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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation refers to actually receiving a degree once a student has been certified by the University as having met all degree requirements. Upon certification, the degree is awarded and noted in the ASU Student Information System so that it displays on ASU transcripts. Graduation certification occurs 4-6 weeks after final term grades are posted.

Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the ASU community to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Except for doctoral students (who must actually graduate to participate), the commencement ceremony is open to any student who has applied to graduate, notified the Commencement Office that they intend to participate, purchased the required regalia, and shown up at the designated time on the day of the ceremony. Participation in commencement does not mean that a student has graduated and students do not receive diplomas on that day. Diplomas are printed after the degree certification process is complete.

What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?
The University Commencement Ceremony is the campus-wide ceremony at which students from all colleges and all degree programs are invited to participate. The President of Arizona State University confers degrees upon graduating students at this ceremony.

Convocation ceremonies are celebrations of individual student achievement. Each college or special interest ceremony is different in form and structure. Please contact the dean’s office of your college to inquire about college convocation information. For information about special interest convocation ceremonies, please contact the Office of University Ceremonies (480) 965-3565 and you will be referred to the appropriate convocation coordinator.

Are tickets required for graduation ceremonies?
Tickets are required for ceremonies held at Grady Gammage Auditorium.  Please check with the dean’s office of your college after March 1, 2007 for details.  Special interest convocations held in Gammage Auditorium will also require tickets.  Please contact the University Ceremonies Office for contact information for special interests convocations.

Ceremonies held at Wells Fargo Arena or other venues currently do not require tickets.

Where is disabled parking at Commencement?
Lot 58 will be open for disabled parking. A drop-off site for elderly guests will be located at the northeast corner of Wells Fargo Arena. For more parking information, please call Parking and Transit Services at (480) 965-6406.

See the Parking page for more information. Additional information available on the Resources page.

Where is disabled seating at Commencement and Convocations?
Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium has disabled seating located at the back of the hall on the symphony level.

Wells Fargo Arena’s disabled seating is located on the interior concourse level of the arena. One additional guest may accompany the disabled guest in this area. To assure disabled seating for all who need to be accommodated, we ask that other guests be seated in the rows directly in front of the disabled seating areas. Click here to download a Commencement Seating Chart (PDF) displaying locations for disabled seating.

Students who require special seating or assistance at University Commencement or any of the college convocation ceremonies should contact the University Ceremonies Office at (480) 965-3565 for more information.

Where do the graduates sit inside the arena?
Graduating students will be seated on the arena floor and in the first level of bleacher seating. Graduates will divided by college. You can download a general seating chart for Commencement at Commencement Seating Chart (PDF).

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Ceremonies at (480) 965-3565 or via email at commence@asu.edu.

 


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