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spring 2024 Commencement

A Celebration Like No Other

Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony

calendar icon Thursday, May 9, 2024

map-marker icon  Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center

clock icon 6:00 PM

Celebrating all graduate students at Augusta University 

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 1

icon Friday, May 10, 2024

map-marker icon Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center

icon 10:00 AM

Celebrating all undergraduate students from the College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, Hull College of Business, and Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. 

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 2

icon Friday, May 10, 2024

map-marker icon Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center

icon 2:00 PM

Celebrating all undergraduate students from the College of Nursing, College of Science and Mathematics, and School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

 

Before Commencement

Don't forget your tickets! While tickets are digital, guests are encouraged to bring a hard copy of the ticket to the ceremony as well. ALL guests need a ticket to enter, no exceptions. Graduates, don't forget to bring your Grad Pass when you check in. This is your "ticket" into commencement and can be accessed through your Marching Order account. 

Day of Commencement

Stay tuned for more information to come for the Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies! 

Show Your Pride

On social media, tag Augusta University and your college's social media handles. Don't forget to use the hashtag #AUGGrad!

 

Marching Order 

Students turning their tassels at commencement

Marching Order is the system used to manage commencement operations, including graduate RSVP's, guest ticketing, graduate communications, and grad passes. Graduates must create an account in Marching Order to RSVP for the ceremony, access their guest tickets, and ensure their name is pronounced and listed correctly for the commencement ceremony.

Marching Order is now open for Spring 2024 graduates. Those eligible to participate in commencement were contacted via email with further instructions of how to access Marching Order on February 16th. Marching Order will close to Spring 2024 graduates on April 13. Please RSVP for commencement ASAP!

Having trouble with Marching Order? Email the Commencement Team with any questions. 

Log in to Marching Order

 

Look back on an experience #LikeNoOther

Feeling nostalgic leading up to commencement, graduates? Fill out one (or both!) of these Instagram story templates and tag us on social media, @aug_university. 

AU Photo MemoriesAn Experience #LikeNoOther - Memories

 

In Case You Missed It

All spring graduates received this newsletter recently detailing more information about this spring's ceremonies.

Spring 2024 Commencement Newsletter

spring 2024 Commencement

Important Dates to Remember

President Keel shakes student's hand at commencement

"As president and as an alumnus of Augusta University, our traditions are near and dear to me. Traditions like the ringing of our arsenal bell, which symbolizes healing and hope. And traditions like commencement, to celebrate the accomplishments and hope for the future of our graduates. These traditions create meaningful experiences that last a lifetime."

- President Brooks A. Keel, PhD

 

SATURDAY APRIL 13

Spring 2024 Commencement

GradPass, RSVPs & Commencement Tickets Close

THURSDAY MAY 9

Spring 2024 Commencement

Graduate Hooding & Commencement Ceremony, 6:00 pm

FRIDAY MAY 10

Spring 2024 Commencement

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 1, 10:00 am

FRIDAY MAY 10

Spring 2024 Commencement

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 2, 2:00 pm

Graduates

Before Commencement

Undergraduate, Specialist, and Graduate Academic Regalia

    Academic regalia includes the cap and gown, as well as other distinguishing hoods, stoles and cords that denote traditions of academic achievement. Official Augusta University regalia is used by all participants in the graduation ceremony. Orders for regalia are limited to graduates participating in the Spring 2024 ceremonies. All other orders will be cancelled.

    For Associates and Bachelors graduates:

    Regalia orders may be placed online via the Jostens website or ordered in-person at the RoarStore. Regalia orders closed for Spring 2024 on March 15. Regalia orders placed leading up to the ceremony will need to be placed in-person at the RoarStore. The regalia package for associates and bachelors graduates if ordered online is $49 plus $12 shipping. If graduates order regalia in person at the RoarStore, the regalia package is $59. Students need to use their AU email address to complete their order. This regalia package includes the robe, cap, and tassel. Customized stoles are permitted to wear with your cap and gown. Tassel colors are not guaranteed for any orders placed after the order deadline. All Associates and Bachelor graduates will keep their regalia at the conclusion of commencement. Please notify the RoarStore should you be unable to participate in commencement after ordering your regalia. 

    For Masters and Specialists graduates:

    Regalia orders may be placed online via the Jostens website or ordered in-person at the RoarStore. Regalia orders closed for Spring 2024 on March 15. Regalia orders placed leading up to the ceremony will need to be placed in-person at the Roar Store. The masters and specialists regalia package if ordered online is $99 plus $12 shipping. If graduates order regalia in person at the RoarStore, the regalia package is $109. This regalia package includes the robe, hood, cap, and tassel. Customized stoles may be worn with your cap and gown. Hood and/or tassel colors are not guaranteed for any orders placed after the order deadline. Masters and Specialists graduates will keep their regalia at the conclusion of commencement.

    Business attire is appropriate under the gown. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you dress comfortably for both. For those wearing pants, consider dark pants and shoes.

    Website

    Doctoral Academic Regalia

      For Doctoral Graduates:

      Doctoral students may rent or purchase regalia for graduation online via Jostens website. Regalia orders for Spring 2024 closed on March 15. The rental regalia package for doctoral students (including PhD, DNP, DPT and EdD graduates), costs $179 plus $12 shipping. Rental regalia will be paid for at time of pick-up. Regalia rental pick-ups will take place at the Summerville Campus RoarStore. The date which students can begin picking up their rentals will be announced soon.

      If doctoral students wish to purchase their regalia, a package is available for $997.80. This package is only available for purchase online through the Jostens website. Students may come to the RoarStore to get measured for this regalia or submit their measurements with their order.

      If regalia is rented, doctoral students must return their regalia following the ceremony. Returns can be made immediately following the ceremony, or at the RoarStore during operating hours. The return deadline for rental regalia is May 15. Please contact the RoarStore if you have any additional questions. 

      Business attire is appropriate under the gown. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you dress comfortably for both. For those wearing pants, consider dark pants and shoes.

      Website

      Faculty Academic Regalia

        Faculty members need to RSVP for commencement and indicate whether or not they will need to rent regalia to participate in commencement. Faculty may pick up their order at the Summerville Campus RoarStore or can be shipped to you for a small fee. Contact the RoarStore if you haven't made plans for renting regalia or the Office of Faculty Affairs if you have any questions about regalia rentals. Faculty regalia rentals for the Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies are closed as of March 15.

        Follow the website below to learn more about what faculty need to know in preparation for commencement. 

        Website

        Guests

          All commencement ceremonies are ticketed events; and all guests attending must have a ticket, including children. Babies younger than one year old will not require a ticket. Graduates will be allotted six guest tickets. Extra tickets are available on a request only basis from March 29th - May 3rd if we cannot provide additional tickets for all graduates. 

          All ticket information will be announced through AU email. Students will be required to use their augusta.edu email address and student ID number to log in to the portal to claim their tickets. Please note, Marching Order shuts down to students the week of the ceremony and tickets will not be accessible to graduates during this week. Students are advised to access their tickets as early as possible.

          All seating is general admission and there are no VIP tickets for guests of graduates. Doors will open approximately 90 minutes prior to the start of the graduate hooding and commencement ceremony and the 10 am undergraduate commencement ceremony. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the 2 pm undergraduate commencement ceremony. 

          If you haven't been to Augusta before, the link below will show you some more about our city, some fun things to do (and eat!) and more!

          Website

          Accessibility Accommodations

            Graduates needing a disability-related accommodation to participate in commencement should contact Rebecca Berger, Director of Testing and Disability Services for Augusta University. Ms. Berger may be reached by phone at 706-737-1469. 

            Marching Order

              Marching Order is the system used to manage commencement operations, including graduate RSVP's, guest ticketing, graduate communications, and grad passes. Graduates must create an account in Marching Order to access their guest tickets and ensure their name is pronounced and listed correctly for the commencement ceremony. Graduates must indicate whether or not they attend to participate in commencement through Marching Order. Please note, Marching Order shuts down to graduates the week of the ceremony and tickets will not be accessible to during this week. Graduates are advised to access their tickets as early as possible.

              Graduates may use the link below to log in and access their Marching Order account. 

              Website

              Grad Pass vs. Name Card

                Graduates will access their Grad Pass, their "ticket" into commencement, through their Marching Order account. Students can access their Grad Pass by logging into their Marching Order account they created when they submitted their RSVP and selecting "GradPass." Access to your GradPass will close the week of the ceremony, so students are advised to access their GradPass early. Name cards are what students will need to have their name announced as they cross the stage. Name cards will be placed in graduates seats to use during commencement. 

                Dual degree recipients may not see both degrees received on their GradPass and/or name card due to space limitations. Please know both degrees received will show on screen for your guests to see your accomplishments!

                Graduation Announcements

                  Graduation announcements and additional items may be ordered directly from the Jostens website.

                  Website

                  Dual Degree Recipients

                    Graduates who are graduating with dual degrees may opt to attend one ceremony or both ceremonies, depending on which ceremony their degrees are being conferred in. Contact the Commencement Team if you have any questions: commencement@augusta.edu

                    Graduating with Honors

                      Undergraduate students graduating with honors will be designated in the commencement program. Qualifying students will be notified via email. If you're unable to pick up your honors cord prior to commencement, students may pick up their cords when checking in for commencement at the Marriott. Please make sure to bring a photo ID if picking up cords at commencement. 

                      Website

                      Legacy

                        Augusta University celebrates generations of families continuing our rich tradition by listing graduates whose parent, step-parent, or grandparent graduated from Augusta University or one of her legacy institutions (ex: Augusta College, Augusta State University).

                        Graduates who are part of our Jaguar legacy family will receive a specially designed pin for commencement to recognize their family’s Augusta tradition. If you believe you qualify as a legacy graduate, please email our Commencement Team, commencement@augusta.edu, with your relative's name, their graduation year and the institution they graduated from through March 18th for the Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies. The Office of Alumni Engagement will be in touch with these students about obtaining their legacy pin they will receive to wear at commencement.

                        Contact Us!

                          Do you still have any questions about the commencement ceremonies this semester? Email the Commencement Team: commencement@augusta.edu. 

                          Graduates: for any questions you may have about your diploma or graduation application, please email gradapp@augusta.edu. 

                           

                          Learn our Alma Mater 

                          "Augusta: The Bell Rings for Me" 

                          Get ready for commencement by learning the words to our Alma Mater!

                           

                          Smile!

                          Are you stumped about where you can go to take your graduation pictures? We've got you covered! We've compiled a list of some photo opportunities around Augusta University's campuses as well as some fun spots around Downtown Augusta. Tag us in your social media posts: @aug_university

                          Augusta Photo Ops

                           

                          Graduates & Guests

                          Day of Commencement

                          Guest Tickets, Seating and Special Accommodations

                            All commencement ceremonies are ticketed events; and all guests attending must have a ticket, including children and infants older than one year old. 

                            All convention center seating is general admission and there are no VIP tickets for guests of graduates. Guests are not allowed on the floor before or during the ceremony. Doors will open approximately 90 minutes prior to the start of the graduate hooding and commencement ceremony and the 10 am undergraduate commencement ceremony. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the 2 pm undergraduate commencement ceremony. 

                            If your guest requires special accommodations, seating is available on a limited first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited seating in the accessible areas, a maximum of one person will be allowed to accompany the person with a disability in the designated seating area. Guests who may need a disability-related accommodation to attend this event should contact Rebecca Berger, Testing and Disability Services Director at Augusta University. Ms. Berger can be reached by phone at 706-737-1469. 

                            Parking

                              The Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center's address is 2 10th Street, Augusta. Students and Faculty participating in commencement will park at no charge in the Georgia Cyber Center parking deck, located at 1 11th Street, Augusta between 11th and 12th streets in Downtown Augusta. Family members of graduates may ride with their student and use this deck as well if it works best for ceremony travel accommodations. 

                              Commencement guests can park in the Reynolds Street parking deck at no charge and use the bridge to access the convention center. Guests who wish to park here will need to tell the parking attendant of their attendance at the AU Commencement Ceremony. Guests will not need to present vouchers upon entry or departure from this parking deck. No commencement guests will be allowed to park in the designated reserved parking spaces in the Reynolds Street parking deck.

                              Additionally, there are parking lots available on 9th-10th streets, many of them first come, first serve. Please plan accordingly!

                              ADA Parking Accommodations

                                ADA Parking is available at the following parking decks:

                                Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center Parking Garage (located at 9th & Reynolds Street)

                                Augusta University Nathan Deal Campus Parking Deck at the Georgia Cyber Center 

                                Graduation Photography

                                  GradImages will be on site to take professional photos of your graduate that will be available for purchase following the ceremony. Text "Grad22" to 39771 for more information. 

                                  Website

                                  Watch Livestream

                                    Non-ticketed observers will be able to watch the ceremony live online. A playback of each ceremony will be uploaded to YouTube following the ceremonies. Follow the link below to access the livestream platform for commencement. 

                                    Website

                                    Diploma Information

                                      Graduates can expect to receive your diplomas 6-8 weeks following commencement. Diplomas will be mailed to the address listed on your graduation application. Email gradapp@augusta.edu if you have any questions about your diploma issuing. 

                                      Website

                                       

                                      Commencement Speakers

                                      woman speaking at podium
                                      student speaking at podium
                                      man speaking at podium
                                      woman smiling
                                      student speaking at podium
                                      man with hand raised at podium

                                      Stephanie Stuckey, pictured left in both rows, served as our keynote speaker for the Fall 2023 Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony. Rodney Bullard, pictured right in both rows, served as our keynote speaker for the Fall 2023 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Thank you, Ms. Stuckey and Mr. Bullard for providing great words of wisdom for our graduates! 

                                      Deepali Giri, an alumna of the College of Nursing (pictured top row, middle), was selected as our graduate student keynote speaker, providing the invocation for the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony. Justin Goddard, an alumni of the Hull College of Business (pictured bottom row, middle), was selected as our student speaker for the Fall 2023 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Spring 2024 graduates, this could be you at your commencement ceremony! Here's how you can apply to play a special role in your commencement ceremony. 

                                      We want you to lend your voice to commencement!

                                      Applications are open now for the Class of 2024 to represent your class at commencement as the featured soloist or speaker for your commencement ceremony. 

                                      For the student speaker applicants, please fill out the application form below to share with us why you should be considered to fill this special role in commencement. Additionally, please submit a video via Box with a brief "preview" of your message to the graduating class. For the student soloist applicants, in addition to the application form, please submit a video via Box of the National Anthem, sung in the key of F. In your video, please include why you wish to be the student soloist and any experiences you have had performing solos or in a vocal ensemble in front of an audience of about 2,500. 

                                      Student Speaker Application Form

                                      Student Soloist Application Form

                                      If selected as one of the undergraduate student speakers, these students will bring remarks to the graduating class during the undergraduate commencement ceremonies. If selected as the graduate student speaker, this student will bring the invocation during the graduate hooding and commencement ceremony. 

                                      If selected as the student soloist, this student will lead the singing of the National Anthem and/or the Augusta University Alma Mater. 

                                      Applications are due March 20. Please email SGA President Dee Mallory if you have any questions. 

                                      Stay tuned to meet your Spring 2024 keynote speakers!

                                       

                                      Location

                                      Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center

                                      Both commencement ceremonies will be held at Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center in Downtown Augusta

                                      Commencement News

                                      an undergraduate hugs a family member with a crowd of people around them inside the Convention Center at the Augusta Marriott after the graduation ceremony

                                      In Photos: Augusta University celebrates fall 2023 graduates

                                      More than 900 students participated in ceremonies honoring undergraduate and graduate students for Augusta University's fall 2023 hooding and commencement ceremonies, held Dec. 13-14 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.

                                      woman wearing a graduation cap and gown smiling outside

                                      Cybersecurity student credits getting involved on campus for driving her to success

                                      For Briana Campbell, a cybersecurity major graduating from Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, her experience at AU has been about strategically surrounding herself with people who can help her succeed by approaching each organization and class as a pool of knowledge and less a competition.

                                      A college man and woman with their graduation gowns on

                                      Student speakers to share their perspective during Augusta University’s commencement exercises

                                      “I want to emphasis the hard work we’ve done and the obstacles we’ve faced and the perseverance through it all. There’s many different phases of hard work, there’s many different backgrounds everyone’s from and when we put in the hard work together, it’s something that got us here," said Deepali Giri, who will be receiving her Master of Science in the nursing program from the College of Nursing.

                                      Graduate standing

                                      First graduate with Digital and Visual Storytelling degree takes center stage

                                      Grace Rolfe is the first student to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital and Visual Storytelling degree from Augusta University.

                                      Show Your Jaguar Pride

                                      Celebrate with Us

                                      We encourage the entire University community, including graduates, families, friends, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, to post their photos and messages on social media to honor the moment and celebrate our graduates using the commencement hashtag:

                                      #AUGGrad