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, Mountain America Stadium or other ceremony venues.

University Commencement and convocation ceremonies are special events for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event.

As a courtesy to those around you and to our graduating students, please turn off cellular phones and other electronic equipment during the ceremony.

Banners, flags, and/or signs of any shape and size are not permitted inside of any ceremony venue. Student are expected to carry their robes through security checkpoints entering any ceremony facility. 

 

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 6, 2024. View the full list of ceremonies.

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 here.

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. Read information on how to apply for graduation.

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. 

How can I get an "Invitation Letter for Graduation" for my family? 

Please review this page from the International Students and Scholars Center that provides the steps and information to request the letter. 

How do I, as the graduating student, request a Graduation Letter? 

Please review this page from the University Registrar Services Office to request your Graduation Letter. 

Are we allowed to visit campus to take graduation photographs?

Yes! In addition, GradImages will be taking complimentary photos at each of ASU's campuses. Read information about photo dates, locations, and links to register Graduates may register to take photos at any available campus location that is convenient. 

For another fun way to create virtual mementos, please visit 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. More information regarding diplomas can be found on the University Registrar Services website. 

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?

Visit Herff Jones for information about graduation regalia.

The ASU Grad Fair is your one chance to receive exclusive discounts on graduation packages including your cap, gown and tassel. At this online event, discounts are offered through ASU’s official graduation regalia vendor, Herff Jones. After Grad Fair, graduation packages are full price online or in store.

Grad Fair is Firday, Oct. 4, 2024 at 8 a.m. (MST) to Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at 8 p.m. (MST). On the first day of Grad Fair, graduating students receive an email with a unique link to access discounted graduation packages. 

If you can’t attend Grad Fair, vist the ASU graduation website for how to purchase your full price regalia online or in store.

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. 

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. Students can purchase regalia anytime.

What if I have a question about graduation announcements?

Please email help@southwestgrad.com and a Herff Jones representatives will respond directly.

How do I get my academic recognition or honor cords?

Read more about Undergraduate honor cords or Master's Students graduating with Distinction.

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 Mountain America 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.

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 about the Covid-19 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.

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.