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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.
CAPS AND GOWNS:
Caps and gowns may be ordered at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Baker Pattillo Student Center, by visiting them at http://www.sfasu.bkstore.com/, or through the online vendor (HerffJones) at http://www1.herffjones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm. Caps and gowns may be ordered at any time during the application deadline month for your graduation class and may be picked up at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Baker Pattillo Student Center, beginning the first week of the month of your graduation.
Upon completion of the commencement ceremony, return caps and gowns to the refreshment area located in the southeast corner of the coliseum.
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 3-5 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.