For Graduating Students
Get Ready
RSVP
Will you be attending Commencement? How would you like your name to appear on your diploma and program? Please register your attendance for the ceremony and confirm your name on your diploma by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024.
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 22, 2024, 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 14, and Wednesday, May 15, 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 are not required. The DCU Center offers unlimited seating for family and friends. Doors open to the public at 8 :30 a.m. 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.
Name
Make sure we pronounce your name correctly during the Commencement ceremony! You will receive an email about NameCoach. You must record your name before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 22. Use the link in the email you received to learn how you can record your name using the web interface or by phone. Regardless of whether you have previously recorded your name, you must use NameCoach for Commencement. Email namecoach@clarku.edu for assistance.
Identity Celebrations
ACE Graduation Ceremony
Celebration for first-year and senior ACE students and their families on April 26, 5 p.m. Invitation only.
International Student Graduation Celebration
Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Graduating international students are invited to join the International Center, President Fithian, and Provost Royo for the International Student Graduation Celebration.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, May 18, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
First-Generation Pinning Ceremony
Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. in Higgins University Center, Tilton Hall
Multicultural Graduation Ceremony
Sunday, May 19, 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.
- High-heeled shoes are not recommended. Let’s be real — they’re not ideal. You need to keep up with your classmates in the procession.
- 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 8:00 a.m. Please arrive in time to be checked in and seated by 9:15 a.m.
- Commencement marshals in red robes will help you find your seat. Undergraduate students sit in alphabetical order to the stage; graduates sit in alphabetical order behind the undergraduate students.
- Students who have earned Latin honors will receive a gold honor cord.
- You must be robed and seated in the DCU by 9:15 a.m. 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.