University Commencement

• Students must file for graduation in the Graduation Office (SSV 140) by October 15, 2008, in order for their names to appear in the Commencement Program.
• University Commencement is Thursday, December 18, 2008, 10 a.m., at Wells Fargo Arena. No tickets are required and the event is open to the public. Click here for Shuttle Express information.
• Students attending Commencement must wear a cap and gown. Cap and gown sales begin 2 weeks prior to the ceremony at the ASU Bookstore. You also purchase graduation supplies and announcements at the bookstore.
• The Graduation Office distributes Honor cords when students apply for graduation.
• Questions about graduation may be directed to the Graduation Office; questions about the commencement ceremony may be directed to the Commencement Office.
• All graduating students may participate in the ceremony.

For more information, visit the University Ceremonies web site.

University College, School of Letters and Sciences Convocation

*** Note—Date and time of convocation is subject to change ***

The UC School of Letters and Sciences Convocation is an exclusive ceremony that individually recognizes Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate candidates. Degree candidates’ names are read as they cross the stage to receive personal congratulations and a memento from the School of Letters and Sciences.

• University College, School of Letters and Sciences Convocation is at 8 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2008, at Wells Fargo Arena. Doors will open for graduates and guests at 7 p.m. Students will assemble for the processional at 7:30 p.m. in the East Concourse. A cap and gown must be worn (maroon and gold tassel).
• RSVP—Tickets are not required for you or your guests, but we ask that you let us know if you plan on attending and if you will be bringing guests. Please RSVP by using the RSVP form. Please include your name and the number of guests you plan on bringing.
  
• PARKING—Free parking is provided in Structure 5, Structure 7, and Lot 59. Lot 58 on the east side of the arena is reserved for individuals with disabilities. Reservations are not necessary.
  (Parking map)
• Students needing special assistance must contact the UC School of Letters and Sciences Office at 602.496.4000.
• Chappell Studio will take professional photographs of all degree candidates. Graduates will receive proofs and a price list in 7 to 10 days after the ceremony.
  (Chappell Studio)
• The UC School of Letters and Sciences Convocation program appears with the Commencement program. Names of students who did not apply for graduation by the application deadline (October 15, 2008) will not appear in the Commencement and Convocation program.
• If you want to participate in a School of Letters and Sciences Convocation held in the semester before you graduate, you are welcome to do so. Your name, however, will not appear in the ASU Commencement program until the semester you actually graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between commencement and convocation?
Commencement is the official university ceremony for all ASU graduates. Convocation is the college ceremony where each student is individually recognized.

How long are these ceremonies?
Convocation will last approximately 90 minutes and commencement will last 2 hours.

Who do I contact for more information regarding the commencement ceremony?
Please visit http://www.asu.edu/ssc/commence/ or call 480.965.3565.

Where are the ceremonies located?
Both events take place at Wells Fargo Arena.

Where is Wells Fargo Arena?
Please visit the following link for a map of ASU’s Tempe campus: http://www.asu.edu/map/map.html. For an updated list of street closures and restrictions within the city of Tempe, please visit http://www.tempe.gov/streetclosures/.

When is Convocation?
Friday, December 19 at 8 p.m.

Who can participate?
Any student who has completed all graduation requirements or anticipates completing all graduation requirements by the end of summer session.

In order to graduate, do I have to attend convocation or commencement?
No. Attendance at either one of these ceremonies is not required.

Do I need tickets for either of these ceremonies?
No. Wells Fargo Arena has ample seating for family and guests.

Where can I find more information about commencement?
For information on commencement, visit http://www.asu.edu/ssc/commence/.

Where can my guests and I park?
Free parking is provided in Structure 5, Structure 7, and Lot 59. Lot 58 on the east side of the arena is reserved for handicapped/disabled parking. Reservations are not necessary. A drop-off site for elderly guests will be located at the northeast corner of Wells Fargo Arena. Disabled guests are encouraged to enter through the north entrance of the arena. Wheelchairs are available to be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there seating for persons with disabilities?
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. We recommend that disabled guests arrive promptly at noon to reserve one of these spots in the arena. Unfortunately, we cannot reserve these spots in advance, but the arena staff would be glad to assist you when you arrive to best accommodate your needs. Please note that guests are not permitted on the arena floor and there is no elevator in the arena.

Do I have to wear a cap and gown and where can I get them?
Graduates must wear an official ASU cap and gown during the convocation ceremony. The caps and gowns are available at the ASU Bookstore.

What color tassel or hood do I get?
Maroon and gold are the colors for University College.

When do I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed approximately 10 weeks after the end of the semester to the permanent address on file with the Registrar’s Office. Please be sure that your address on file with the Registrar is accurate.

Where do I get my diploma cover?
Diploma covers will be distributed at the convocation ceremony. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, you can either pick you cover up at the Dean’s Office (UCENT 300) or by calling 602.496.4000 to make other arrangements.

What if I need special assistance?
We will have sign language interpreters, and Wells Fargo Arena is wheelchair accessible. If you need another form of special assistance, please contact Kelli Collins (602.496.4000 or Kelli.M.Collins@asu.edu) for any additional questions or other special assistance.

Will photographs be taken and available for purchase?
Three professional photographs will be taken of each graduate. Chappell Studio, Inc. is the official photographer, and you will receive a proof and price sheet approximately 10 days after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase. Chappell Studio may be reached at 1.800.424.3686 or http://www.chappell.com.

Do I need to RSVP?
Tickets are not required for you or your guests, but we ask that you let us know if you plan on attending and if you will be bringing guests. Please RSVP by calling 602.496.4000 or by visiting http://sls.asu.edu/convocationrsvp.html. Please include your name and the number of guests you plan on bringing.

How will the graduates be recognized at the ceremony?
A name card is included with the invitation that will be mailed after the graduation filing deadline. Please fill it out and bring it with you to the convocation. At the appropriate time during the ceremony, you will be asked to stand and proceed to the stage. As you approach the stage, you will hand your card to the announcer. When your name is called, you will walk across stage and shake hands with Dean Corey.

For any additional questions, please contact Kelli Collins at 602.496.4000 or Kelli.M.Collins@asu.edu

Convocation images courtesy of Tim Trumble Photography