Augustana University Commencement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When are Augustana University's commencement ceremonies?
A: Augustana University is holding its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. in Kirkeby-Over Stadium. Augustana's graduate commencement and hooding ceremony is on Saturday, May 23, at 2 p.m. in Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
Q: Do students need to apply to graduate?
A: Yes, students need to apply to graduate. If students have not done so and are planning to graduate in May. Undergraduates should contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@augie.edu. Graduate degree candidates should contact the Office of Graduate Education at graduate@augie.edu.
Q: Do graduates need to order a cap and gown?
A: If graduates plan to participate in a commencement ceremony, they need to order regalia from Herff-Jones. Orders are due no later than Friday, May 1. All orders will be shipped to the address you specify.
Q: How do students apply to be the senior commencement speaker for their class?
A: Applications for the student commencement speaker are available in late March. Students are required to submit a draft of their speech as part of the selection process.
Q: How do students 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.
Q: When will graduates receive their official diploma?
A: Diplomas will be mailed to graduates 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. Students should work with the Augustana Business Office to take care of any remaining balance to ensure their diploma is sent on time.
Q: How do graduates best access resources and stay connected to Augustana?
A: Augustana is proud to count its most recent graduates among the university's 30,000+ alumni living in all 50 states and 65 different countries. The university wants 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 Augustana University 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, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Once a Viking, Always a Viking!
Q: Is there a limit to the number of guests who may attend?
A: No, there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. 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.
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 field. A professional photographer will take a photo as graduates cross the stage and a posed photo in front of a backdrop. You may order photos after the ceremony. Please do not send photography inquiries to Augustana.
Q: Will the commencement ceremonies be livestreamed?
A: Yes, both commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed on Augustana University's Youtube Channel.
Q: Will concessions be available/open?
A: Yes, concessions will be open for the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 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. Guests are also welcome to bring your own water bottle for either event.
Q: Will the commencement ceremonies 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 for those who need it.
Q: Will a sign language interpreter be available available?
A: Yes, a sign language interpreter will be available for Augustana University's commencement ceremonies. Email commencement@augie.edu if you and/or a guest will need these services so we are able to account for how large of a section to reserve.
Q: Will an elevator be available?
A: Yes, there is an elevator to the concourse level on the west side of Kirkeby-Over Stadium where Augustana University's commencement ceremonies are held.
Q: Where are guests allowed to park?
A: You may park in any Augustana parking lot on campus without a permit for Augustana University's commencement ceremonies. This includes the east side Elmen Center parking lot, west side stadium parking lot and Solberg Hall parking lot. Please see the campus map at augie.edu/map.
Q: Do you need a pass/ticket? Is there a charge?
A: There are no tickets required/no charge for parking for Augustana University's commencement ceremonies. If lots are full, you may park along the streets surrounding Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
