Graduation

Start by reviewing your Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) if you’re an undergraduate student or iPos if you’re a graduate student. Check with your academic advisor to confirm you’re set to graduate this semester.

Apply for graduation by visiting My ASU and clicking Apply for Graduation in your My Programs box. Be sure your web browser’s pop-up blockers are off before starting the process.

Application deadlines

• Fall: October 1
• Spring: February 15
• Summer: June 15

The deadlines are for all graduates, including those not attending a ceremony.

Fees

• Application fee - $100.
• Each additional, concurrent degree - $25.
• Late fee, if applicable - $35.

Keep an eye out for multiple emails regarding your graduation. These emails will contain information about applying for graduation, important dates, ceremonies and how to prepare for the ceremonies.You’ll receive emails from:

• ASU Online.
• The graduation ceremonies office.
• Your individual college.

Honor cords are available to eligible undergraduate students and will be distributed based on their GPA at the time they apply to graduate. Eligible ASU Online students will automatically receive their honor cords by mail, at least one month before graduation.

We love to see our online students at graduation ceremonies. Making a trip out of it? Check out the resources below for making the most of your time in town.

Where to stay

Sun Devils can find hotel discounts through the ASU Alumni Association and the ASU Travel Guide.

If you’re an ASU Online student through a corporate partnership, you’ll be notified via email of any additional lodging accommodations secured by your company.

What to do

Check out ASU’s Coming to Campus guide to find top attractions and fun things to do around town, plus details on local transportation options.

Graduates are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.

You can get your gear one of two ways:

• Order your graduation apparel from Herff Jones, ASU’s official partner.
• Purchase your apparel during the online grad fair. Discounts will be available with alumni packages.

Online purchases for graduation apparel may be made online by an established deadline. After that, apparel must be purchased in person at a campus bookstore.

Watch these helpful videos to learn more about how to dress for graduation.

How to wear your bachelor’s cap and gown

How to wear your master’s cap and gown

How to wear your doctorate cap and gown

ASU Online students are encouraged to come to campus and participate in any ceremony for which they are eligible. There is not an ASU Online specific ceremony, but ceremonies include commencement, college convocations and special interest celebrations. See the ASU graduation website for details on all ceremonies. Your success coach is happy to help you choose your ceremonies, too. 

Commencement vs. convocation

Commencement is a university-wide ceremony for graduates of all colleges and special interest groups. It’s an opportunity for you and your friends and family to celebrate your achievements with thousands of your fellow graduates while hearing from the commencement speaker and ASU administrators.

Convocations and celebrations are ceremonies for specific colleges and special interest groups. Each student’s name will be called and you’ll get your moment in the spotlight on the graduation stage. You’re encouraged to attend any convocation for which you’re eligible. 

Convocations take place at different campuses and throughout the Phoenix region. Check the official graduation calendar for the most up-to-date information on all convocations and celebrations.

This chart may help you determine which ceremonies are best for you and any friends and family looking to attend.

Ceremony	Registration required	Tickets for guests	Graduate's name called
Undergraduate commencement
Graduate commencement
College convocations		Check graduation website
Special interest celebrations		Check graduation website

See the ASU graduation website for a full calendar of graduation ceremonies.

Summer graduates

Graduates completing coursework in August may opt to participate in ceremonies in May prior to course completion or in December following course completion. This applies to undergraduate candidates and most master’s degree candidates. Check with your success coach for details.

How to register for a ceremony 

• Confirm you’ve applied for graduation and have paid the applicable fees.
• Once the registration system opens, a Register Ceremonies link will appear under the Graduation tab on your My ASU page.
• Click the link for a ceremony you wish to attend.
• Complete the registration form.
• Click the Submit button at the bottom of the page after completing the registration form.
• Repeat steps 3-5 for each ceremony you wish to attend.

Please note: Failure to properly submit the form will result in your registration not being recorded. You’ll receive a confirmation via email after successfully submitting a form for each ceremony.

You’ll need to register to attend your convocation (college ceremony where your name is called) and commencement (large university ceremony) if you want to attend. Review the ceremony registration website to find exact dates for the upcoming ceremony, but the registration deadlines typically follow the timeline below: 

• Registration for ceremonies opens about 10–12 weeks before graduation, and it closes one month before graduation.
  • Spring ceremony registration usually opens in late February and closes around the first week of April.
  • Fall ceremony registration opens in September and often closes in November.

Graduation ceremonies are streamed online at ASU Live for graduates celebrating at home and friends and family who aren’t able to attend in person. Check the graduation calendar for ceremony times.

The big day is here! Consult the checklist below to ensure you’re ready for a stress-free celebration.

• Check the official graduation calendar to confirm the time and location of each ceremony you’re attending.
• Need a reminder of how graduation wear is supposed to look? Watch these videos.
• Getting to campus doesn’t need to be difficult. Take a look at the campus map to determine where you want to park or be dropped off by a rideshare or public transit.
• Know the rules of entrance to the venue:
  • All ceremonies are subject to a clear bag policy.
  • Camera bags and tripods are not permitted.
  • Bring your ASU or government-issued ID with you to all ceremonies.
  • Ensure your guests have tickets if they’re required for your convocation.
• Celebratory flowers will be available for purchase through the Commencement Group.

Please note: Historically the university celebrates with fireworks at the end of the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Get social! Celebrate your accomplishment on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #ASUGrad, #ASUOnline and #SunDevilNation and tagging our accounts @ASUOnline and @ASU. 

Join the alumni association, share your story and inspire the next generation of Sun Devils. You’re a Sun Devil for life!

ASU Online Alumni Chapter

Stay connected with Sun Devils worldwide! The ASU Online Alumni Chapter brings online graduates together through virtual events, networking, and volunteer opportunities, continuing your ASU journey wherever you are.

Alumni career services

You have lifetime access to webinars, career fairs, a variety of career development events, a mentor program and a comprehensive career search database.

ASU Alumni Association

All graduated Sun Devils are automatically a member of the ASU Alumni Association. Attend events around the country, build your network, take advantage of discounts and more.

Continuing and Professional Education

Calling all lifelong learners! Continuing education courses allow you to gain new skills and knowledge, while helping to advance in your career.

Local alumni chapters

We’ve got local alumni chapters located coast to coast and around the world. Find a chapter near you, network with fellow alumni and catch up with old friends.

Master’s and PhD programs

Not ready to take your foot off the gas? Explore higher degree options through ASU Online.

What’s your inspiration, Sun Devil?

Use your story to inspire current and future Sun Devils. Complete this survey for the opportunity to be featured in a newsroom article around your ASU experience.