For Graduating Students
Get Ready
RSVP
Will you be attending Commencement? How would you like your name to appear on your diploma and program? How many tickets do you need for the ceremony? Please register your attendance for the ceremony, order your tickets and confirm your name on your diploma by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Cap and Gown
We are pleased to offer UltraGreen regalia by Balfour. Made with a 100% post-consumer recycled textile, manufactured from recycled plastic PET bottles in a crease-resistant satin finish. Students must order their regalia by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, to receive it in time for Commencement. It is free to ship your cap and gown to Clark, there will be a $12.95 fee to ship to your home address. Distribution will be in Higgins University Center, Grace Conference Room on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14, from noon to 7 p.m. Please bring your Clark ID, as every graduating student must pick up their own cap and gown.
Tickets
Tickets will be required. The DCU Center offers unlimited seating for family and friends. Doors open to the public at 8 :30 a.m. for (Bachelor’s Degree Ceremony) and 1 :30 p.m. for (PhD and Master’s Degree Ceremony) All guests must enter the DCU Center through the main entrance doors 10, 11, & 12 and door 13 for guests with ADA needs at the intersection of Major Taylor Blvd and Foster Street. Students may order tickets for family and friends through the RSVP site.
Name
Make sure we pronounce your name correctly during the Commencement ceremony! You must record your name when you RSVP your attendance. Please register your attendance for the ceremony by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Identity Celebrations
ACE Graduation Ceremony
Celebration for first-year and senior ACE students and their families on April 18th, 6 p.m. in Higgins Lounge and Atrium. Invitation only.
International Student Graduation Celebration
Tuesday, May 13, 4 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Graduating international students are invited to join the International Center, President Fithian, and Provost Magee for the International Student Graduation Celebration.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, May 17, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
First-Generation Pinning Ceremony
Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Multicultural Graduation Ceremony
Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Registration is required for these events. An email invitation will be sent to you.
Photography
Graduation Photos
At the Commencement ceremony, Grad Images will photograph graduates as they receive their diplomas.
- When you receive your diploma, turn toward the audience briefly so the photographer can take your picture.
- Preregister to receive a 20 percent discount on your photograph purchase of $50 or more.
- Add your friends’ and families’ email addresses so they also can receive a link to view your photos and save 20 percent on their purchases.
Commencement Day Info
What to Wear — or Not
- Yes to formal caps and gowns.
- No to altering your gown.
- Sure, go ahead and decorate your cap if you want, but with nothing you wouldn’t want your relatives or employers to see. Keep it classy!
- No backpacks or large handbags.
- No Halloween masks, costumes, theatrical makeup, clown wigs, or anything else you might use to conceal yourself. We want to see and celebrate you!
Check-in
- The DCU Center (Door #2) will open at 8:30 a.m.(undergraduate students) and 1:30 p.m. (PhD and graduate students) Please arrive in time to be checked in and seated by 9:30 a.m. (undergraduate students) and 2:30 p.m.(PhD and graduate students)
- Commencement marshals in red robes will help you find your seat. Undergraduate students sit in alphabetical order to the stage; graduates sit in order by their school.
- Students who have earned Latin honors will receive a gold honor cord.
- You must be robed and seated in the DCU by 9:30 a.m.(undergraduate students) and 1:30 p.m. (PhD and graduate students) to participate in the ceremony.
- For the entire Commencement ceremony, you will sit in the same seat, in the same order, so make sure to take care of personal needs before the procession begins.
Processional
- From the DCU Exhibit Hall, you will walk in pairs to the DCU Arena Floor.