Doctoral, Master's, & J.D. candidates
Commencement and Convocation
All college convocations, celebration events, and both University Commencement events require registration for participation.
The University Graduate Commencement will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Desert Financial Arena. Doors to the arena and graduate check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m.
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 event 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.
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 recognized individually at University Graduate Commencement.
Please arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. at the southeast concourse of Mountain America Stadium, located west of Desert Financial Arena. You will check in and receive your name card (you must receive a name card to pass security, 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. The graduate and faculty hooder(s) are responsible for communicating 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 a.m. will be released to the general public. LATE-ARRIVING STUDENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A SEAT.
University Graduate Commencement is NOT a ticketed event, and tickets are NOT required for graduates or their guests. Desert Financial Arena is a Clear Bag Facility. Please do not bring backpacks, bags, or purses with you; if you do, you will be asked to return items to your vehicle.
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 2025 Doctoral Graduates: Doctoral candidates who complete degree requirements in August 2025 are eligible to participate in May or December events. Candidates must apply for summer graduation and pay their fees for the registration link to appear on their My ASU page in the Spring/Fall Semester. Your name will appear with the listing of students who completed degree requirements in August 2025 in the online December 2025 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 Graduate Commencement. Your dean will present your college to President Crow. Master degree candidates should not wear 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, and 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.
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 2025 Master Candidates: Master candidates who completed degree requirements in August 2025 can participate in May or December events. Candidates must apply for summer graduation and pay their fees for the registration link to appear on their My ASU page in the Spring/Fall Semester. Your name will appear with the listing of students who completed degree requirements in August 2025 in the online December 2025 Commencement program.
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia (caps and gowns) are required for all graduation events.
How to wear your Doctorate Cap and Gown
How to wear your Master's Cap and Gown
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.