Information on Graduation Ceremonies
For additional information, visit the UGA Commencement Website.
Invitations
There is currently no limit to the number of guests you can invite to the graduate commencement ceremony and tickets are not required. Invitations, rings, diploma frames, and other commemorative items are available at the UGA Bookstore.
Academic Attire
Academic attire is required to participate in the ceremony. Caps, gowns, and hoods may be purchased at the UGA Bookstore. Order your announcements online at Jostens.com.
Please note: if you order your academic attire from someone other than the UGA Bookstore, the UGA Bookstore will not be able to assist you with missing or replacement items.
The Academic Procession
Assembly of the academic procession will begin as follows:
- All candidates for graduate degrees (doctorates, education specialists, and master’s) should enter through the doors to the new Coliseum Training Facility on the Smith Street side (directly across the street from the Carlton Parking Deck). Go up the stairs to the Women’s Practice Gym to check in.
- Doctoral candidates: Pick up hooding instructions and card bearing your name, degree, major, and major professor’s name at the doctoral sign in table and line up with your major professor behind the sign for your degree.
- Master’s and Specialist degree candidates: Pick up your name card and line up according to instructions of assistant marshals behind your degree sign.
Children will not be allowed to accompany a graduation candidate in the procession or onto the stage. Please arrange for children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Cell phones must be turned off during the ceremony.
There is no provision at the ceremony for candidates to store personal items such as coats, purses, etc. You must leave these with family members in attendance. Please note that no food or drinks will be permitted in the gym. Candidates will not be allowed to carry items onto the stage.
Signs will be posted to assist you in locating your degree lineup area, and the assistant marshals assigned to your group will help you line up for the processional. When the processional begins, the assistant marshals will conduct your degree group to the designated seating area in Stegeman Coliseum. Please stay in line.
Recognition of Candidates
As their names are called during the ceremony, candidates for doctorates, specialists and master’s degrees will move from their seats and walk across the stage. Doctoral candidates will be hooded on the stage. Education Specialist and Master’s candidates will wear their hoods.
Conclusion of the Ceremony
Following the singing of the Alma Mater at the conclusion of the ceremony, the platform party and the faculty will retire. There will be no formal recessional of students.
Graduates Needing Disability Access to Participate in the Ceremony
Please contact Cheri Bliss at the Graduate School.
