Graduate Commencement FAQs

There will not be a rehearsal for the commencement ceremonies. You will receive instructions at the East end of O'Neill Arena prior to the ceremony.

You can pick up your cap and gown during the Graduation Fair. If you cannot make it during that time, you can always pick them up at the bookstore. The SVSU Bookstore sells cords and stoles leading up to graduation. If they do not carry the exact one that you are looking for, you may purchase it elsewhere and wear it to Commencement.

SVSU official colors are Cardinal Red and Royal Blue. White is used as a highlight color.

• The traditional university-issued cap and gown is required. Please iron and hang your gown to eliminate wrinkles.

The undergraduate tassel is to be placed on the right side of the mortarboard (cap). The mortarboard is to be parallel with the floor. Graduate level tassels are to be worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap).

Please wear appropriate clothing under the gown.

Honors Cords can be worn by those who have achieved such honor.

• The specific honor for each student attaining the honors is printed in the official Commencement program under each student’s name.
• When the student crosses the stage during the Commencement ceremony, the honor the student received is read after their name.
• The academic honor received is printed on the student’s diploma.
• The academic honor received is printed on the student’s transcript of grades.

• Please note that honors designations are determined at the completion of the semester prior to the semester of graduation and are linked to the cumulative GPA at that time. Many Commencement participants are enrolled in courses during the semester of graduation and will earn grades that might alter the honors designation. The Commencement program must be prepared before the end of that semester, so the honors designations listed in the Program will pertain to the GPA as it appeared at the completion of the previous semester.

• Please note that honors cords are available only for those completing bachelor’s degrees, corresponding to their Latin honors (summa cum laude, e.g.).  For the purposes of Latin Honors designations and honor cords, grade point averages are not rounded as a matter of policy.  This policy adheres to the GPA categories for Latin honors listed in the university Catalog.  Those completing graduate degrees will wear the appropriate hood for the degree they have earned.

Stoles and other cords may be worn if they represent organizations or recognitions that are affiliated with SVSU. 

Honors designations are determined at the completion of the semester prior to the semester of graduation and are linked to the cumulative GPA at that time.  Many Commencement participants are enrolled in courses during the semester of graduation and will earn grades that might alter the honors designation.  The Commencement program must be prepared before the end of that semester, so the honors designations listed in the Program will pertain to the GPA as it appeared at the completion of the previous semester. The specific honor for each student attaining the honors is printed in the official Commencement program under each student’s name. When the student crosses the stage during the Commencement ceremony, the honor the student received is read after their name. The academic honor received is printed on the student’s diploma. The academic honor received is printed on the student’s transcript of grades.

The Commencement ceremony will last approximately between 1.5 - 2 hours. 

East O’Neill Arena (behind the Commencement stage curtain) is the location for both undergraduate and graduate degree students to gather, approximately 90 minutes before the ceremony. Each college (Arts & Behavioral Sciences, Education, etc.) will have a table with the announcer cards available for pick-up and there will be signage for line-up in the same area by the college.

SVSU ushers will be available for assistance.

Before the Commencement ceremony, you will line up by college in the East O'Neill Arena. An usher will lead your processional line down the hall and into the main O'Neill Arena floor. From there you will be directed to the row you will be seated. Following the Commencement speaker, the Deans of each college will call forward their graduates. An usher will lead your row out to the aisle, you will be directed up the right-side of the stage and will give your announcer card to the Announcer who will read your name over the sound-system. You will proceed to walk across the stage and shake the hand of the Dean and SVSU President. As you exit the stage to the left you will be stopped for a photograph. The photographer will also capture your handshake with the SVSU President. You will return down the aisle to your seat.

Please refer to the Apply to Graduate website (see deadline table). 

A professional photographer will take portraits as each graduate crosses the stage.  For more information on ordering prints, plaques, or specialty gifts, go to http://gradimages.com.  You will be under no obligation to purchase. For questions about your photos, contact Grad Images at 800-261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

Please advise your guests that pictures may not be taken from any area of the arena's floor during the ceremony.  Ask them not to cross the arena between the seating sections during the processional, the ceremony, or the recessional.  Guests may take pictures only while remaining in their seats.

Graduates will exit the arena during the processional and may return after to find their family and friends.

Yes, you will be required to have tickets for each of your guests. Each graduate is allotted 12 tickets. If a graduate would like more tickets, they can use some of another graduate who is not using all of their tickets.

Yes, when entering the Ryder Center, there will be signs directing to what college is sitting where in the arena. There will also be many volunteers available to assist you.

Contact the Alumni Relations Office at 989-964-4196 or alumni@svsu.edu and they will work with you to be sure your accommodation is met.

Graduates are discouraged from bringing extra belongings to Commencement as there is no place to store them. However, if a graduate must bring these valuables, they can be left with their guest until the ceremony is over.

During the Commencement Ceremony, you will receive your diploma cover. Your diploma will be mailed to you after the Registrar's Office has done its final audit; this generally takes 1-3 months. If you did not attend the Commencement Ceremony, then both your diploma and diploma cover will be mailed to you. If you would like to change the address that your diploma will be mailed, contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@svsu.edu or 989-964-4085.