Commencement
Information for Guests

 

Looking for candidate participation/day-of info?

Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremonies

Time and DayCollege/Department Participating
James I. Perkins College of Education students are divided between ceremonies by department.
6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 15
Johnson Coliseum

Business, Nelson Rusche College of 

Education Studies, Department of (James I. Perkins College of Education)

9 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Johnson Coliseum

Human Sciences, School of (James I. Perkins College of Education)

Human Services and Educational Leadership, Department of (James I. Perkins College of Education)

Kinesiology and Health Science, Department of (James I. Perkins College of Education)

Fine Arts, Micky Elliott College of

Forestry and Agriculture, Arthur Temple College of

12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Johnson Coliseum

Liberal and Applied Arts, College of

Sciences and Mathematics, College of

Ceremony location, days and times are subject to change.

Details and Instructions

We're excited to welcome you as we celebrate our graduation candidates. Explore the options below for details and important instructions as you prepare to attend SFA commencement.

Ticketed attendance

Admission to the ceremony is free, however, tickets are required for entry. This process helps university officials ensure the venue is not overcrowded and adequate spacing can be maintained during the event.

  • All attendees 5 years and older must have a ticket.
  • Tickets are valid only for one ceremony.

Guests of candidates

A limited number of tickets per candidate are available. These tickets are reserved in advance by the candidate.

Tickets for general public

Issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Johnson Coliseum Ticket Office one hour before the ceremony begins to be eligible to receive a ticket for the commencement ceremony you wish to attend.

Accessibility needs

Ceremony interpreting services

A sign language interpreter will be present on the platform during the commencement ceremony. Reserved seating for persons using sign language interpreter services will be available near the platform. 

Fingerspelling a candidate's name
  • Advance request: Provide specific information for the interpreter coordinator by completing the online Interpreter Request form.
  • On-site request: Prior to the platform processional, visit the Disability Services table located between the front entrance and The Jack Shop.

Guests needing accessible seating

Transportation from parking lot to facility

University police will provide cart transportation from the commuter parking lot to the bottom of the ramp outside the entrance of the Johnson Coliseum.

Courtesy wheelchairs

SFA has a limited number of wheelchairs, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Disability Services will have a table at section 123 along the concourse, providing courtesy wheelchairs for ceremony guests.

Wheelchair seating

Platforms on the concourse level, located on each side of the ceremony stage, are designated specifically for wheelchair seating.

  Watch ceremony online

The ceremony will be publicly livestreamed on the SFA Facebook page. You don't need a Facebook account to watch. The livestream recording also will be available after the ceremony ends.

Watch ceremony via livestream

Commencement decorum

As a formal ceremony, all attendees are expected to abide by any protocol or guidelines issued by the university which will, at a minimum, include the following:

  • All attendees must follow all written and verbal instructions.
  • All attendees must remain seated during the ceremony and remain for the entire ceremony.
  • All graduates are required to wear formal academic attire.
  • All cell phones or other electronic devices must be silenced.
  • The use of air horns and any other artificial noisemaker, fireworks, balloons, flags, or banners is prohibited.

Any attendee who is disruptive or fails to follow instructions may be escorted from the venue. Each SFA graduate and guest deserves to enjoy a ceremony that reflects the candidate's significant accomplishment without inappropriate or excessive interruptions.

Read HOP policy 02-103 (PDF) for full details of expectations.

Commencement photography

Commencement ceremonies are photographed by GradImages.

Photo proofs are sent to each graduate that provides an email or mailing address.

If you do not receive your photo proof or have other questions, contact GradImages by calling 800.261.2576, emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net or visiting gradimages.com.

Ceremonies occurring May 2021 and prior: Photographed by Flash Photography