Spring Commencement

Georgia College & State University's Spring Commencement Ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 2024.  All May and August degree candidates are invited to participate.

Picture of students facing the stage during commencement.  One cap is decorated with the phrase "you're gonna make it after all."

Congratulations as you near the completion of your degree!  Or, if you are a family member or friend of a graduation candidate, thank you for supporting your student throughout their college years.  The information below is for graduation candidates, their guests, and others who may be interested in watching our commencement ceremonies remotely.  This information may be updated periodically, and a change log is included at the end of this page.

DateS

Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 2024

Ceremony TimeS

There will be four ceremonies on commencement weekend. Students may only participate in the ceremony for their respective college. 

The College of Health Sciences ceremony will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM.  This ceremony will recognize graduate and undergraduate students majoring in the areas of athletic training, exercise science, health and human performance, kinesiology/physical education, nursing, and public health.  Doors will open for guests at 12 noon. Graduates must arrive and check in by 12:45 PM.  

The John H. Lounsbury College of Education ceremony will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM.  This ceremony will recognize graduate and undergraduate students majoring in Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education, as well as Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, Library Media, and Teacher Leadership.  Doors will open for guests at 5:00 PM. Graduates must arrive and check in by 5:45 PM.

The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM.  This ceremony will recognize graduate and undergraduate students majoring in accounting, business administration, computer science, data science, economics, finance, logistics and supply chain management, management, management information systems, marketing,   Doors will open for guests at 7:00 AM. Graduates must arrive and check in by 7:45 AM.

The College of Arts & Sciences ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM.  This ceremony will recognize graduate and undergraduate students majoring in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Sciences, Geography, History, Liberal Studies, Mass Communication, Mathematics, Music, Music Education, Music Therapy, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Rhetoric, Sociology, Theatre, or World Languages and Cultures.  Doors will open for guests at 12 noon. Graduates must arrive and check in by 12:45 PM.

Location

Georgia College & State University Centennial Center
251 S. Clark Street
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Campus Map

Student Check-In and Line-Up

Graduation candidates must check in at the student line up areas on the first floor of the Centennial Center no later one hour and fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Family and guests may not accompany their student in the line-up area.

Participants

Students who have submitted a May or August 2024 graduation application and who have been verified by the Registrar’s Office as on track to complete all degree requirements by the end of the Summer 2024 semester are invited to participate. 

Graduation applications were due Friday, September 15, 2023.  Late applications will be accepted; however, students who submit an application after Friday, March 29, 2024, may not be included in the commencement program. Even if a student’s name is not included in the commencement program, their name will be read when the student crosses the stage.

Students who require summer coursework must register or wait list needed courses by Friday, March 15, 2024, or email the Registrar’s Office with their plans to register for their remaining requirements. Students not registered for needed summer courses may be removed from the commencement program.

Graduates from prior terms who were not able to attend their commencement ceremony may also choose to participate in this event.  These students must complete the request to participate in a later commencement ceremony form. Students who submit this form after Friday, March 29, 2024, will not be included in the commencement program.

Because final grades for the Spring and Summer semesters are not received until after commencement, participation in the ceremony does not guarantee that all degree requirements have been completed or that the student will graduate.

Tickets

Tickets are required for the ceremony.  Each degree candidate will be issued up to 8 tickets.  Tickets are for admission to the venue only and are not issued for specific seats.  Children under the age of two who sit on an adult's lap for the ceremony do not need a ticket.

Tickets will be distributed electronically in late April 2024.  Students will receive ticket information via their bobcats email account.

Additional tickets will not be issued by any campus office. If a graduation candidate desires additional tickets, they are encouraged to reach out to friends and classmates in the graduating class who do not plan to attend or who are not using all of their tickets. Buying or selling tickets is a violation of the GCSU honor code and may result in exclusion from commencement activities. Students may not profit from sharing their tickets with another student or their guests. 

Ceremony Guest Seating

All guests must enter the Centennial Center through the main entrance. Tickets are required for entry.

Seating in the Centennial Center is general seating; both stadium and bleacher seats are available.  All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  All building occupancy restrictions will be enforced.

Individuals requiring handicapped accessible seating are encouraged to arrive early, as space for individuals using wheelchairs and individuals with mobility issues is limited.  Additional information for individuals with disabilities is included below.

Guests are asked to remain at their seats for the entire ceremony.  

Live Internet Viewing

The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live over the Internet via web cast. You may view the ceremony from the Georgia College graduation page.

Announcements

Balfour is Georgia College's authorized vendor. Students may order announcements through Barnes & Noble at Georgia College.  Information was sent to students' bobcat email addresses in February.

Regalia

Barnes & Noble at Georgia College coordinates the sale of regalia.  Please contact them directly at sm8124@bncollege.com or 478-445-8398 with any questions.

Regalia will be purchased through Oak Hall .  Students have two options for purchasing.

  1. Beginning in February, regalia may be ordered online and delivered to the student’s address.  The deadline for these orders will be in late March. 
  2. Beginning in April, regalia will be available for purchase at Barnes & Noble at Georgia College’s Books and Brew Location in the Ina Dillard Russell Library, 221 N. Clarke St.  This location is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 

The cost for a complete set of bachelor’s regalia is $111.98; this includes the robe, stole, cap, and tassel.  Students may order a bachelor's stole, cap, and tassel (with no robe) for $67.98.   Tax and, when applicable, shipping will be added to all orders at checkout.

The cost for a complete set of master's regalia is $113.98; this includes the master's robe, stole, cap, and tassel. The cost for a complete set of specialist regalia is $115.98; this includes the master's robe, stole, cap, and tassel.  A graduate hood, cap, and tassel can also be purchased for $65.98.  Georgia College makes no distinction between master's and specialist regalia.  Regalia purchased for a prior Georgia College graduate education degree may also be worn for the ceremony in which the candidate receives the educational specialist degree. Tax and, when applicable, shipping will be added to all orders at checkout.

The purchase of doctoral gowns, tams, and hoods will be completed in conjunction with the candidate's department.  

Students may also borrow all or part of their regalia from recent GCSU graduates rather than purchasing their own items. 

U.S. military personnel may wear appropriate military dress uniforms in lieu of regalia.  Regalia should not be worn over military uniform. 

Latin Honors Stoles

Undergraduate students whose institutional, overall, and Regents’ institutional grade point averages are all above a 3.60 at midterm of the Spring 2024 semester will be recognized as potential Latin honors recipients in the commencement program and will wear a blue collar stole instead of a green collar stole during the ceremony.  The Registrar's Office will notify  these students of their standing by April 1.  Green collars are automatically shipped with all regalia orders, and they may be exchanged for a blue collar at Barnes & Noble at Georgia College’s Books and Brew Location in the Ina Dillard Russell Library, 221 N. Clarke St.  This location is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 

A student’s final Latin honors status is not determined until after all grades are received and their degree is awarded.  As a result, students not recognized during the ceremony may later be awarded Latin honors, and students recognized  as potential honors graduates may no longer be eligible when their degree is awarded.

Other Cords, Stoles, and Medallions

Undergraduate students may wear cords, stoles, or medallions that signify their participation in various honor or co-curricular organizations, affiliation with certain identity groups, or academic achievement.  All cords, stoles, and tassels should be worn under the green or blue collar stole that is a part of all baccalaureate students' regalia. 

Graduate students traditionally do not wear cords, stoles, or medallions that were received as an undergraduate, nor do they receive cords or stoles at the graduate level.  The graduate hood represents the significant accomplishment of completing a master's, specialist, or doctoral degree.  Graduate students who are members of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi may wear the medal they received at induction with their graduate regalia.  

Cap Decorating

Students are encouraged to decorate their cap.  Inspirational messages, celebrations of achievement, university pride, and expressions of gratitude are particularly appropriate.  Decorations should be limited to the top surface of the cap and should lay as flat to the mortar board as possible to prevent obstructing the view of others.  Decorations should be consistent with Georgia College’s Code of Conduct and reflect our commitment to the 3Rs.  The university reserves the right to require graduates to change their cap if it is deemed inappropriate.  If you have questions about whether or not your decoration is appropriate, you may email a picture of your cap to registrar@gcsu.edu in advance of the ceremony. 

Other Attire 

Proper attire is required of all students participating in the ceremony.  We strongly encourage low-heel shoes during the ceremony, as degree candidates will be walking on ramped walkways and moving at a fairly quick pace.  As line-up may be moved outdoors, please also dress appropriately for the weather.

Pre-Ceremony Photos on Campus

We hope you will take advantage of the time between regalia pick-up and commencement to take pictures on our beautiful Milledgeville campus.  As you do, please be respectful and environmentally conscious by not leaving confetti, glitter, or other debris behind after your photo shoot.

Parking

Due to high traffic on the day of the event, guests are encouraged to carpool to the Centennial Center. Parking will be available in the Centennial Center lot, although these spaces are limited and will usually fill an hour prior to the event time. Guests may also use the either the Irwin Street lot (Lot # 28) or the Depot lot (Lot # 2) and utilize a shuttle for transportation to the event. Shuttles will run two hours prior the event start and one hour after the event ends. 

ADA parking will be available in front of the Centennial Center lot, entering through the N. Clark Street/Washington St. entrance.  Graduates can be dropped off near the student line-up area behind the Centennial Center.

For any parking or shuttle questions, please call the Parking and Transportation office at 478-445-7433.

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities

Graduation candidates who require assistance or accommodations should contact the Registrar's Office by Monday, April 29.  Staff members will work with the student to ensure that the student has access and support to fully participate in the ceremony.

Anyone requiring assistance may park in the designated parking area in front of the Centennial Center.  Families may also drop off guests with disabilities at the front entrance of the Centennial Center.  Georgia College will also provide assistance with golf carts and ADA accessible shuttles from this parking area.

The ramp accessible entrance is located on the right side of the main entrance, near the tennis courts.  Once inside, there will be two rows of handicapped seating available on both sides of the seating area.  There are twelve wheelchair accessible spaces along the top row of seating.  Only one individual in your party may remain with the person requiring accessible seating. All other members in your party will need to sit in the general seating areas.

A sign language interpreter will be available and signing from the left side of the stage; reserved seating for individuals who use an interpreter will be available directly in front of this area. 

If you or your guests require special assistance or use a sign language interpreter, please notify Disability Services at 478-445-5931 or by e-mail at disability@gcsu.edu so we can be prepared to best assist you. 

Prohibited Items

Although GCSU does not anticipate any security problems during commencement, we are constantly monitoring the events to protect the safety and security of our guests.  A bag check will be conducted at the door prior to entering the Centennial Center.  Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded. Students and their guests attending the ceremony are asked to leave behind certain items that are prohibited because of security reasons:

  • A clear bag policy will be in effect.  
  • No large bags, back packs, large purses or items larger than 12 x 12, except for items pertaining to medical conditions or child care
  • No wrapped packages will be permitted in the Centennial Center.  All gift bags are subject to search.
  • No firearms, knives, explosives, or other weapons
  • No artificial noise makers, air horns, or megaphones
  • No large signs, flags, poles, banners, or balloons that may obstruct the view of other guests
  • No laser pointers
  • No outside food or drinks
  • No drones or any unmanned flying vehicles allowed in the commencement venue or anywhere on the GCSU campus during commencement weekend without prior approval from GC Public Safety and in coordination with University Communications 
  • No animals, other than service animals as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Please refer to the ADA for common questions relating to service animals.  Please note that emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA.

In addition, graduates may not bring any personal items, like purses or bags, to the ceremony.  Students may bring their phone or camera.  Water will be provided for graduation candidates in the line-up area.

GCSU Public Safety has the authority to prohibit any other items deemed to be a security risk. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded, and any unlawful items are subject to confiscation

Tobacco-Free Campus

Guests also are reminded that all facilities of Georgia College are tobacco, electronic cigarette and vaping device-free. The use of all tobacco products including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and devices that simulate the use of tobacco are prohibited anywhere on GC grounds.

Student Seating Arrangement

A map of the student seating arrangement will be posted inside the main doors of the Centennial Center.  Guests may sit on either side of the stage.  

Guests will not be allowed in the student seating area at any time.

Commencement Program

Students who submitted their graduation application to the Registrar’s Office by Friday, March 29, 2024, will have their names included in the commencement program. 

During the ceremony, student names will be read and projected on video screens in the order listed in the commencement program.  The names of individuals not in attendance will not be read.

Lineup and Name Cards

Candidates will be lined up alphabetically within the degree designation they are receiving (BA, BBA, BMEd, BS, BSN, etc).  

Each student will be given a name card at check-in.  Students will line-up in numerical sequence as indicated on the name card.  In order to ensure your proper place in line, please be on time. 

Students will keep the name card with them during the ceremony and bring it with them when they approach the stage.  They will show it to the staff member at the end of the stage ramp so the card can be scanned, and then they will give the card to the reader before they cross the stage.  Students should begin to cross the stage as soon as their name is read.

Name Pronunciation

If your name is routinely mispronounced, please contact your commencement reader and provide the correct pronunciation of your name.  Readers' names and contact information will be sent in an email to each graduation candidate approximately one week before the ceremony.  Graduation candidates will also have the opportunity to say their name for their reader during line-up prior to the ceremony.

Faculty Participation, Line Up, and Processional

We encourage members of the faculty to join us for this important celebration and for the receptions following each ceremony.  Additional information will be distributed to faculty in April.

Faculty Marshals and Readers

With four ceremonies, we are always appreciative to our faculty who serve as marshals and readers for each event.  If you are interested in participating with either group, please contact Kay Anderson at kay.anderson@gcsu.edu.

Photographs

Degree candidates will be photographed by professional photographers as they cross the stage. GradImages, our graduation photographer, will provide proofs to each student at his or her bobcats email address approximately one week after the ceremony.

Guests and hired photographers/videographers will not be allowed on the Centennial Center floor to take pictures during the ceremony. 

Following commencement, GradImages photographers will be circulating outside the commencement venue to capture additional candid photographs of our graduates with their loved ones. The GradImages staff will be wearing red vests, so they will be highly visible and easy to locate.

Media Representatives

Members of the media should contact Cindy O’Donnell in University Communications to obtain a press pass for the event.

Recessional

Guests are asked to remain at their seats while the platform party, faculty, and students recess.  Guests should plan to meet their students at the reception on the Centennial Lawn following the ceremony.

Reception

All degree candidates and their guests are invited to join the Georgia College faculty, staff, and administration for a reception on the Centennial Lawn immediately following each ceremony. 

Share Your Memories

Tag your tweets and Instagram photos with #GCSU23 to share your favorite Georgia College experiences and your commencement photos.

Diplomas

Participating in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee that all degree requirements have been completed or that the student has graduated.  Diplomas will be mailed to the address the student has provided on his or her graduation application after the Registrar has received final grades and verified that all degree requirements were satisfied by the last day of the semester in which the degree is to be awarded. May 2023 graduates’ diplomas will be mailed in late May.  August 2023 graduates’ diplomas will be mailed in late August. Students who complete their last requirement in any summer term (including May term) are August graduates.   

Diploma Frames

Church Hill Classics is Georgia College’s authorized vendor for diploma frames.  Students may order online or obtain more information from Barnes & Noble at Georgia College.

Contact Information

Registrar's Office
Georgia College
Parks Hall 107, Campus Box 069
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Office: 478-445-6286
Fax: 478-445-1914
Email: registrar@gcsu.edu

Revised:  March 25, 2024.  Honor collar stole information updated.