Commencement FAQs

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

• Undergraduates: Registrar’s Office | 605.274.4121 | registrar@augie.edu
• Graduate Degree Candidates: Office of Graduate Education | 605.274.4113 | graduate@augie.edu

For Undergraduates & Graduate Ceremonies: If you plan to participate in a commencement ceremony, you need to order your regalia from Herff-Jones. Orders are due no later than Thursday, April 18. All orders will be shipped to the address you specify.

Applications for the student commencement speaker will be available in late March. Students will be required to submit a draft of their speech as part of the selection process.

Graduation announcements, class rings and diploma frames are available from Herff-Jones. Personalized announcements are available online.

Diplomas will be mailed to students in the weeks following commencement. Typically, diplomas go out in late June or early July. Diplomas will not 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.

We are proud to count you among Augustana’s 30,000 alumni living in all 50 states and 65 different countries. We want to stay in touch and hear about your life after Augustana. As your contact information changes, inform us of changes using the “Update Information” tab on the alumni website. The alumni website is 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 stay connected via LinkedIn as well. Once a Viking, Always a Viking!

Your best source for updated information regarding commencement activities is augie.edu/commencement, as well as your email inbox. Students will receive several communications regarding schedules, deadlines and reminders so check your inbox frequently between now and commencement.

Graduation announcements, class rings and diploma frames are available from Herff-Jones. Personalized announcements are available online.

The west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium should provide ample seating for all guests who wish to attend commencement ceremonies. However, there will also be seating available on the east side of the stadium. All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed as well. Tickets will not be required on the day of the event.

No, only the graduates and faculty will be allowed on the field. A professional photographer will take a photo as students cross the stage and a posed photo in front of a backdrop. You may order photos after the ceremony.

Go to Ceremony Photos for information about commencement photographs. Any questions can be addressed to service@CeremonyPhotos.com.

There is no obligation to purchase. A link to commencement photograph proofs will be sent to participating graduates via their Ole email account.

Please do not send photography inquiries to Augustana.

Both commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed on Augustana University's Youtube channel.

• Undergraduate Commencement | Saturday, May 18 | 10:30 a.m.
• Graduate Hooding & Commencement | Saturday, May 18 | 2 p.m.

Youtube Channel

Concessions will be open for the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. A limited menu, bottled water and other beverages will be available for purchase. Concessions will close following this ceremony.

Bottled water will be available for the Graduate Hooding & Commencement Ceremonies at 2 p.m. 

You are also welcome to bring your own water bottle for either event.

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

Yes, Kirkeby-Over Stadium has seating available along the concourse which accommodates wheelchairs/walkers for those who need it.

Yes, a sign language interpreter will be available. 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.

Yes, there is an elevator to the concourse level on the west side of the stadium.

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 and Solberg Hall 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.

Campus Map

Both commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed on Augustana University's Youtube channel.

• Undergraduate Commencement | Saturday, May 18 | 10:30 a.m.
• Graduate Hooding & Commencement | Saturday, May 18 | 2 p.m.