Graduation

UGA Commencement

The University of Georgia hosts commencement ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students. We encourage students to participate in these campus-wide events. For more information and any questions regarding UGA commencement, please visit commencement.uga.edu.

A note about summer candidates:
Graduation ceremonies are held in May and December. Undergraduate students completing their degree requirements in summer are invited to participate in the May graduation ceremonies. Graduate students completing their degree requirements in summer are invited to participate in the December graduation ceremonies.

CAES Convocation

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia must be worn to participate in CAES Convocation. Caps, gowns, tassels, etc., are available for purchase at the UGA Bookstore through the day of the ceremony. Your tassel color depends on your degree program. All BSA and BSAB degree candidates wear maize (light yellow). All BSES degree candidates wear mint green. Candidates should wear their tassels on the right side before commencement and on the left side afterward.

Arrival Instructions

Students will need to arrive early for check in and line up for the processional.  Please allow time to find parking, and wait outside of the Performing Arts Center until the doors open so the guests of the previous ceremony can exit the building.  Check in will be in Ramsey Concert Hall in the Performing Arts Center.  Please follow signs and directions from CAES Ambassadors to Ramsey Concert Hall.

Student Check In at 2:45 p.m.:  Students will proceed to the second floor entrance of Ramsey Concert Hall, which can be accessed by either the side entrance of the Performing Arts Center by the parking deck or the main entrance and ascending the first set of stairs on the left, or the elevator on the first floor beyond the restrooms on the left.  After check in, students will enter Ramsey Concert Hall to line up in numerical order.  Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs staff and CAES Ambassadors in red jackets will help direct you.

Faculty Line Up at 3:15 p.m.:  Faculty will proceed to the second floor entrance of Ramsey Concert Hall, which can be accessed by either the side entrance of the Performing Arts Center by the parking deck or the main entrance and ascending the first set of stairs on the left, or by using the elevator on the first floor beyond the restrooms on the left to access the second floor.  Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs staff and CAES Ambassadors will be present to assist with lining up in stage order.

Doors open at 2:45 p.m., and guests may find a seat at this time.  Please note that balloons are not allowed in Hugh Hodgson Hall and should remain in your vehicle until after the ceremony.  Restrooms are located on the left side of the main entrance.

In consideration of other participants, we ask that students make alternative arrangements for service dogs in training.

Parking

The Classic Center is located in Downtown Athens.  Parking is available at The Classic Center and locations in Downtown Athens.

Photos

A photographer will be at CAES Convocation to capture high-quality photos of candidates with the dean, as well as group and candid shots. These photos will be available for download by students and guests a few weeks after the ceremony.

Diplomas

It is the student’s responsibility to apply for graduation and to ensure that the correct address is on file with the Office of the Registrar. Diplomas are typically mailed within 8 to 10 weeks after the official graduation date.

Future CAES Convocation Dates