Information for Graduates

The following information will help graduates prepare for their commencement ceremony.

Tickets are not needed for commencement ceremonies. Graduates do not need to register, and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

Fall Commencement ceremonies celebrate graduation candidates completing degree requirements in the fall term and select candidates completing degree requirements in summer terms. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Apply to graduate

Students indicate their participation in a commencement ceremony when they apply to graduate.

• Undergraduate students: Review the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation page for details and instructions. The deadline to apply to graduate and be included in the Fall 2026 Commencement list of candidates is Friday, Nov. 6.
• Graduate students: Review the Williams School of Graduate Studies’ Graduation page for details and instructions. The deadline to apply to graduate and be included in the Fall 2026 Commencement list of candidates is Saturday, Oct. 31.

Commencement Rehearsal

No rehearsal will take place before commencement.

When graduates check in, event staff will provide instructions and information about the ceremony run of show.

Arrival and Check-In

Graduates should report to the Holmes Convocation Center one hour before the ceremony starts.

• Enter and check in via the covered entrance on Rivers Street. Check-in tables will be organized by last name, and volunteers will be on-site to assist.
• Volunteers will escort graduates directly to a seat on the arena floor upon check-in. All graduates must be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• Each graduate will find a commencement program in their seat.

The procession of the faculty and the platform party will precede each commencement ceremony. The processional will begin approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony.

For everyone’s safety, aisles must remain clear. Graduates should remain seated until called to the stage for the Presentation of Candidates.

Reader Cards

Upon check-in, graduates will receive their Reader Card — a pre-printed name card with identifying information, including name, degree program and any honors.

Carefully check your Reader Card for errors:

• If corrections are needed, the staff at the check-in table will be able to assist.
• You may write your name phonetically on the card to assist the name reader.

Keep your Reader Card with you — do not tear, fold or discard it. You will hand this card to the name reader before crossing the commencement stage.

Selecting a Chosen Name

Students enter how they would like their name printed on their diploma when they apply to graduate and may elect to use a chosen name.

• Chosen first names can be different from your legal first name for certain purposes, regardless of whether you have legally changed your name.
• Chosen first names may not be fraudulent or misrepresent, or be inappropriate or offensive.

The name you enter on your graduation application will be:

• printed on your diploma;
• printed on your Reader Card;
• announced and displayed at the commencement ceremony; and,
• published on university websites, including the Commencement site and the Office of the Registrar’s Degrees Awarded page.

Note: If you need to use your diploma as a legal document, the name listed may need to match how your name is presented on other legal documents (such as passports, birth certificates, etc.).

Questions:

• For more information and/or assistance with your graduation application, contact [email protected] from your App State email account and include your Banner ID or call 828-262-2050.
• Visit App State’s chosen first name initiative page for more information about how chosen names are used on campus.

Graduation Photography

Photography vendor GradImages will use Reader Cards to send commencement ceremony photo proofs taken of graduates to their App State email account.

• Proofs will be sent approximately 3–7 business days following the ceremony.
• To opt out of receiving proofs, cross through your email and mailing address on the card.

Note: 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.

Personal Belongings

Graduates will not be allowed to bring any personal items, aside from a cell phone, into the Holmes Center. Please make arrangements for guests to hold your personal items and valuables during the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will exit the center via Alumni Hall.

• Any items left behind will be taken to a table in section 9 on the upper concourse, where they can be claimed following the ceremony.
• Items left in the staging area will not be monitored, and the university is not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen items.

Presentation of Candidates and Degree Conferral

After being called to the stage for the Presentation of Candidates, graduates will have their names announced, walk across the stage (from right to left) and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Bachelor’s candidates who have earned Latin, university, college or departmental honors will be recognized during the ceremony.

Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony. During the conferral of degrees:

• Candidates will be asked to rise.
• The Provost will present the candidates to the Chancellor.
• The Chancellor will confer the degrees.

Tassels and Mortarboards

At the end of the ceremony, bachelor’s candidates will be directed to turn their tassels from the right to the left to symbolize the conferral of their degree.

Do not toss or throw caps into the air, as this could result in injury.

Master's candidates do not participate in the tassel ceremony. Their tassels are already positioned on the left side, indicating they have previously been awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Celebrate with the Alumni Association

The App State Alumni Association invites graduates to events celebrating the Class of 2026.

• Cheers for Hickory 'Neers — Academic Celebration and Awards: Join the Alumni Association on Monday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at App State Hickory for an evening of celebrations and a special gift!
• That’s a WrAPP — Graduation Expo: This celebratory event features giveaways, food, cord pickup and more. Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom (Room 137) of Plemmons Student Union .
• Cheers to ’Neers Graduation Reception: Let’s toast to your accomplishments on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the McKinney Alumni Center . The event is complimentary for graduates, with a fee required for each guest — register to attend by Monday, Dec. 7 .
• Decal Drive Thru: Drive by the McKinney Alumni Center on Thursday, Dec. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. to receive a free alumni decal for your vehicle.
• Yosef’s Alumni Afterparty and Ringing of the Founders Bell:
  • Celebrate with the Alumni Association after your ceremony! Drop by McKinney Alumni Center for refreshments, swag and photos with Yosef.
  • Remember to ring the Founders Bell in Founders Plaza to signify your academic achievements.

Graduate Regalia and Attire

Graduates are required to wear formal academic regalia (cap and gown). Master’s and doctoral candidates will also wear a hood.

Graduates who are serving or have served in the United States armed forces may wear their military uniforms instead of regalia.

Regalia orders will be shipped to the address you provide approximately two weeks after the order date.

• Official App State regalia is environmentally conscious GreenWeaver® regalia, made in the USA.
• Bachelor’s gowns have block A-branded sleeves, and master’s gowns feature the university seal on the left shoulder.
• This line of graduation wear is made of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets produced from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. On average, 25 plastic bottles are used to produce your cap and gown.

For questions about regalia orders, contact [email protected].

The Campus Store also offers personalized and generic announcements, class rings and diploma frames for purchase.

Commencement Attire

• Graduates should only wear approved regalia (gowns, cords, stoles, etc.) to which they are entitled based on their official affiliations and qualifications.
• Business attire is recommended under regalia. Clothing is mandatory, as are shoes — bare feet will not be permitted in the arena.
• Except for decorated caps, accessories that draw attention to an individual and detract from the occasion are not permitted.
• Tassel Placement:
  • Bachelor's candidates should position the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard. After degrees are conferred, the tassel should be moved to the left side of the mortarboard.
  • Master’s candidates should position their tassel on the left side, indicating they have already been awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Hooding

Doctoral candidates will be hooded at the commencement ceremony.

• Master’s candidates will wear their hoods to the commencement ceremony but will not be hooded during the event. Many programs will host special hooding ceremonies before commencement.
• Undergraduate candidates do not receive or wear hoods.

Questions about the hooding ceremony and/or how to wear a hood? Review the Graduate Student Regalia and Hooding Information video from the Williams School of Graduate Studies.

Cords and Stoles

Graduates may wear cords and stoles to represent academic honors, first-generation status, military service, international affiliations, university-recognized fraternity/sorority life organizations and student organizations, athletics and philanthropy.

Guidelines and Distribution

Latin Honors (Gold Cords)

• Reserved for graduates who have earned a designation of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude. Eligible graduates will receive an email with information and instructions approximately one month before commencement. Review “How do I graduate with Honors?” on the Office of the Registrar website for eligibility information.
• Distribution of Latin honor cords:
  • Office of the Registrar in John E. Thomas Hall (Rooms 105 and 109), beginning Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • App State Hickory Registrar Student Services (Room 1206E), beginning Monday, Nov. 30, through Thursday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
  • That's a WrAPP — Graduation Expos and Cheers for Hickory 'Neers: Academic Celebration and Awards hosted by the App State Alumni Association.
  • Students in online programs should review the informational email for pickup details.

Military (Red, White and Blue Cords)

• For those who have served or are serving in the United States armed forces.
• Available at the Student Veteran Resource Center (SVRC) in Plemmons Student Union before commencement, or at the check-in table on the day of the ceremony. Contact SVRC with questions.

First Generation (Black and White Cords)

• Provided to first-generation students. Eligible graduates will receive an email with information and instructions.
• These cords are distributed at celebrations for first-generation students or can be picked up:
  • All students: In the Center for Student Success and Community in Plemmons Student Union (Suite 217).
  • Graduate students: In the Williams School of Graduate Studies in John E. Thomas Hall (Suite 232).

Members of the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students will receive a cord at induction.

Other Cords

• University, College and Departmental Honors: These cords and medals are awarded to graduates who complete a series of honors courses and a senior honors thesis, and are distributed by individual campus areas.

• Philanthropy (Senior Class Giving): These cords recognize contributions to Senior Class Giving and can be picked up at Celebrating the Class of 2026 events hosted by the App State Alumni Association or at the check-in table on the day of the ceremony.
• Honor Programs and Societies: Cords for recognized honor programs and societies are permissible with approval from the Office of Campus Activities and are distributed by these organizations.

Stoles

Organization-specific stoles are permissible with approval from the Office of Campus Activities and are handled directly by individual clubs. Some stoles are available to purchase at the Campus Store.

• Stoles may not be wider than 5 inches. The length is optional.
• Derogatory or offensive language is not permitted, and stoles should not draw undue attention to an individual or group that would detract from the occasion.

If a cord/stole falls outside of the guidelines above, contact the organization's advisor or sponsor, who will reach out to the Office of Campus Activities for consideration. Organizations that fail to follow the established attire policy will jeopardize their ability to be represented with adornments in future ceremonies.

Regalia Reuse Program

Sustainability and Energy Management invites graduates to participate in App State’s Regalia Reuse Program, through which they can donate their commencement gown for a future graduate and fellow Mountaineer.

These donated gowns are available in the Mountaineer Free Store on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information for Faculty

The following information is for faculty who will participate in a commencement ceremony.

Regalia and Attire

Academic regalia is required for faculty participating in commencement ceremonies.

• Regalia may be rented from the Campus Store — the Division of Academic Affairs will cover these rental costs for faculty.
• Rental regalia will be available for pickup at the Campus Store, and faculty will be notified via email when their order is ready.
• Before placing your order, please check the commencement schedule to make sure you can attend, as the university is still charged for unclaimed regalia orders.

Rental regalia return:

• Faculty may return rental regalia at the Holmes Center at the conclusion of each commencement ceremony.
• Rental regalia can also be returned at the Campus Store during regular business hours through Friday, Dec. 18.
• Faculty who do not return rental regalia by the deadline will be invoiced for the cost of their regalia.

For questions about regalia orders, contact [email protected].

Ceremony Participation

• Arrival: All faculty should report to the Holmes Center one hour before the ceremony starts.
  • Enter via the media entrance located on the NW side of the building, near the base of the ramp.
  • Volunteers will direct faculty to Assembly Room 13 A&B, where they can enjoy refreshments and line up for the processional.
• Personal belongings: Faculty should review the Holmes Center’s Bag and Admission Policy for permitted items.
  • Faculty should leave personal items in Assembly Room 13 A&B — this room will be locked during the ceremony.
• Processional: Each commencement ceremony will be preceded by a processional — faculty will process in 10 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• Seating: As faculty process in, volunteers will escort them directly to sections 3 and 4 (view concourse and arena map PDF).
• Recessional: At the conclusion of the ceremony, faculty will recess and are encouraged to line up in the back of the arena to congratulate and celebrate graduates as they exit to Alumni Hallway.

Information for Guests

We look forward to welcoming you to Appalachian State University’s commencement ceremonies!

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies, and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduate.

Safety and Security Measures

All guests entering the arena are subject to a security screening by way of walk-through metal detectors or a wand, visual inspection and bag inspection conducted by security personnel. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items and ensure the safety of our guests and staff. Prohibited items will be confiscated upon entry.

For the safety and enjoyment of all graduates and guests, please keep in mind the following:

• Cellular and other mobile devices should be set to silent mode until the conclusion of the ceremony.
• Cameras are allowed; however, camera bags, tripods and monopods are not permitted. Guests must remain at their seats to take photos and are not permitted to block the aisles.
• Prohibited items include:
• Gift bags, wrapped gifts, balloons and/or flowers in glass vases.
• Air horns, noisemakers and other props.
• Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons and contraband of any type.

Arrival and Entry

Plan to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony begins — Holmes Center doors open one hour before each ceremony.

Each commencement ceremony will be preceded by a processional, which begins about 10 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Guests will enter via the Holmes Center upper concourse. The upper concourse can be accessed:

• Via the bridge located on the second floor of the Holmes Drive Parking Deck.
• By way of the SW entrance off of Holmes Center Drive. The SW entrance is accessed by a ramp and leads to section 9 in the arena.
• Via the stairs at the NW, NE and SE entrances.

Personal Belongings

Guests should review the Holmes Center's Bag and Admission Policy for permitted items.

• These include small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items.
• Umbrellas are permitted.
• To speed up entry, guests are advised to leave bags and unnecessary items at home or in their vehicles.

Graduates will not be allowed to bring purses, coats or umbrellas into the student staging area. Graduates have been directed to make arrangements with their guests to hold personal items and valuables during the ceremony.

Guest Seating

Commencement ceremonies have open seating and early arrival is strongly recommended. Guest seating is on the upper concourse level, and volunteers will be at the entrance to assist.

Commencement Program

Guests will be able to pick up a program as they enter the venue. The program will also be available for download before the event.

Ceremony Length

App State recognizes each student in attendance, and the length of each ceremony is dependent on the number of graduates. Please plan for approximately two hours.

Pictures and Video

While photography and video are permitted, please note that only authorized press and university photographers are allowed on the arena floor to take pictures once the ceremony has begun.

• Guests may bring cameras; however, camera bags, tripods and monopods are not permitted.
• Guests must remain at their seats to take photos and are not permitted to block the aisles.

Note: 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.

Purchasing Photos

App State contracts with photography vendor GradImages to provide high-quality graduation photos to graduates and their families.

• GradImages will send proofs of commencement ceremony photos taken of graduates to their App State email account unless they opt out of receiving proofs.
• Proofs will be sent approximately 3–7 business days following the ceremony.
• Ordering photos is optional. There is no obligation to buy commencement photos.

Flowers and Gifts

Guests are invited to pre-order flowers via our online flower vendor.

• Pre-orders will be available for contact-free pickup at a booth on the upper concourse of the Holmes Center.
• A limited selection of flowers will be available for purchase at the Holmes Center on the day of the ceremony.
• Flowers should be given to your graduate after the ceremony, as bouquets will not be permitted on the arena floor.

Note: Gift bags, wrapped gifts, balloons and/or flowers in glass vases are not permitted.

Ceremony Recordings

Each ceremony will be recorded and posted to the university's Commencement site.

Boone and Local Area Information

Visit Explore Boone for local area information.

Parking

Graduate and Guest Parking

Free parking will be available for graduates and guests attending commencement ceremonies. Parking lots reserved for commencement will be posted closer to the event.

• Plan to be parked at least one hour before the commencement ceremony is scheduled to begin.
• This is to allow sufficient time to navigate from parking lots to the Holmes Center and be seated.

Disability Parking

Parking lots reserved for disability parking will be posted closer to the event.

Shuttles

Courtesy shuttles will be available. Shuttle locations and times will be posted closer to the event.

Accessibility Information

App State is committed to promoting opportunity, access and civil rights based on a disability.

Holmes Center Accessibility Information

Review the Holmes Center’s Accessibility page for information about entrances, restrooms, service animals, assisted listening devices and seating.

• Wheelchair accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Remote live captioning will be displayed on the Jumbotron during the ceremony.

Wheelchairs and Assistance

App State does not maintain a supply of wheelchairs for personal use. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility work with a medical supply store or pharmacy for short-term wheelchair options/rentals.

Wheelchair assistance to accessible seating, provided by trained medical personnel, is available by request at the first aid station in section 9.