Student Information

Graduation Application

Students must fill out an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) in order to graduate and participate in graduation ceremonies. The deadlines for each semester are:

  • Spring 2025 - February 28, 2025
  • Summer 2025 - July 15, 2025
    • Summer graduates wishing to have their name included in the digital program at the time of Commencement should apply for graduation no later than March 31, 2025. Summer graduates who apply after this date will have their name added to the digital program following the conclusion of the summer semester.

Candidates for Bachelor's and Associate Degrees

To participate in commencement events, a student must have filed an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) and be a graduate (or anticipated graduate) of Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 terms. Summer 2025 graduates are part of the class of 2025-26 and may "walk" early when approved by their college or statewide campus. For specific ceremony information, students may contact their college or campus rep.

Candidates for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees should have filed an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's office (TSC 246) and be a graduate (or anticipated graduate) of Summer 2024, Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semesters. Summer 2025 graduates are part of the class of 2025-26 and may "walk" early when approved for early commencement.  Depending on whether a student is on Plan A, B, C, or a doctoral candidate, varying processes and paperwork exist which signal program completion and qualification for commencement participation.  Students should view the semester deadlines to identify the deadlines and necessary steps required for degree completion and have their degree posted to their transcript. If further clarification is required, please email gradcommencement@usu.edu.

Candidates for master's and doctoral degrees will be hooded in their respective college's convocation or at a separate college hooding ceremony.

Academic Regalia

Participants in the ceremony should wear authorized caps and gowns. There will be a Grad Fair on the Logan Campus on March 18-19, 2025, 8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. at the Campus Store where you can purchase your regalia. Starting March 20th, regalia will be available to purchase online from the USU Campus Store. Candidates for degrees wear the black mortarboard with a tassel that is a color distinctive of the degree being received.

Many Statewide Campuses provide regalia rentals for the ceremonies. If you plan to attend at USU Eastern or USU Blanding, you must purchase your own regalia through the campus store or online. Contact your statewide campus coordinator for more information.

Please wear the prescribed academic costume that corresponds to your degree. Each part of the regalia has a traditional meaning specific to your major field, Utah State University, and higher education. Graduate degree candidates are asked to come to graduation ceremonies in full regalia.

Tassel Colors

 
Maize
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
 
Light Blue
Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
 
Russet
S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
 
Brown
Caine College of the Arts
 
Orange
College of Engineering
 
Yellow-Gold
College of Science
 
Drab
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
 
White
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
 
Black
Integrated Studies Bachelor's Degrees, Associate Degrees, and Certificates
 
Black
School of Graduate Studies

Honors Cords and Medallions

Honors cords and medallions are given by your college. You should be contacted with instructions on how to receive them. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your college representative.

Stoles and Cultural Heritage Adornments

Objects of cultural significance are also welcome as approved regalia for ceremonies. Students may choose to wear stoles offered by professional organizations or academic societies in their field-of-study. Students should contact these organizations directly to inquire about the availability and ordering of professional stoles.

Diplomas and Diploma Covers

Graduates who participate in live Commencement events will receive a diploma cover. Summer and Fall 2024 graduates have previously received their diplomas in the mail. Diplomas will be mailed to Spring 2025 graduates approximately six weeks after the end of the semester when grades have been verified and degrees conferred. These will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation packet. All 2024-25 graduates should make sure that both their preferred address and their diploma address in Banner are correct. Students can update the address in Banner and then should inform the Registrar’s Office via email at registrar@usu.edu.

Summer Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the summer semester are part of the next graduating class (e.g. someone completing summer 2024 is part of the class of 2024-25). 

Fall Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the fall semester are part of the next graduating class (e.g. someone completing fall 2024 is part of the class of 2024-25).

Spring Graduates

Students who complete their degree requirements and have applied for graduation for the spring semester are part of that year’s graduating class (e.g. someone completing spring 2025 will be part of the class of 2024-25). They should plan to participate in the spring Commencement that corresponds with their graduation term.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the differences between University Commencement and College Convocations?

Commencement is a University wide celebration for all students. Students will process from the Quad to the Spectrum, led by bagpipes, faculty, and dignitaries. At the ceremony you will hear from the USU President, as well as our Commencement speaker. The Provost will present candidates for graduation.

College Convocations are planned by each college and have some variance.  In each, the students’ names are read as they cross the stage and receive their diploma cover.  A professional photo will be taken of them as this happens. 

Schedules for all graduation ceremonies can be viewed on the schedule tab.

How do I "sign up" to participate in graduation ceremonies?

The graduation application can be found on the Registrar's website. This application allows you to receive your diploma. Deadlines for submitting your application are listed at the top of this page. No registration or RSVP is needed to participate in the ceremonies!

I marked on my Graduation Application that I wasn’t planning to attend the Commencement Ceremony, but now I want to attend. Who do I need to notify?

No one! We include that question on the application for general planning purposes but do not require an actual RSVP. You are welcome to join the Commencement ceremony regardless of how you answered the application question. 

How long are the University Commencement and College Convocation ceremonies?

The University Commencement will last approximately an hour and 15 minutes. College convocation times vary and range from 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Do my guests and family members need a ticket?

Tickets are not required for any of the graduation ceremonies.

Are spouses who are graduating from different colleges permitted to walk together?

Spouses can absolutely to walk together for the University Commencement!  If they also want to participate in a college convocation together, they will need to talk to the college graduation representative(s) for the college(s) involved.  A list of college reps can be found below.

Will a photographer be taking photos during ceremonies?

USU provides professional photography during the ceremonies. Each graduate will get a personal photo taken after receiving their diploma cover. All photos will be posted within 24-48 hours of the ceremony ending.

Can ceremonies be viewed online?

Yes! Most ceremonies will be streamed live. Recordings of the ceremonies will be posted approximately 2 weeks later.

Additional Information

Questions regarding your diploma should be sent to registrar@usu.edu. Questions regarding Commencement Ceremonies should be sent to commencement@usu.edu. Questions about College Convocation Ceremonies should be directed to your college representative listed below.

College Representatives

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

For information regarding ASL interpreting, accessible parking, and wheelchair access, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 435-797-2444 or via email at drc@usu.edu.