Commencement

Ceremony Information

Event Schedule

4:00 p.m. - Doors to the Georgia Dome at Gates C and D open to all degree candidates and guests.

4:15 p.m. - Candidates must be in designated line up area in the Georgia Dome dressed in regalia.

4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - Concession stands are open to all guests.*

6:00 p.m. - Ceremony begins.

* Please be aware concessions will close at 5:45 p.m. and remain closed during and after the ceremony.

Graduate Line Up

All candidates should report to Sections 103-108 in the Georgia Dome NO LATER THAN 4:15 p.m. for line up.  Volunteers will be available to issue instructions to candidates about the procession. College and degree levels determine the candidate line up.  Any candidates arriving after the processional starts will walk at the end of the processional line and must see a Commencement Marshal for placement.

Academic Attire

Students who indicated on their graduation application that they will attend the commencement ceremony will be required to purchase regalia from the Georgia State University Bookstore. Academic attire may be picked up at the Commencement Fair. Someone else may pick up your regalia as long as they have a letter of authorization and a picture ID of themselves. Baccalaureate students who have earned university honors will receive their honor cord through the Graduation Office.

Undergraduate degree candidates should wear their tassels on the right side of their caps until their degrees are awarded. Graduate degree candidates should wear their tassels on the left side of their caps. The mortarboard on the cap should be parallel to the ground. Remember that commencement is a formal occasion. Attire should be reflective of this important event. Degree Candidates will be walking on artificial turf on the Georgia Dome floor. High heeled shoes are discouraged, particularly stiletto heels.

Arrive at the Georgia Dome dressed in your regalia. Ph.D. candidates should bring their hoods with them to the ceremony.

Commencement Etiquette

While recognizing that commencement is truly a celebration for graduates, it is important for parents, guests and students to acknowledge that it is a formal academic ceremony to be conducted with respect and dignity. Please turn off all cell phones during the ceremony and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.