ASU Undergraduate Commencement: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduation Ceremonies

Graduating from Arizona State University (ASU) marks a significant milestone, celebrated through various commencement and convocation ceremonies. Understanding the differences between these events and planning ahead can ensure a memorable and stress-free experience for graduates and their families.

Understanding ASU Graduation Ceremonies

ASU hosts several types of graduation ceremonies to honor students from different programs and colleges:

University Commencement: A university-wide celebration where the President of Arizona State University confers degrees upon graduating students.
College Convocations: Smaller, more intimate gatherings hosted by individual colleges, offering personalized recognition for graduates.

Graduates are encouraged to attend all graduation ceremonies and celebrations. The Office of University Ceremonies at Arizona State University aims to uphold the formal dignity of academic traditions for faculty, staff, students, and the community.

Commencement: A Culmination of Academic Achievement

University Commencement represents the culmination of a student’s academic journey. It is a time of celebration and reflection for students, families, friends, faculty, and staff. This ceremony brings together a diverse community to share in the joy of accomplished goals.

Graduates from all of ASU's campuses are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony. At University Undergraduate Commencement, graduates are recognized by college and stand as a group to be presented prior to degree conferral. At University Graduate Commencement, Master degree candidates will be recognized as a group, by college. The dean of each college presents their students to President Crow. Master degree candidates should wear their hoods upon entering Desert Financial Arena. Doctoral candidates will be hooded by a faculty mentor and will have their names called before crossing the stage.

Convocations: Individual Recognition

College and cultural convocations offer smaller groups the opportunity to gather and celebrate students’ graduation. The smaller setting allows for individual recognition. At convocation events, hosted by colleges, individual achievements are celebrated, graduate names are called, and graduates cross the stage.

Celebrations: Student Group Events

Celebrations are organized by and for various student groups.

University Undergraduate Commencement Details: May 11, 2026

The University Commencement for Undergraduate Students will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:30 pm on Frank Kush Field in Mountain America Stadium.

Inclement Weather Plan

An inclement weather plan is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.

Arrival and Seating

Undergraduate candidates attending the University Undergraduate Commencement on May 11 should enter Mountain America Stadium via the south entrances. Volunteers will be available to assist in finding seats within their respective college sections. Graduates should arrive no later than 7:00 pm to be seated with their college peers. Seating will be released to the general public at 7:15 pm. Late arrivals will be seated in any available open areas at an appropriate time during the ceremony.

Read also: Undergraduate Programs at UNC

Tickets

Tickets are NOT required for the University Undergraduate Commencement held in Mountain America Stadium. However, tickets are required for some graduation events. This information will appear in more detail on the RSVP page. To view the ceremony schedule and confirm which events require tickets, visit the Spring 2026 ceremony page.

Summer Graduates

Undergraduate degree candidates who completed degree requirements in August 2026 are eligible to participate in December ceremonies. Candidates must apply for graduation as a summer graduate and pay their fees to have the RSVP link appear on their My ASU page.

Planning Your Visit

Parking and Transportation

With thousands of attendees expected, parking near ASU’s venues can be challenging. Graduation attendees should plan accordingly.

Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay during ASU graduation can make the experience more enjoyable for visiting families.

Accessibility

ADA seating is available at ASU graduation venues.

Additional Resources

Tassel A.I. Chatbot

Graduates and their parents/guests can utilize Tassel, the Spring Commencement '26 A.I. Chatbot, to get instant answers to Commencement and Convocation questions 24/7 via text. Graduates will opt in at registration.

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