Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Commencement Ceremonies:
What time do I need to arrive on May 5th?
Undergraduate students need to arrive and be seated at the Wellness Center (gym floor)
by 8:15 am. (Processional to Frost Arena will begin approximately 9:30am).
Graduate students need to arrive and be seated at the Frost Arena by 1:45 pm.
Is there a rehearsal? How do I know where to sit at the ceremony?
There is no rehearsal for SDSU Graduation Ceremonies. You are seated alphabetically,
within your college, on the gym floor of the Wellness Center. Lists indicating your
placement in the chairs (section, row, and seat) will be posted. Once the processional
begins, you are escorted in this same order to your seats at the Frost Arena.
How long does the ceremony last?
Spring graduation exercises typically conclude around 12:00 pm for the undergraduate
ceremony and 4:00 pm for the graduate ceremony.
There is no formal recessional at the end of the exercises; however, out of respect for
fellow graduates, you are expected to remain until conclusion of the ceremony.
Will a photographer be there to take my picture? If so, how do I order pictures?
Yes, a professional photographer will take your picture on and off stage. The photographer
is provided with your name and permanent address and will contact you approximately one
week after the Graduation ceremony. You may visit the following website to view and
order photos: www.jolesch.com/sdsu. Photos are available online approximately one week
after the Graduation ceremony.
Do I need to purchase tickets for my guests to attend ceremonies?
No, tickets are NOT required to attend ceremonies. However, due to the large graduating
class, seating in the HPER Center allows for only four guests per graduate.
Additional guests wishing to attend the undergraduate ceremony are encouraged to view it
on the large screen in the Student Union, just a short walk from the Arena.
In addition, the undergraduate ceremony is broadcast live on Mediacom Cable Channel 2,
which serves the Brookings area and surrounding communities.
Where/When do I pick-up my cap & gown?
You may pick up your cap and gown beginning March 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at
the University Bookstore in the University Student Union. The last day for students to
rent regalia is Friday, April 22nd. For additional questions, please contact the Bookstore
at 605-688-4163.
How much do cap & gowns cost?
Bachelors/Associates
$27.00 plus tax includes gown, cap, and tassel
*Honors cords are an additional $8.00 (if applicable)

Cap and tassel are the students to keep; gowns will be collected at the Frost Arena
immediately following the graduation ceremony.
Masters
$53.00 plus tax includes gown, hood, cap, and tassel
Ph.D.
$55.00 plus tax includes gown, hood, cap, and tassel

Cap and tassel are the students to keep; Master and PhD hoods along with gowns will
be collected at the Frost Arena immediately following the graduation ceremony.
How do I know if I should receive an academic honors cord?
The University Bookstore has a list of students receiving an honors cord. For questions
regarding the Honors Designation policy, please reference the SDSU Catalog.
Are there any restrictions regarding what I can wear to the ceremony?
All students are required to wear a cap, gown, and other appropriate academic regalia at
the commencement ceremonies. It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes as you
will be climbing bleachers and stairs and standing for short periods of time. Only
approved honors society cords may be worn; these cords can be acquired through your
program’s adviser.
Is there someplace at the Wellness Center/Frost Arena for me to leave personal items
during the ceremony?
No; please avoid bringing personal or valuable items as graduates should not carry
anything during the processional and there is no place to store these items during the
ceremony.
How will my name appear in the commencement program/on my diploma?
Your FULL NAME will be used for both the graduation program and diploma. You will
want to log-on to WebAdvisor, under MY PROFILE, to see how your name will be listed
in the graduation program and on your diploma. If a change does need to be made, you
must submit a Change of Name form to the Registrar’s Office (SAD 100) no later than
April 1st. This form can be found online at
http://www.sdstate.edu/campus/records/forms.cfm
How will I receive my diploma?
Diploma information may be submitted via MyState. You have the option of mailing
your diploma ($20 fee) to an address you provide or you may pick up your Diploma in
SAD 100 in early August. Be sure to check your Jacks email account often as more
information will be emailed to you throughout (and after) the semester.