Master's degree candidates

Before you can register for graduation ceremonies, you must apply for graduation through MyASU.

Applying for graduation and registering for ceremonies are two separate steps:

• Applying for graduation begins the process of reviewing and awarding your degree.
• Registering for ceremonies reserves your place at commencement, convocation and celebration events.

All graduate graduation events require registration.

Once your graduation application has been submitted and processed, registration links will become available through MyASU. Registration for Fall Ceremonies opens in October.

University Graduate Commencement

University Graduate Commencement is ASU's university-wide ceremony for master's and doctoral degree candidates, where graduate degrees are formally conferred by President Crow.

During this ceremony, master's degree candidates are recognized by college as a group. Individual names are not announced.

The Rite of Investiture (Hooding)

The Rite of Investiture, commonly known as "hooding," takes place during Graduate Commencement.

Master's degree candidates participate in the Rite of Investiture by placing hoods on one another during the ceremony. Candidates are encouraged to ask a colleague or someone seated nearby to assist with the hooding process.

Master's degree candidates should carry their hoods into the ceremony and wait to put them on until instructed during the Rite of Investiture.

College convocations

College convocations are hosted by your academic college and provide individual recognition for graduates.

At convocation, graduates cross the stage, have their names announced and receive individual recognition for their achievement.

Special interest celebrations

ASU also offers celebrations that recognize various student communities and experiences. Graduates are welcome to participate in these events in addition to commencement and convocation.

How do I know I'm registered?

After successfully completing your registration, you will receive a "Ceremony Registration Confirmation" email.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, your registration may not have been completed. Check your registration status in Tassel or contact the ceremony organizer for assistance.

We recommend saving your confirmation email, as it may contain important ceremony information and updates.

Summer Graduates

Students completing degree requirements during the summer term may be eligible to participate in either the preceding spring ceremonies or the following fall ceremonies, depending on their degree program and graduation term.

Summer master's degree candidates must apply for graduation and pay applicable fees before ceremony registration becomes available through MyASU.

University Graduate Commencement

Monday, December 14, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Desert Financial Arena
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.

Before You Arrive

• Review venue policies before attending.
• Follow Desert Financial Arena's Clear Bag Policy.
• Allow extra time for security screening.
• Bring only approved items.

Graduate Arrival

Master's degree candidates should arrive no later than 8:30 a.m.

Graduates will enter Desert Financial Arena through the West Tunnel and proceed to graduate seating.

Candidates should carry their hoods with them and should not wear their hoods when entering the arena. Hoods will be placed during the Rite of Investiture.

Seats not occupied by graduates by 8:30 a.m. may be released to the general public. Late-arriving students are not guaranteed seating.

Only graduates, authorized personnel and event staff may access graduate seating and staging areas.

Guest Information

University Graduate Commencement does not require tickets for graduates or guests.

Guests should review venue policies before arriving and follow the arena's Clear Bag Policy. Guests who bring prohibited items may be asked to return them to their vehicle before entering.