Appalachian State University
Congratulations on your graduation from Appalachian State University!
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
Apply to Graduate
Commencement Ceremonies
Holmes Convocation
Center
111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Boone Campus
Thursday, May 7
6 p.m. ceremony
Hayes School of Music
Reich College of Education
University College
Friday, May 8
9 a.m. ceremony
Walker College of Business
Management • Marketing and Supply Chain Management
1 p.m. ceremony
Walker College of Business
Accounting • Computer Information Systems • Economics • Finance, Banking and Insurance
Walker College of Business students earning graduate degrees should attend the 1 p.m. ceremony
5 p.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences
Saturday, May 9
9 a.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology • Biology • Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences • Computer Science • Geography and Planning • Geological and Environmental Sciences • Government and Justice Studies • Mathematical Sciences • Physics and Astronomy • Rural Resilience and Innovation
1 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
English • History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Languages, Literatures and Cultures • Philosophy and Religion • Psychology • Sociology
5 p.m. ceremony
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Graduates will attend the commencement ceremony of the college that administers/houses their academic program.
Livestream or Ceremony Recordings
Each ceremony will either be livestreamed here or recorded and posted at a later date. A decision will be made closer to the event.
Ceremony Schedule
Presiding, Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor
Processional
"Pomp and Circumstance"
Edward Elgar, Composer
Roger Harvey, Arranger
Presentation of Colors
App State ROTC’s Pershing Rifles
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
Words by Francis Scott Key
John Higgins, Arranger
Vocalist Lily Bailey, mezzo-soprano and choral music education major
Welcome
Dr. Neva J. Specht, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Commencement Address
Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor
Greetings from the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees
Mr. Mark E. Ricks, Board of Trustees chair
Greetings from the UNC System Board of Governors
Mr. C. Philip Byers, UNC System Board of Governors member
Presentation of Candidates
Provost Specht
Conferring of Degrees
Chancellor Norris
Alma Mater
Recording by Luke Combs
Singer/Songwriter
Recessional
“Procession of the Scholars”
Dr. William G. Harbinson, Composer
“Hi Hi Yikas”
Dr. William Gilbert Spencer, Composer and Arranger
Musical selections performed by Appalachian Brass Ensemble
Hayes School of Music
Drs. Joseph Brown and Dakota Corbliss, Conductors
About Commencement
Tickets are not needed for commencement ceremonies.
Graduates do not need to register, and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.
During each ceremony, graduates will have their names announced, walk across the stage (from right to left) and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.
- Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.
- Accessibility and disability accommodations are available.
- Review the Holmes Center's Bag and Admission Policy — small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items are permitted.
- App State, media outlets, and family and friends film commencement ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.
Ceremony Information for Graduates, Faculty and Guests
Commencement-related Stories
-
1,500 App State graduates begin their next chapter
Dec 18, 2025 / Source: Appalachian Today
-
App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
May 13, 2025 / Source: Appalachian Today
Save the Date
Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremonies
Holmes
Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Boone Campus
Friday, Dec. 11
9 a.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
1 p.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Hayes School of Music
5 p.m. ceremony
Reich College of Education
University College
Walker College of Business
Graduates will attend the commencement ceremony of the college/program that administers/houses their academic program.