Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions regarding Augustana's celebration of graduates. 


Details for Gradauates


Q: Do I need to apply to graduate?

A: Yes, you need to apply to graduate. If you have not done so and are planning to graduate in May of 2021, please contact one of the following offices as soon as possible:

  • (for undergraduates) Registrar’s Office at 605.274.4121 or email registrar@augie.edu
  • (for Master's Degree candidates) Graduate Education Office at 605.274.4113 or email graduate@augie.edu

Q: How do I order my cap and gown?

A: If you plan to participate in a commencement ceremony you need to order your regalia from Herff-Jones. Orders are due no later than April 19. After April 12, undergraduates may only have your regalia shipped to you. If previously shipped to campus, you will pick up your regalia at rehearsal on Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. in the Elmen Center.


Q: How do I apply to be the senior commencement speaker for my class?

A. You are invited to apply to be the commencement speaker. The details are here. If you are not interested in being the speaker, but have someone you’d like to hear from, please encourage them to apply!


Q: Do I have to attend rehearsal on Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. in the Elmen Center?

A: All 2021 undergrad students are expected to attend rehearsal. All students who had regalia shipped to campus are expected to attend rehearsal.

Graduate students and/or 2020 students who have their regalia are not expected to attend.

Rehearsal will last approximately 30-45 minutes.


Q: How do I order graduation announcements, a class ring and diploma frame?

A: Graduation announcements, class rings and diploma frames are available from Herff-Jones. Personalized announcements are available online. Blank announcements are available in the Augustana Bookstore or by calling 605.274.4417.


Q: When will I receive my official diploma?

A: Diplomas will be mailed to students in the weeks following Commencement. Typically, diplomas go out in late June or early July. Diplomas cannot be released unless all student account balances are paid in full. Please work with the Business Office to take care of any remaining balance to ensure that your diploma is sent on time.


Family and Friends


Q: Where will I find the latest details about commencement activities?

A: Augie.edu/commencment is your best best source for updated information regarding commencement activities. Please check your email inbox, too. Students will receive several communications regarding schedules, deadlines and reminders so please encourage graduates to check their inbox frequently between now and May 22.


Q: How do I order graduation announcements, a class ring and diploma frame?

A: Graduation announcements, class rings and diploma frames are available from Herff-Jones. Personalized announcements are available online. Blank announcements are available in the Augustana Bookstore or by calling 605.274.4417.


Q: Where can I find gifts for a graduate?

A: Gifts for your graduate are available at the Augustana Bookstore, located in the Morrison Commons. Learn more.


Q: What capacity limits/social distancing measures will be in place?

A: For the Graduate Commencement (Friday) and the Class of 2020 Commencement (Saturday), the west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium will provide ample seating for all guests who wish to attend. Attendees will be asked to leave space between households in accordance with physical distancing protocols. For the Class of 2021 Commencement (Saturday), each graduate may invite up to six guests to be seated on the west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium. For additional family and friends, there will be seating available on the east side of the stadium and on the berms. All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed as well. Tickets will not be required on the day of the event; however, each graduate will be limited to west-side seating for six or fewer guests so all students and their families have access to this preferred seating area during the commencement ceremony.


Q: Are masks required?

A: Yes, all attendees are required to wear masks at the commencement activities events. Masks are also required when visiting any indoor places on campus. 


Q: Will families be able to take pictures with their graduates on the field?

A: No, only the graduates and faculty will be allowed on the fields. A professional photographer will take a photo as students cross the stage and also a posed photo in front of a backdrop. Those photos can be ordered here.


Q: Will we be able to purchase the professional Lifetouch photos?

A: Go to the site https://events.lifetouch.com/augustana for information about commencement photographs. Any questions can be addressed to specialevents@lifetouch.com, 800.505.9496 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST, or via the web site http://events.lifetouch.com/about/contactus.aspx.

There is no obligation to purchase. If a valid email address is available to the photographer, a link to commencement photograph proofs will also be sent to participating graduates via e-mail.

Please do not contact the school with inquiries related to photographic service.


Q: How will I be able to watch the the livestream of commencement

A: Augustana University will host three separate commencement ceremonies this year: 2020 & 2021 Graduate Hooding and Commencement (Fri., May 21 at 6 p.m.), 2020 Undergraduate Commencmement (Sat., May 22 at 10 a.m.) and 2021 Undergraduate Commencement (Sat., May 22 at 1:30 p.m.). All three ceremonies will be livestreamed on Augustana University's Youtube channel


Commencement Logistics and Protocols


Q: Are masks required?

A: Yes, all attendees are required to wear masks at the commencement activities events. Masks are also required when visiting any indoor places on campus. 


Q: Will the concession stands be open?

A: Concessions will be open on Saturday, May 22, from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 ceremonies. A limited menu which includes pancake wrapped sausages, donut hole cups and hot dogs will be available. Bottled water and other beverages will be available for purchase.


Q: What capacity limits/social distancing measures will be in place?

A: For the Graduate Commencement (Friday) and the Class of 2020 Commencement (Saturday), the west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium will provide ample seating for all guests who wish to attend. Attendees will be asked to leave space between households in accordance with physical distancing protocols. For the Class of 2021 Commencement (Saturday), each graduate may invite up to six guests to be seated on the west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium. For additional family and friends, there will be seating available on the east side of the stadium and on the berms. All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed as well. Tickets will not be required on the day of the event; however, each graduate will be limited to west-side seating for six or fewer guests so all students and their families have access to this preferred seating area during the commencement ceremony.


Q: Are the commencement ceremonies going to be held if it is raining?

A: Yes. The ceremonies will be held rain or shine. Please watch the forecast and bring an umbrella if needed.


Q: Is accessible seating available?

A: Yes. Kirkeby-Over Stadium has seating available along the concourse which accommodates wheelchairs/walkers. This seating will be available for those who need it.


Q: Is a sign language interpreter available?

A: Yes. A sign language interpreter will be available. Please email commencement@augie.edu if you or a guest will need these services so we are able to account for how large of a section to reserve for these services.


Q: Is there an elevator?

A: There is an elevator to the concourse level on the west side of the stadium.


Q: Where do I park? Do I need a pass? Is there a charge?

A: You may park in any Augustana parking lot on campus without a permit on Saturday. This includes the east side Elmen Center parking lot, west side stadium parking lot, Solberg parking lot and Bergsaker parking lot. Please see the campus map. There is no charge for parking. If lots are full, you may park along the streets surrounding the stadium. Please DO NOT park in the Our Savior's Lutheran Church parking lot as they have a wedding Saturday afternoon.


Q: How will I be able to watch the the livestream of commencement

A: Augustana University will host three separate commencement ceremonies this year: 2020 & 2021 Graduate Hooding and Commencement (Fri., May 21 at 6 p.m.), 2020 Undergraduate Commencmement (Sat., May 22 at 10 a.m.) and 2021 Undergraduate Commencement (Sat., May 22 at 1:30 p.m.). All three ceremonies will be livestreamed on Augustana University's Youtube channel


Post Commencement


Q: When will I receive my official diploma?

A: Diplomas will be mailed to students in the weeks following Commencement. Typically, diplomas go out in late June or early July. Diplomas cannot be released unless all student account balances are paid in full. Please work with the Business Office to take care of any remaining expenses and ensure that your diploma is sent on time.


Q: Who can help me find a job after graduation?

A: Be sure to keep in touch! The Student Success Center is here to assist with your initial job search and to stay in contact throughout your career. When you land your first job or commit to a graduate school program, notify us immediately so we can share your good news. Ongoing services include resume writing, job search help, posting positions and credential files — just to name a few! Visit us online or contact us at 605.274.4127. We look forward to hearing from you!


Q: Now that I'm a member of the Augustana alumni community, how do I access resources and stay connected to the university?

A: We are proud to count you among Augustana’s 30,000 alumni living across all 50 states and in 65 different countries. We want to stay in touch and hear about your life after Augustana. As your contact information changes, please inform us of changes using the “Update Information” tab on the alumni website. The alumni website will be a great place to learn about AU events happening in your area. Don’t forget to follow Augustana SD Alumni on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to stay connected via LinkedIn as well. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at many future events. Once a Viking, Always a Viking!


Further questions can be directed to: commencement@augie.edu.