Commencement Information
TIME AND LOCATION:
The commencement ceremony is held in the William R. Johnson Coliseum and begins with the academic procession promptly at 9:30 AM on the respective Saturday. The duration of the ceremony is usually 2-3 hours, depending upon number of graduates participating. Check the SFA General Bulletin or Application Instructions and Deadlines for the date of commencement.
Candidates should arrive at the coliseum no later than 8:45 AM and proceed to the southeast corner of the coliseum to pick up seating cards. This card is also given to the announcer for the purpose of calling the graduate's name as they cross the stage. Signs will be posted in the coliseum directing graduates to the southeast corner.
William R. Johnson Coliseum is located at the corner of East College and University Drive.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The commencement program lists applicants or candidates for degrees. The appearance of a name in the commencement program and the fact of attending commencement exercises is no guarantee of receiving the degree.
CAPS AND GOWNS:
Cap and gown may be ordered at the Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore in the Baker Pattillo Student Center at any time by calling (936) 468-2108 or 468-1280, by e-mailing sm044@bncollege.com or in person. Caps and gowns will be picked up at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Please contact Barnes and Noble for Pick-up Instructions. Wear appropriate clothing under your gown. The mortar board is made to be worn flat on the head - parallel to the floor, and should not be decorated in any way.
PHOTOS:
Flash Photography, located in Dallas, provides the photography services. There are currently three photos taken of each graduate participating in commencement that will be made available for purchase. For more information regarding photos, go to http://flashphotography.com/ or pick up a brochure in the Office of the Registrar.
TICKETS:
We currently do not use tickets for commencement guests but respectfully request that graduates limit the number of their guests to approximately seven individuals.
INVITATIONS:
Invitations may be ordered at your discretion through the vendor of your choice.
CLASS RING:
A class ring may be ordered at your discretion through the vendor of your choice.
DVD RECORDING:
A professional quality DVD is made of each commencement ceremony available for purchase at the cost of $25.00. Information is mailed to each participating graduate regarding the purchase of a DVD or you may contact Terri Thompson-Sayler, Sr. Media Coordinator/Producer at (936) 468-2010.
TELEVISION VIEWING:
The commencement ceremony is shown live on SFA-TV 2, local cable channel 2, during commencement and repeated periodically throughout the same weekend.
DIPLOMAS:
Diplomas are not given out at commencement. Graduates will receive their diploma within 6-8 weeks of the commencement ceremony. Additional diplomas may be ordered at the cost of $25.00 per diploma. For further information regarding diplomas, please e-mail Donna Burkett or call (936) 468-2335.
Diplomas will be held until ALL outstanding financial obligations with the University are cleared.
STUDENTS OR ATTENDEES WITH DISABILITIES:
For assistance, please e-mail Donna Burkett or call (936) 468-2335.