Spring 2020 Commencement FAQ

Will there be commencement ceremonies?
Yes. On May 11, the university will host a virtual ceremony for the class of 2020 to celebrate their achievements. The ceremony will be aired on YouTube.

Will there be convocation (college/school) ceremonies?
Yes. Colleges and schools will host virtual convocation ceremonies on May 11 and 12 for their graduates and highlight their Outstanding Graduates for spring 2020. All ceremonies will be aired on YouTube.

Will in-person ceremonies be offered?
Yes. In addition to the virtual ceremonies, graduates will have the opportunity to attend the December 2020 or the Spring 2021 ceremonies.

I have tickets for the May 2020 commencement. Will the tickets work for the December 2020 or May 2021 commencement?
A new registration will open for the December 2020 and May 2021 ceremonies. May 2020 graduates will have the ability to RSVP when registration opens in the fall for the December ceremonies and early spring for the May 2021 ceremonies.

Does participating in virtual ceremonies mean I cannot attend in person ceremonies later?
You are welcome to do both.  Virtual ceremonies are a way to allow graduates to celebrate their achievements on schedule, until public health officials report that it is safe to gather in person. ASU also invites you to participate in person in either the December 2020 or the May 2021 commencement events.

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?
Graduates will submit a single registration for both the university commencement and the college or school convocation event. If you would like to include your personal message along with a photo, you will need to complete the Virtual Graduation Registration. Students will receive information and a registration link sent to their asu.edu email address on Monday, April 6.

Do I need to register to participate in convocation (school/college ceremonies)?
Graduates will submit a single registration for both the university commencement and the college or school convocation event. If you would like to include your personal message along with a photo, you will need to complete the Virtual Graduation Registration. Students will receive information and a registration link sent to their asu.edu email address on Monday, April 6.

Will there be special interest convocations?
Special Interest Convocations will be held in December 2020 and in May 2021.

Are we allowed to visit campus to take graduation photographs?
The safety of our community is extremely important right now as COVID-19 continues to spread across the Phoenix metropolitan area and throughout Arizona. To help reduce the number of people becoming infected with COVID-19, ASU encourages everyone to follow current state guidance to stay home and practice physical distancing as much as possible.  The university is working on virtual imagery of iconic settings and locations on campus to help graduates celebrate their achievements.  By using this alternate visual imagery, students can create mementos to commemorate this special occasion.

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, similar to prior years, students will receive their diplomas in the mail.

How will I receive my diploma?
If your university academic requirements are met, similar to prior years, students will receive their diplomas 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 commencement or any convocation ceremonies. 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.

Can I still purchase a cap and gown? 

• The deadline to purchase regalia in time for the Spring 2020 virtual ceremonies has passed.
• You can still purchase graduation regalia and it will be shipped direct to you within 3-4 weeks, and will be received after the May 11 ceremonies.
• To purchase regalia, visit the Herff Jones website

Graduation announcements.
If graduates have questions or concerns on their announcements, please email help@southwestgrad.com and the Herff Jones representatives will respond directly.

Are there Class of 2020 shirts available, and if so, how do I purchase one?
Yes. The ASU Class of 2020 shirt — which has the names of the entire May 2020 undergraduate or graduate class — is available for purchase on the Sun Devil Campus Stores website.

How do I get my honor cords?
You can request your honor cords by visiting, https://students.asu.edu/graduation/honor-cord-request, and the university will mail them to you.

ASU Online students who are eligible for honor cords will receive the appropriate honor cords in the mail starting in early April. No further action is required since cords are automatically processed by the ASU Online graduation team. ASU Online students do not need to request cords from the Registrar’s Office.

Honor cords are for undergraduates who have earned at least 56 credit hours of resident credit at ASU. Your current GPA as verified at the time you request your honor cords will determine which cords you are given. For more information, visit https://students.asu.edu/graduation-ceremonies.

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.