Summer Commencement is scheduled for Friday, August 13, at 7 p.m., in Centennial Bank Stadium. Please read the information below for more information on the ceremony.
Graduates Check-in at SAC
Students will check in starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, at the Student Activity Center (SAC). We have encouraged your faculty to come by so that you can mingle with instructors and your fellow graduates. We will ask you to begin to find your seat in the stadium at 6:30 p.m. so we can begin at 7 p.m.
Unlike our previous outdoor commencements, students will be seated by college, and then in alphabetical order on the field.
Picking Up Your Cap and Gown Caps and gowns will be distributed at Textbook Brokers, the new official A-State Bookstore, located on 2106 East Johnson Ave. in Jonesboro. This is a change from previous years.
Pick-Up Windows Monday, Aug. 9 - Thursday, Aug. 12 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Textbook Brokers Friday, Aug. 13 - 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Textbook Brokers Friday, Aug. 13 - 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - Stadium Team Shop (Main Tower)
Walk Cards
You should receive two cards when you pick up your cap and gown from the bookstore. Please bring these cards with you to the commencement ceremony. It is important that you have these for the announcer and photographer. These cards have important information on it that YOU WILL NEED. Please consider these cards as part of your “regalia” and come to the ceremony with them.
Ceremony Start Time
The ceremony begins at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the First National Bank Arena at the same time and date. Due to the time of day, we anticipate that traffic will be heavy. Please plan accordingly.
Parking
Parking is available to students in the gravel lot near the SAC, and in the paved lots near the stadium. The exception of the parking lot south of the stadium, which is reserved for faculty. There is no parking in the grass. See this linked parking map for more information.
Attire
You should have received your academic regalia. No shoes with heels are allowed on the field due to potential damage to the field turf. PLEASE, do not wear heels for your safety. Casual shoes are highly encouraged due to trip hazards. Event staff may not allow you onto the field if you have inappropriate shoes.
Doctoral Students Unless you purchase your regalia from a distributor, your graduation fee only covers the rental of your cap, gown, and hood. Please return it to the Registrar’s table after commencement (open until 30 minutes after the ceremony) or you can return it to the Registrar’s Office on Monday, Aug. 16. Office hours are between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Failure to return your regalia could result in you being charged for the price associated with it, which is quite costly.
Weather
In considering your attire, please keep the forecast for a summer Friday evening in mind. There is little shade on the field, and the forecasted high temp for Friday is 96 degrees. Academic Affairs will have water on the field for you.
Seating
Again as a reminder, unlike the recent stadium commencements, seating for graduates will be grouped by college.
Family Seating
Both the east and west stands of Centennial Bank Stadium will be open for family seating. Masks are not required for the ceremony, but we would encourage family groups to space themselves apart from each other.
Concessions
Light concessions will be available for sale at the stadium.
A-State Clear Bag Policy
Please note that the university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Do not bring backpacks or large purses with you to the SAC for check in. Water will be provided on the field for graduates. Concession stands will be open for the audience.
