healthcare settings). Anyone (faculty, staff, students and visitors) on an ASU campus location may choose to wear a face covering at any time.

Will students or guests need to be vaccinated to attend a ceremony? 

Vaccinations will not be required for students and guests to attend an on-campus ceremony. The university continues to recommend strongly that people get vaccinated. Greater rates of vaccination are the best tool available to reduce the rate of transmission in the community. Learn more at asu.edu/covid-vaccine.

Venues not operated and maintained by Arizona State University may require proof of vaccination to enter those facilities. Please check with your college or the venue for more details.

I graduated in spring, summer, or fall 2020/spring of 2021. Can I participate in future in-person celebrations?

Yes! Students who completed coursework in 2020 or May of 2021, may participate in on-campus celebrations. Please reach out to your college's convocation department, or you can also send an email to the University Ceremonies Office. 

August 2023  graduates MUST register using the link found on your My ASU Page.

You may register to participate in the college convocation event and University Undergraduate Commencement. You must register in order to have a registration/reader card available for pick up for your college convocation event. Students are not individually recognized at University Undergraduate Commencement so your general participation and an indication of the number of guests who will attend is all that is required.

Doctoral candidates are individually recognized and cross the stage at University Graduate Commencement so you will need to complete your registration to have a reader card available for Graduate Commencement.

Master degree candidates are eligible to participate in Graduate Commencement. Your general participation and an indication of the number of guests who will attend Graduate Commencement is all that is required. Master degree candidates will be recognized as a group. Master degree candidates will not be individually hooded or cross the stage at University Graduate Commencement. Your degrees will be conferred by President Crow at this event.

Will there be special-interest ceremonies this May?
Yes — special-interest events will be celebrated in-person. When you register to participate in other graduation events, you will have the opportunity to select the special-interest ceremony in which you would like to participate through the ceremony registration page.

If I don’t want to participate in any of the ceremonies, do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes. You must apply to graduate regardless of ceremony participation. For information on how to apply for graduation, visit https://students.asu.edu/registration/graduation-apply.

Do I need to register to participate in commencement or convocation (school/college ceremonies)?
Yes. It is necessary to register to participate in any in-person events. A link will be made available to you on your My ASU page. 

Are we allowed to visit campus to take graduation photographs?

In addition, GradImages will be taking complimentary photos at each of ASU's campuses. For more information about photo dates, locations, and links to register, please visit  https://graduation.asu.edu/ceremonies/memories  Graduates may register to take photos at any available campus location that is convenient. 

For another fun way to create virtual mementos, please visit https://graduation.asu.edu/get-social 
to view and download a number of graphics, Zoom backgrounds, social media filters, and GIFs to help you celebrate your achievement.  

Do I need to participate in a ceremony to graduate?
No. If students choose not to take part in any ceremony and their university academic requirements are met, graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail.

How will I receive my diploma?
If your university academic requirements are met, you will receive your diploma in the mail. Diplomas are mailed approximately six to eight weeks after the degree conferral date. Graduates will receive an email notification via their ASU email account when their diploma has been mailed. Diplomas are mailed to the student's diploma mailing address, which can be viewed and updated from My ASU. For more information, visit https://students.asu.edu/diploma.

I am not participating in any graduation activities. How do I request my diploma case?
Graduates who do not plan to return for future graduation celebrations may request to have a diploma case mailed directly to them. You can request your diploma case by contacting your college.

How can I purchase a cap and gown? 

See http://colleges.herffjones.com/college/_arizonastate/ for information about graduation regalia.

The ASU Grad Fair dates will be posted after January 15, 2023.  Keep an eye on your inbox later in the spring for the unique URL you will need to be able to access your discounted graduation packages.

Commemorative maroon and gold tassels are also available. All items can be purchased via the Herff Jones online store.

For questions about the Online Grad Fair, you can email help@southwestgrad.com or call 480-219-3247. 

Don't want to wait? You can purchase your cap and gown at any Sun Devil Campus Store now. 

If I want to attend an in-person ceremony at a later time, will I still be able to purchase my graduation regalia?
Students can review the information on purchasing caps and gowns at bit.ly/asu-grad-wear. Students can purchase regalia anytime.

What if I have a question about graduation announcements?
Please email help@southwestgrad.com and the Herff Jones representatives will respond directly.

How do I get my honor cords or Medal of Distinction?
Details about Undergraduate honor cords of Master's Students graduating with Distinction can be found at https://students.asu.edu/graduation-ceremonies 

How should I dress for graduation?

Students are required to wear caps, gowns, and tassels when participating in-person in the University Commencement Ceremony as well as any college convocation ceremony and most special interest convocation events. 

The Stole of Gratitude is an additional amenity to the official cap and gown. It is NOT a required part of the academic regalia.

For students who are participating in ceremonies that take place at Sun Devil Stadium, it is highly recommended that everyone wear flat-soled shoes (avoid heels). 

Why do we need to pay a graduation fee?
It's common for universities to have a fee associated with graduation. The graduation fee pays for items such as the diploma, diploma case, and honor cords. The fee is paid at the time you apply for graduation.