Graduate Ceremony

May Commencement

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Ceremony Schedule

Use the table below to learn when you should check-in.

Students earning their graduate degree
from these colleges:		 Graduates Check-in Commencement Ceremony

All Colleges

Friday, May 9, 2025
6 p.m.

Friday, May 9, 2025
7 p.m.

Join the celebration and watch the livestream when available.

Graduate Commencement Livestream

Need assistance?

Send an email
Email: graduation@acu.edu

Call the Registrar’s Office
Phone: 325-674-2236

Quick links

Preparing for Commencement

Financial Aid Arrangements

Students with federal loans who have not completed an exit interview must do so by visiting www.studentloans.gov. You will be required to enter your FAFSA PIN.

Questions may be directed to Wildcat Central

Phone: 325-674-2300 or 888-588-6083.

Diplomas

The name and mailing address on the Application for Graduation will be used for the Commencement program and to print and mail diplomas. Therefore, you MUST fill out the Application for Graduation.

Application for Graduation

You will receive only a ceremonial diploma tube at Commencement.

If the address to which you want your diploma mailed (within two months following Commencement) has changed, it is your responsibility to inform the Registrar’s Office by emailing graduation@acu.edu.

Changing your address through the campus post office will not change your diploma address.

Invitations

You may order invitations by visiting the ACU Campus Store (Campus Map).

Important Reminders

For the Commencement Ceremony

  • Candidates should report to the check-in tables in the lobby of the Money Recreation and Wellness Center by 6pm on Friday, May 10. You will receive an email prior to rehearsal indicating which line you will be in.
  • You should arrive wearing your hat, robe and hood.
  • Do not bring other personal items with you to the Money Recreation and Wellness Center – they will not be secured and you may not carry them with you in the ceremony.
  • You will have the opportunity to address concerns about the accurate pronunciation of your name.
  • If you will require accommodations due to physical limitations, notify the Office of the Registrar by email at graduation@acu.edu.
  • Children may not be involved in Commencement and they may not be in the check-in line or in the ceremony with the graduate.

Ceremony Information

Dress and Regalia

Men
  • Suit coats are not required, but ties should be worn.
  • Dark slacks, dark socks, and dark shoes are considered appropriate apparel for academic regalia occasions.
Ladies
  • Dark clothing (either blouses and skirts or dresses) should be worn under the black robes.
  • Light colors of clothing should be worn under the white robes.
ALL graduates
  • No flowers are to be worn or carried.
  • According to traditions of academic regalia, no jewelry or non-academic accessories should be worn on the outside of the robe; no accessories or decor on the cap. 
  • The only honors designation for graduate students is membership in the Alpha Chi National Honor Society which is designated by an honor cord – no other stoles or cords should be worn with the regalia.
Guests
  • Sunday dress or business casual is the most appropriate attire for guests.

Purchasing Regalia

Master’s Degree
If you are earning a master’s degree, please order your regalia (cap, hood and gown) using the ACU Marketplace. You will have the option to pick up your order at the Campus Store or have it shipped to you. When your order is ready for pickup or shipping, you will receive an email from the Campus Store. You may pick up your order any time between now and May 10. The Campus Store’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Doctoral Degree
If you are a doctoral student, you will place your order online with Oak Hall.  Your order must be placed with them by March 13, 2024.

If you have any questions about ordering regalia, you may contact the ACU Campus Store at 325-674-2524.

Purchase Regalia

Photography

During the ceremony, each graduate will walk across the stage and receive a ceremonial diploma tube. Your photograph will be taken at this point by a professional photographer from Flash Photography. Free proofs will be mailed and emailed within a week of the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography directly at https://www.flashphotography.com/contact or by calling 888/325-3930. Then update the “Order Photos” button to go to https://www.flashphotography.com.

Since this service is provided by the university, all family members and guests are asked to remain in their seats during the entire ceremony. Under no circumstances will anyone other than the professional photographer be allowed on the platform or on the floor of Moody Coliseum to take pictures. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

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Order photos

Academic Honors Designations in Printed Program

The only honors designation for graduate students is membership in the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

Extra or Unusual Noises during Ceremony

Please ask your family members and guests to refrain from bringing air horns or other unusual noise-making instruments into the Coliseum for use during the ceremony. The ACU Commencement ceremony is not a high school ceremony.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Recessional

Please ask your family and guests at the ceremony to remain in their seats until the recessional is finished. Please stay in line with your fellow graduates until you have exited the Coliseum.

Wheelchair Accessible Seating

There is wheelchair accessible seating available on the mezzanine and floor levels of Moody Coliseum. This seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Handicapped Parking

The parking lot directly north of Moody Coliseum (located at B2 on the ACU Campus Map) will be reserved for special-needs guests with appropriate vehicle license plates or placards. This parking will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Commencement Livestream

For family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony in person, we will be livestreaming the Commencement ceremony.

MAY Graduate COMMENCEMENT

For further assistance, please call the Registrar’s Office at 325-674-2236 or email graduation@acu.edu.