Information for Graduates

The following information will help graduates prepare for their commencement ceremony. There are no tickets for commencement and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduate.

Commencement guests should visit Ceremony Details for Guests and Accessibility for additional details.

Commencement Rehearsal

No rehearsal will take place prior to commencement. When graduates check-in, event staff will provide instructions and information about the ceremony run-of-show.

Arrival and Check-In

All graduates should report to the Holmes Convocation Center one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Graduates will check in via the covered entrance on Rivers Street. Volunteers will be on-site to assist. 

Check-in tables will be sorted by last name. This is where graduates will pick up their Marching Order Card — a pre-printed name card with identifying information, including name, degree program and any honors. 

Volunteers will escort graduates directly to a seat on the arena floor upon check-in. All graduates must be seated no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Each commencement ceremony will be preceded by the procession of the platform party. The processional will begin about 10 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.  

For the safety of everyone, the aisles must remain clear and graduates should remain in their seats until called to the stage for the Presentation of Candidates.

Marching Order Cards

Upon receiving the Marching Order Card, graduates should review it for errors: 

• If corrections are needed, the staff at the check-in table can assist. 
• Graduates may write a phonetic spelling of their name on the card to assist the name reader.

Graduates should keep their card with them. They will hand this card to the name reader as they walk across the stage during the ceremony. Do not discard, fold or tear the card.

Selecting a Chosen Name

All 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 as part of App State’s chosen first name initiative.

Chosen first names can be different from your legal first name for certain purposes, regardless of whether or not 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 Marching Order Card;
• announced and displayed at the commencement ceremonies; and,
• published on university websites including the Commencement site and the Office of the Registrar’s Degrees Awarded page.

Please note that 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.).

For more information and/or assistance with your graduation application, contact graduation@appstate.edu 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

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.

In addition, photography vendor GradImages will use Marching Order Cards to send commencement ceremony photo proofs taken of graduates to their App State email. To opt out of receiving proofs, graduates should cross through their email and mailing address on the card.

Personal Belongings

Graduates will not be allowed to bring any personal items, aside from a cell phone, into the Holmes Center.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will exit outside via Alumni Hall. Please make arrangements for guests to hold your personal items and valuables during the ceremony. 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. 

Recognition of Candidates

Undergraduate candidates who have earned Latin, university, college or departmental honors, as well as undergraduate and graduate candidates who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces will be recognized during the commencement ceremony.

Graduates will walk across the stage, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. App State Chancellor Sheri Everts will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

Degree Conferral

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 tassel 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 2023:

• That's a WrAPP — Graduation Expos: These celebratory events will feature giveaways, food, cord pickup, professional headshots and more.
• Tuesday, April 25, from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the atrium of Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.
• Thursday, April 27, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Grandfather Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union.

• Cheers to Graduating ’Neers Reception: Let’s toast to your accomplishments on Wednesday, May 10, from 4–6 p.m. at App State’s North End Zone facility. The event is complimentary for graduates, with a fee required for each guest. Registration is required by May 9.
• Decal Drive Thru: Drive by the McKinney Alumni Center on Thursday, May 11, from noon–3 p.m. to receive a free alumni decal for your vehicle.
• Ringing of the Founders Bell: Ring the Founders Bell to signify your academic achievements at Founders Plaza after your ceremony on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13.

After each ceremony, the App State Alumni Association will celebrate the accomplishments of graduates at the alumni tent, which will feature giveaways, photo opportunities and information about staying connected as alumni.

Regalia and Attire

Regalia orders placed by the deadline 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. This line of graduation wear is made of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets produced from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. An average of 25 plastic bottles are used to produce your cap and gown.

Personalized and generic announcements, class rings and diploma frames are also available for purchase through the University Bookstore.

For questions about regalia orders, please contact asubookstore@appstate.edu.

Commencement Attire

The university offers guidance for attire in order to preserve the dignity and importance of the occasion and to show respect for the university, its graduates, and their families and friends. 

• Formal academic regalia consisting of a cap and gown and, if applicable, hood (for master's or doctoral graduates) is required. App State’s sustainable regalia includes bachelor’s gowns with block A-branded sleeves and master’s gowns that feature the university seal on the left shoulder.
• 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.
• With the exception of decorated caps (which are permitted), accoutrements that draw attention to an individual and detract from the occasion are not permitted.
• While graduates may choose what attire they wish to wear underneath their regalia, business attire is recommended. Clothing is mandatory, as are shoes — bare feet will not be permitted in the arena.
• Graduates should only wear approved regalia (gowns, cords, stoles, etc.) to which they are entitled based on their official affiliations and qualifications.

Cords, Stoles and Hoods

Graduates who elect to do so may wear cords and stoles at commencement ceremonies to represent:

• academic honors, honors programs and honor societies. 
• an international affiliation. 
• university-recognized fraternity and sorority life organizations. 
• university-affiliated athletic teams. 
• military affiliation. 
• student organizations recognized by Campus Activities.

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. Special hooding ceremonies will take place prior to commencement.

Undergraduate candidates do not receive or wear hoods.

Distribution of Cords and Stoles

For information about eligibility for honor cords, please review “How do I graduate with Honors?” on the Office of the Registrar website.

• Latin honor cords are distributed by the Office of the Registrar and will be available for pickup approximately two weeks prior to commencement or on the day of the ceremony. An email will be sent to eligible graduates with information and instructions.
• Military cords can be picked up in the Student Veteran Resource Center (SVRC) in Plemmons Student Union prior to commencement, or at the check-in table on the day of the ceremony. Contact the SVRC with questions.
• University, college and departmental honor medals are provided to graduates in person upon completion of their honors thesis and/or courses.
• Other cords and stoles are handled via the individual clubs and organizations to which a graduate belongs, and inquiries about how to obtain them should be directed to the club or organization.

Cord and Stole Guidelines 

• Gold cords are reserved for students graduating with Latin honors — defined as those graduates who have earned a designation of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
• University, college and departmental honor cords are awarded to those graduates who successfully complete a series of honors courses and a senior honors thesis.
• Red, white and blue cords are reserved for graduates who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces.
• Other cord colors are permissible with approval of the Registrar for other recognized honor programs and societies.
• Sashes and stoles may be worn by members of recognized international student organizations, athletic teams, service and service/academic organizations, and Greek-letter organizations so long as they follow these guidelines:
• Sashes/stoles may not be wider than 5 inches. The length is optional.
• Sashes/stoles imprinted with the organization's name, initials and achievements may not display any derogatory or offensive language, nor should they draw undue attention to an individual person or group that would detract from the occasion.

If an organization or planned use of an accessory falls outside of the guidelines above, contact the organization's advisor or sponsor, who will reach out to the Office of the Registrar for consideration. Organizations that fail to follow the established attire policy will jeopardize the organization's ability to be represented with adornments in future ceremonies.

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 and may be rented from the University Bookstore — the Office of Academic Affairs will cover the cost of faculty regalia rental for commencement. For questions about regalia, email asubookstore@appstate.edu.

Arrival

All faculty should report to the Holmes Center one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Faculty will 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. These include small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items.

Faculty should leave personal items in Assembly Room 13 A&B — this room will be locked during the ceremony.

Processional and Seating

Each commencement ceremony will be preceded by a processional — faculty will process in 10 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

As faculty process in, volunteers will escort them directly to sections 3 and 4, where they will be seated in the bottom rows. At the conclusion of the ceremony, faculty are encouraged to congratulate students and guests.

Information for Guests

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

What safety and security measures are in place?

Small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items are permitted.

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

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

• Gift bags, wrapped gifts, balloons and/or flowers in glass vases are not permitted.
• Cellular and other mobile devices should be set to silent mode until the conclusion of the ceremony.
• Air horns, noisemakers and other props are not permitted to be used at any time during the ceremony.
• Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons and contraband of any type are prohibited in the Holmes Center.

Do I need tickets?

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

When should guests arrive?

It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. Holmes Center doors open one hour before each ceremony.

Each commencement ceremony will be preceded by the procession of the platform party, which begins about 10 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

Where do guests enter the Holmes Center?

Guests will enter via the Holmes Center upper concourse.

The upper concourse can be accessed 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.

What personal belongings can I bring?

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. Guests are also permitted to bring umbrellas.

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.

Where do guests sit?

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.

Where can I get a commencement program?

Each graduate will find a program placed in their seat. Guests will be able to pick up a program as they enter the venue. The program will also be available for download prior to the event.

How long does commencement last?

App State recognizes each student in attendance, and the length of each ceremony is dependent on the number of graduates. Please plan for approximately 90 minutes.

Can I take pictures and/or video?

While photography and video are permitted during the ceremony, please note that only authorized press and university photographers are permitted on the arena floor to take pictures once the ceremony is in process.

In addition, 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.

Are photos available for purchase?

App State contracts with photography vendor GradImages to provide high-quality graduation photos to graduates and their families. GradImages will send proofs of the commencement ceremony photos taken of graduates to their App State email unless they opt-out of receiving proofs. Ordering photos is completely optional. There is no obligation to buy commencement photos.

Can I bring flowers for my graduate?

Families and guests are invited to pre-order flowers for their graduate via our online flower vendor.

It is recommended to pre-order flowers, which 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.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

A livestream of each ceremony will be available on the university's commencement site.

Parking

Visit the Commencement campus interactive map to view available parking lots, including disability parking.

Where can I park?

Free parking for guests attending commencement ceremonies is available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck and Peacock Lot. All parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests should plan to be parked at least 45 minutes prior to when 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.

Will shuttles be available?

Courtesy shuttles are available to pick up guests at Peacock Lot. These shuttles will run a continuous loop from Peacock Lot to the Holmes Center. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

Shuttle times:

• Friday, May 12: 7:30 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Guest parking is also available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck; however, shuttle service is not available from this location.

Where can I find disability parking?

The Holmes Lot adjacent to the Holmes Center is available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests with DMV-issued disability placards.

Traffic control personnel will be at the intersection of Rivers and Hill streets to direct guests to the appropriate parking area and accessible routes to the southwest entrance of the Holmes Center.

• All lots have designated disability parking options. Guests with displayed DMV-issued disability placards will also have the following close proximity parking options. 
• The Holmes Lot adjacent to the Holmes Center is intended for individuals who use wheelchairs/mobility scooters, walkers, etc.
• The John E. Thomas Visitor and Faculty/Staff Lots also have disability parking and are intended for individuals with limited mobility.

Accessibility Information

App State is committed to providing an inclusive experience for individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed in order to fully participate in commencement events on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Disability Resources (odr@appstate.edu or 828-262-3056). Remote live captioning will be displayed on the jumbotron during the ceremony. Please make disability accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony. 

Where is the accessibility seating in the Holmes Center?

The Holmes Center makes every effort to meet the needs of all guests and provides arena accessibility information via its website regarding accessible seating and restroom locations.

Guests should use the accessible SW entrance off of Holmes Drive, which leads to section 9 in the arena. A passenger elevator is also located at section 9 for use on a per-event basis.

Is wheelchair assistance available?

Wheelchair assistance by trained medical personnel to accessible seating is available by request at the First Aid Station in section 9.

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.

Is assistive communication available?

Assistive listening devices are available at the Holmes Center on a first-come, first-served basis at the SW box office located at section 9.

Are service animals allowed?

Only service animals (dog or miniature horse) trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate functional limitations of a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted in the arena. 

Comprehensive information regarding animals on campus can be found in the Animals on Campus Policy.