Doctoral, Master's, & J.D. candidates
Commencement and Convocation
All college convocations, all special interest convocation events, and both University Commencement events require graduates to register for participation. Please contact the dean's office of your college to ask about the RSVP policy for your college convocation event. For information about special interest convocation activities, please contact the University Ceremonies Office.
University Graduate Commencement will take place on Monday, December 11, 2023, in Desert Financial Arena at 9:00 am. Gates to the arena and graduate check-in will begin at 7:30 am.
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.
The Rite of Investiture (Hooding)
The Rite of Investiture, also known as "hooding", will take place at Graduate Commencement.
Doctoral Candidates are asked to identify a hooder when registering to participate in Graduate Commencement. At the appropriate time, hooders will be asked to perform the Rite of Investiture for doctoral candidates.
Master degree candidates will also be hooded during the ceremony. At the appropriate time, master degree candidates will perform the Rite of Investiture for one another. You may ask colleagues or those seated near you to perform the Rite of Investiture.
Both Doctoral and Master degree candidates are asked to carry their hoods until the Rite of Investiture is performed.
PhD and Professional Doctoral Graduates
PhD and other Professional doctoral graduates will be announced at University Graduate Commencement.
Please arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. at the southeast concouse of Mountain America Stadium, located west of Desert Finanical Arena. You will check in and receive your name card (you must receive a name card in order to process and have your name read as you cross the stage).
Doctoral candidates should arrange to meet their hooders at a specified location outside of the arena before entering to be seated together. It is the responsibility of the graduate and faculty hooder(s) to communicate with one another to define a meeting location outside of the arena. Please exchange cell phone numbers and determine the location with your hooder to make it easier to find one another.
Seats not filled by graduates by 8:45 am will be released to the general public. LATE-ARRIVING STUDENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A SEAT.
University Graduate Commencement is NOT a ticketed event. Tickets are NOT required for graduates or their guests. Please do not bring backpacks, bags, or purses with you, if you do you will be asked to return items to your vehicle.
Questions about face masks and vaccinations can be viewed at the Commencement FAQ page.
Clear Bag Policy
For a list of approved/prohibited items and frequently asked questions, please visit the Clear Bag Policy.
PLEASE SHARE THE CLEAR BAG POLICY WITH YOUR GUESTS SO THEY ARE NOT TURNED AWAY AT THE DOOR TO RETURN ITEMS TO THEIR CAR.
Summer 2023 Graduates: Doctoral candidates who completed degree requirements in August of 2023 are eligible to participate in May events. Candidates must apply for summer graduation and pay your fees in order to have the registration link appear on your My ASU page. Your name will appear with the listing of students who completed degree requirements in August 2023 in the December 2023 Commencement program.
Master Degree Candidates
Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. You will enter Desert Financial Arena through the West tunnel.
Master degree candidates will be recognized as a group, by college, during the Graduate Commencement. Your college will be presented by your dean to President Crow. Master degree candidates should be wearing their hoods when they enter Desert Financial Arena via the west tunnel.
Seats not filled by graduates by 8:45 am will be released to the general public. LATE-ARRIVING STUDENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A SEAT.
University Graduate Commencement is NOT a ticketed event. Tickets are NOT required for graduates or their guests. Please do not bring backpacks, bags, or purses with you, if you do you will be asked to return items to your vehicle.
Questions about face masks and vaccinations can be viewed at the Commencement FAQ page.
Clear Bag Policy
For a list of approved/prohibited items and frequently asked questions, please visit the Clear Bag Policy.
PLEASE SHARE THE CLEAR BAG POLICY WITH YOUR GUESTS SO THEY ARE NOT TURNED AWAY AT THE DOOR TO RETURN ITEMS TO THEIR CAR.
Summer 2023 Master and Juris Doctor Candidates: Master and Juris doctor candidates who complete degree requirements in August of 2023 are eligible to participate in May events. Candidates must apply for summer graduation and pay your fees in order to have the registration link appear on your My ASU page in the Spring Semester. Your name will appear with the listing of students who completed degree requirements in August 2023 in the December 2023 Commencement program.
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia (caps and gowns) are required for all graduation events. Instructions on how to wear the regalia can be viewed at
Doctoral regalia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdFrKfjjS4
Masters regalia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsthVBjsDk0
For more information about regalia please view our Dressing for Graduation page.
Caps, Gowns and Graduation Products
Personalized graduation announcements and regalia may be purchased online through Herff Jones.