Student Information

Candidates for Bachelor's and Associate Degrees

To participate in commencement events, a student must have filed an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) by February 28, 2024 and be a graduate (or anticipated graduate) of Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 terms. Summer 2024 graduates are part of the class of 2024-25 and may "walk" early when approved by their college or statewide campus. For specific ceremony information, students may contact their college rep on the Logan Campus Schedule page or their campus rep on the Statewide Campuses Schedule page.

Candidates for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees should have filed an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) by February 28, 2024 and be a graduate (or anticipated graduate) of Sumer 2023, Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semesters.  Summer 2024 graduates are part of the class of 2024-25 and may "walk" early when approved for Early Commencement.  Depending on whether a student is on Plan A, B, C, or a doctoral candidate, varying processes and paperwork exist which signal program completion and qualification for commencement participation.  Students should visit the Semester Deadlines to identify the deadlines and necessary steps required for degree completion and have their degree posted to their transcript. If further clarification is required, please email gradcommencement@usu.edu.

Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees will be hooded in their respective college's convocation or at a separate college hooding ceremony.

Academic Regalia

Participants in the ceremony should wear authorized caps and gowns. There will be a Grad Fair on the Logan Campus Feb. 27-28, 8am-6pm at the Campus Store where you can purchase your regalia. Starting February 29th, regalia will be available to purchase online the USU Campus Store. Candidates for degrees wear the black mortarboard with a tassel that is a color distinctive of the degree being received.

Many Statewide Campuses do provide regalia rentals for the ceremonies. If you plan to attend at USU Eastern or USU Blanding, you must purchase your own regalia through the campus store or online. Contact your statewide campus coordinator for more information.  Contact information can be found on the Statewide Campuses Schedule.

Please wear the prescribed academic costume that corresponds to your degree. Each part of the regalia has a traditional meaning specific to your major field, Utah State University, and higher education. Graduate degree candidates are asked to come to graduation ceremonies in full regalia.

Tassel Colors

 
Maize
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
 
Light Blue
Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
 
Russet
S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
 
Brown
Caine College of the Arts
 
Orange
College of Engineering
 
Yellow-Gold
College of Science
 
Drab
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
 
White
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
 
Black
Integrated Studies Bachelor's Degrees, Associate Degrees, and Certificates
 
Black
School of Graduate Studies

Honors Cords and Medallions

Honors cords and medallions are given by your college. You should be contacted with instructions of how to receive them. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your college representative.

Stoles and Cultural Heritage Adornments

Objects of cultural significance are also welcome as approved regalia for ceremonies. Students may choose to wear stoles offered by professional organizations or academic societies in their field-of-study. Students should contact these organizations directly to inquire about the availability and ordering of professional stoles.

Diplomas and Diploma Covers

Graduates who participate in live Commencement events will receive a diploma cover.  Summer and Fall 2023 graduates have previously received their diplomas in the mail. Diplomas will be mailed to Spring 2024 graduates approximately six weeks after the end of the semester when grades have been verified and degrees conferred. These will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation packet. All 2023-24 graduates should make sure that both their preferred address and their diploma address in Banner are correct. Students can update the address in Banner and then should inform the Registrar’s Office via email at registrar@usu.edu.

Summer Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the summer semester are part of the next graduating class (e.g. someone completing summer 2023 is part of the class of 2023-24). 

Fall Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the fall semester are part of the next graduating class (e.g. someone completing fall 2023 is part of the class of 2023-24).

Spring Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the spring semester are part of that year’s graduating class (e.g. someone completing spring 2024 will be part of the class of 2023-24). They should plan to participate in the spring Commencement that corresponds with their graduation term.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the differences between University Commencement and College Convocations?

Commencement is a University wide celebration for all students. Students will process from the Quad to the Spectrum, led by bagpipes, faculty, and dignitaries. At the ceremony you will hear from USU President Elizabeth Cantwell, as well as our Commencement speaker. Provost Larry Smith will present candidates for graduation.

College Convocations are planned by each college and have some variance.  In each, the students’ names are read as the cross the stage and receive their diploma cover.  A professional photo will be taken of them as this happens. 

Schedules for all graduation ceremonies can be viewed on the schedule tab.

How do I "sign up" to participate in graduation ceremonies?

The graduation application can be found on the Registrar's website. This application allows you to receive your diploma. The deadline for Spring 2024 graduation is February 28th. No registration is needed to participate in the ceremonies!

How long are the University Commencement and College Convocation ceremonies?

The University Commencement will last 2 hours. College convocation times vary, and range from 90 minutes to 2 hours. A full schedule can be viewed here.

Do my guests and family members need a ticket?

Tickets are not required for any of the graduation ceremonies.

Are spouses who are graduating from different colleges permitted to walk together?

Spouses can absolutely to walk together for the University Commencement!  If they also want to participate in a college convocation together, they will need to talk to the college graduation representative(s) for the college(s) involved.  A list of college reps can be found on the Commencement webpage.

Will a photographer be taking photos during ceremonies?

USU provides professional photography during the ceremonies. Each graduate will get a personal photo taken after receiving their diploma cover. All photos will be posted within 24-48 hours of the ceremony ending.

Where can I learn more about event parking and transportation?

You can view information about parking and transportation on the USU website.

Can ceremonies be viewed online?

Yes! Most ceremonies will be streamed live. Recordings of the ceremonies will be posted approximately 2 weeks later.

Additional Questions

Questions regarding your diploma should be sent to registrar@usu.edu. Questions regarding Commencement Ceremonies should be sent to commencement@usu.edu. Questions about College Convocation Ceremonies should be directed to your college representative listed below.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

For information regarding ASL interpreting, accessible parking, and wheelchair access, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 435-797-2444 or via email at drc@usu.edu.