Commencement

Graduate Resources

Get Ready for Commencement

Commencement ceremonies are held in Stewart Hall's Ritsche Auditorium and the ceremony schedule is posted on the commencement homepage. Guests resources including parking information for commencement day can be found on our Guest Resources page.

Use these resources to prepare for your special day.

A Graduate's Commencement Day Schedule

Check-in. Check in 45-60 minutes prior to your ceremony time to receive your name card (used to walk across stage) and guest tickets. Give your tickets and all items you do not wish to carry during the ceremony to your guests.
Line up. Go to the Stewart Hall first floor hallway at least 15 minutes prior to your ceremony time. SCSU staff volunteers will direct graduates how to line up.
Guests. Guests with tickets may take their seats in Ritsche Auditorium.
- Guests without tickets may watch from the overflow room. A family room is available for those who need space for small children. Volunteers will provide directions.
The ceremony. The commencement ceremony will last approximately 60 minutes. All graduates in attendance will have their names read as they walk across stage. Master and doctoral students will be hooded during their ceremony.
Post ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests and graduates may connect with one another on Atwood Mall or the Atwood Ballroom for photos and mingling.

Regalia

Visit our Regalia page for detailed guidance for purchasing and wearing commencement regalia, which is required to participate in graduation ceremonies. Students can order caps, gowns and other items online or purchase them in person at the Husky Bookstore, with key deadlines for ship-to-home and in-store orders. Regalia varies by degree level and may include optional items such as tassels, cords and stoles, with honors cords available for eligible undergraduates.

Plan ahead to ensure you have the correct attire for your big day!

Visit the Regalia Page

Guest Tickets

How many tickets do I get?

Each graduate will receive six tickets when they check in for their commencement ceremony the day of the event. Graduates will then be able to give those tickets to their family and friends. Seating is first come, first serve. There is no reserved seating.

International Guest Invites

International students wishing to invite family from outside the United States may request a letter from the Center for International Studies at International@stcloudstate.edu.

Domestic students wishing to do the same may make their request by emailing commencement at commencement@stcloudstate.edu. Include the name, birthday, and passport number in your email.

Photographs and Diplomas

Spring 2026 Photographs

Legacies by Laura Photography is partnering with SCSU for Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.

To receive communications regarding your commencement photo(s), you will need to opt-in to receiving communication. Legacies by Laura Photography won't spam you or share your information, and you can opt back out once the images are live.

Click here to opt in

Legacies by Laura Photography also partnered for our Fall 2025 ceremonies.

Diplomas

At commencement graduates receive an empty diploma holder. Diplomas are sent by mail about eight weeks after graduation, after grades are finalized and your graduation is confirmed.

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply nor guarantee graduation.

CONFIRM DOMESTIC MAILING ADDRESS

REQUEST INTERNATIONAL MAILING OF DIPLOMA

Spring 2025 Photographs

Professional photographs are taken at each ceremony. Lifetouch takes these photos and can be found on the website. You can opt-in to view commencement photos on their website: Galleries by PhotoDay | View your online picture day photos

Spring Commencement Access Code: 228875GY2025

Privacy

Graduates wishing to have their name omitted from the commencement program and/or not released to media outlets need to contact the Office of Records and Registration at least eight weeks prior to the end of the semester.

Office of Records and Registration
Email: registrar@stcloudstate.edu
In person: Administrative Services 118
Phone: (320) 308-2111