Spring 2024 Commencement
Live Stream Link: (posted here the week of Commencement)
The Graduate School Spring Commencement
5 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 2024
The Complex
401 Baytree Road
3 p.m.
Doors open and guests start arriving
3:30 p.m.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
5 p.m.
Ceremony with pyrotechnics following
Undergraduate Spring Commencement
7 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Front Lawn
1500 N. Patterson Street
5 p.m.
Doors open and guests start arriving
5:30 p.m.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
7 p.m.
Ceremony with pyrotechnics following
**Tickets are not required for either Commencement ceremony, and there is no limit on the number of guests a graduate can bring. Seating is first come first served.
Map of Graduate Ceremony
Graduate School Map Information
Check-In Location:
Graduate check-in is at the designated degree table on the second floor. Graduates should enter The Complex in the southeast corner entrance by the tennis courts. At check-in, graduates will be given a card with their name on it. They will hand that card to the person reading names as they cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed out about six weeks after Commencement ceremonies. It takes time for the Registrar's Office to ensure all criteria has been met to award the degree.
NORTH Side Check-In on SECOND FLOOR:
All Doctoral graduates
All Education Specialist graduates
MLIS graduates
MSW graduates
MFT graduates
MS in Psychology graduates
MAT Special Ed, Secondary Ed, Health & Physical Ed
SOUTH Side Check-In on SECOND FLOOR:
College of the Arts graduates (including Music Education graduates)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences graduates
College of Humanities and Social Sciences graduates (including Foreign Languages and ESOL)
College of Science and Mathematics graduates
College of Business Administration graduates
MED Curriculum & Instruction, Education Leadership, Elementary Education, Health & PE, Instructional Tech, Special Education
MED Adult & Career Ed, Communication Disorders,
Graduate Information Table:
It is located on the second floor of The Complex on the east side.
Accessibility Seating:
The accessibility entrance is on the west side of The Complex from the Sustella parking lot. Please see the parking and transportation information below for more on that. Accessibility seating is on the floor of The Complex behind the graduates. If you need assistance, please ask one of the many volunteers on site. Accessibility seating is first come first served and is for the guest needing accommodations and one other person only.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are located in most corners of The Complex on both the first and second floors. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance finding a restroom.
Map of Undergraduate Ceremony
Undergraduate Ceremony Map Information
Graduate Check-In
Check-in location is based on the college from which you are graduating. Please see below. Also, at check-in, graduates will be given a card with their name on it. They will hand that card to the person reading names as they cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed out about six weeks after Commencement ceremonies. It takes time for the Registrar's Office to ensure all criteria has been met to award the degree.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Odum Library second floor
College of Science and Mathematics: Odum Library second floor
College of the Arts: Ashley Hall
Langdale College of Business Administration: Bailey Science Center Room 1011
Dewar College of Education and Human Services: Bailey Science Center Room 1023
College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Bailey Science Center Room 1024/1025
Faculty Congratulations:
Faculty from all six colleges will line up between the arches and the Front Lawn fountain to congratulate all our graduates. As graduates process in, they will be able to high five and receive congratulations from faculty.
Guest and Accessibility Dropoff:
There are two accessibility drop-off locations on main campus for the Undergraduate Ceremony. One is on the south side of the Front Lawn by the main entrance on Patterson Street. The other location is on the north side of campus. Just take Georgia Avenue, which is the street directly north of the Front Lawn. Then follow the signs and turn left into the Powell Hall loop. Guests needing accessibility accommodations can be dropped off, then the driver can finish the Powell Hall loop, coming back out onto Georgia Avenue. Accessibility parking is also available in the VSU lots along Georgia Avenue. Accessibility parking is first come first served.
Information Desks:
There is one information desk on site for graduates and guests to get any questions answered. It is by the Pedestrian Mall between Nevins Hall and West Hall.
Reserved Parking:
The Nevins Lot is reserved for special guests, the Platform Party, and emergency services.
Guest Seating:
Guests can sit behind the barricades in any of the chairs set up on the Front Lawn. All guest seating is first come first served.
Faculty and Graduates Seating:
Graduates and Faculty will sit in front of the barricades and near the stage so they can participate in the ceremony.
Guest Indoor Viewing:
Indoor viewing for guests is available in Converse Hall, which is on the west side of the Pedestrian Mall. The live stream will be set up there and restrooms are also available.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are available on both the north and south sides of the Front Lawn. Both are accessible.
SOUTH side: These restrooms are located in Nevins Hall. Please follow signage.
NORTH side: These restrooms are located in Bailey Science Center. Please follow signage.
Ambulance/First Aid:
There will be an ambulance on site along with many other first aid resources if needed. You can find all of that set up in the Nevins Parking Lot.
Accessibility Guest Seating:
Seating for guests needing accessibility is first come first served. It is located just to the outside of the graduate and faculty seating. If you know from which college your student is graduating, it is best to sit in the accessibility seating on that side. Please see graduate seating information below. Also, please note, accessibility seating is for the person needing accommodations and one other person only.
Graduate Seating:
Nevins/South side: College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of the Arts
Bailey/North side: College of Business, College of Education and Human Services, and College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Concessions:
Concessions are available in a tent on the south side of the Front Lawn
Parking and Transportation Map
The Graduate School Parking and Transportation Information
Guest Parking: Parking is available for all guests in the Oak Street Parking Deck and Oak Street Parking Lot, which are just to the south of The Complex, along with the Sustella Parking Deck on Sustella Avenue. Those are in green on the map above. Shuttles will be running to the Oak Street lot and both parking decks and will drop guests off by The Complex.
Accessibility Dropoff and Parking: Accessibility parking is available on a first come first served basis in the Sustella Parking Lot right next to The Complex on the west side. That is also where accessibility drop off is located. Once that parking lot is full, those needing accessibility assistance can still drop off there. This lot is shown in blue on the map above.
The Undergraduate Ceremony Parking and Transportation Information
Guest Parking: Parking is available for all guests in the Oak Street Parking Deck and Oak Street Parking Lot, which is across Oak Street from main campus, along with the Sustella Parking Deck on Sustella Avenue. Those are in green on the map above. Shuttles will be running to the Oak Street lot and both parking decks and will drop guests off just to the south of the Front Lawn on main campus.
Accessibility Dropoff and Parking: Accessibility parking is available on a first come first served basis in the Georgia Avenue lots just north of the Front Lawn. Georgia Avenue is also how you get to the accessibility drop off location, which is the Powell Hall loop. Follow signage to get to the dropoff location.
Email commencement@valdosta.edu with any questions.
VSU Bookstore Hours During Commencement
Friday, May 3
Pop-Up Shop at The Complex: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. or until the crowd is gone
On Site in the Student Union: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
Pop-Up Shop on the Front Lawn: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. or until the crowd is gone
On Site in the Union: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Important Dates and Deadlines
February 15, 2024: Ring Day at the VSU Bookstore (discounts will be available)
March 5-6, 2024: Grad Finale (more information below)
March 5, 2024: Spring Career Carnival from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Converse Square
March 5, 2024: Career After Dark: A Professional Networking Event from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Crane Plaza on North Campus
March 6, 2024: Spring Career Expo: The Pursuit of a Job from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Student Union Ballrooms
March 28, 2024: Deadline to buy cap and gown ONLINE to ensure they arrive before Commencement. Order cap and gown online here. Graduates can still purchase their cap and gown in person at the VSU Bookstore until Commencement week.
March 29, 2024: Deadline to apply for Spring 2024 graduation. Click here to apply.
April 2, 2024: First FREE Grad Photo Day on VSU's Front Lawn from 10 a.m. - noon. Wear your cap and gown or your best red and black business attire.
April 10, 2024: Spring Education Fair from noon - 4 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at the University Center
April 11, 2024: Second FREE Grad Photo Day from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on the fountain side of the Student Union (the side where Oak St. and Baytree Rd. intersect). Wear your cap and gown or your best red and black business attire. **UPDATE-Due to severe weather chances, this free Grad Photo session has been rescheduled to Friday, April 12 from 10 a.m. - noon on the Front Lawn. **
April 16, 2024: Final FREE Grad Photo Day from 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Wear you cap and gown or your best red and black business attire.
April 29, 2024: Ring Ceremony at 6 p.m. on VSU's Front Lawn
May 3, 2024: Graduate School Commencement at The Complex 5 p.m.
May 4, 2024: Undergraduate Commencement on the Front Lawn 7 p.m.
**Free Grad Photo weather makeup days will be the very next day at the same place and time.
ABOUT GRAD FINALE
This is an important event for all students graduating in May. It is a one-stop-shop for everything graduates need to get ready for their big day. Grad Finale can be attended both in person and online.
Here's more about Grad Finale:
- Buy or order your cap and gown
- Purchase your official class ring
- Get professional or graduation photos taken
- Order graduation announcements
- Purchase alumni gifts
- Join the 1906 society
- Get information about VSU's Graduate School programs
- And so much more!
Date: March 5-6, 2024
In Person Location: 1st Floor of the Student Union by the VSU Bookstore
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm both days
Online Grad Finale
Click here to visit the Online Grad Finale page.
If you have questions about anything related to Spring 2024 Commencement, you can reach out to commencement@valdosta.edu for more information.
Applying for Graduation
Graduates should apply for graduation with the Registrar’s Office the semester before they expect to graduate. Talking with your academic advisor can help with this process. The application must be received and the application fee must be paid before students are cleared to graduate.
Here is the link to apply for graduation and the link to pay the graduation fee: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/registrar/forms/graduation-forms.php
SPRING 2024 - Undergraduate Candidate List
SPRING 2024 - Graduate Candidate List
**If you have questions regarding the candidate list, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@valdosta.edu.
Live Stream Link: (posted here the week of Commencement)
The Graduate School Spring Commencement
5 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 2024
The Complex
401 Baytree Road
3 p.m.
Doors open and guests start arriving
3:30 p.m.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
5 p.m.
Ceremony with pyrotechnics following
Undergraduate Spring Commencement
7 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Front Lawn
1500 N. Patterson Street
5 p.m.
Doors open and guests start arriving
5:30 p.m.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
7 p.m.
Ceremony with pyrotechnics following
**Tickets are not required for either Commencement ceremony, and there is no limit on the number of guests a graduate can bring. Seating is first come first served.
Map of Graduate Ceremony
Graduate School Map Information
Check-In Location:
Graduate check-in is at the designated degree table on the second floor. Graduates should enter The Complex in the southeast corner entrance by the tennis courts. At check-in, graduates will be given a card with their name on it. They will hand that card to the person reading names as they cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed out about six weeks after Commencement ceremonies. It takes time for the Registrar's Office to ensure all criteria has been met to award the degree.
NORTH Side Check-In on SECOND FLOOR:
All Doctoral graduates
All Education Specialist graduates
MLIS graduates
MSW graduates
MFT graduates
MS in Psychology graduates
MAT Special Ed, Secondary Ed, Health & Physical Ed
SOUTH Side Check-In on SECOND FLOOR:
College of the Arts graduates (including Music Education graduates)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences graduates
College of Humanities and Social Sciences graduates (including Foreign Languages and ESOL)
College of Science and Mathematics graduates
College of Business Administration graduates
MED Curriculum & Instruction, Education Leadership, Elementary Education, Health & PE, Instructional Tech, Special Education
MED Adult & Career Ed, Communication Disorders,
Graduate Information Table:
It is located on the second floor of The Complex on the east side.
Accessibility Seating:
The accessibility entrance is on the west side of The Complex from the Sustella parking lot. Please see the parking and transportation information below for more on that. Accessibility seating is on the floor of The Complex behind the graduates. If you need assistance, please ask one of the many volunteers on site. Accessibility seating is first come first served and is for the guest needing accommodations and one other person only.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are located in most corners of The Complex on both the first and second floors. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance finding a restroom.
Map of Undergraduate Ceremony
Undergraduate Ceremony Map Information
Graduate Check-In
Check-in location is based on the college from which you are graduating. Please see below. Also, at check-in, graduates will be given a card with their name on it. They will hand that card to the person reading names as they cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed out about six weeks after Commencement ceremonies. It takes time for the Registrar's Office to ensure all criteria has been met to award the degree.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Odum Library second floor
College of Science and Mathematics: Odum Library second floor
College of the Arts: Ashley Hall
Langdale College of Business Administration: Bailey Science Center Room 1011
Dewar College of Education and Human Services: Bailey Science Center Room 1023
College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Bailey Science Center Room 1024/1025
Faculty Congratulations:
Faculty from all six colleges will line up between the arches and the Front Lawn fountain to congratulate all our graduates. As graduates process in, they will be able to high five and receive congratulations from faculty.
Guest and Accessibility Dropoff:
There are two accessibility drop-off locations on main campus for the Undergraduate Ceremony. One is on the south side of the Front Lawn by the main entrance on Patterson Street. The other location is on the north side of campus. Just take Georgia Avenue, which is the street directly north of the Front Lawn. Then follow the signs and turn left into the Powell Hall loop. Guests needing accessibility accommodations can be dropped off, then the driver can finish the Powell Hall loop, coming back out onto Georgia Avenue. Accessibility parking is also available in the VSU lots along Georgia Avenue. Accessibility parking is first come first served.
Information Desks:
There is one information desk on site for graduates and guests to get any questions answered. It is by the Pedestrian Mall between Nevins Hall and West Hall.
Reserved Parking:
The Nevins Lot is reserved for special guests, the Platform Party, and emergency services.
Guest Seating:
Guests can sit behind the barricades in any of the chairs set up on the Front Lawn. All guest seating is first come first served.
Faculty and Graduates Seating:
Graduates and Faculty will sit in front of the barricades and near the stage so they can participate in the ceremony.
Guest Indoor Viewing:
Indoor viewing for guests is available in Converse Hall, which is on the west side of the Pedestrian Mall. The live stream will be set up there and restrooms are also available.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are available on both the north and south sides of the Front Lawn. Both are accessible.
SOUTH side: These restrooms are located in Nevins Hall. Please follow signage.
NORTH side: These restrooms are located in Bailey Science Center. Please follow signage.
Ambulance/First Aid:
There will be an ambulance on site along with many other first aid resources if needed. You can find all of that set up in the Nevins Parking Lot.
Accessibility Guest Seating:
Seating for guests needing accessibility is first come first served. It is located just to the outside of the graduate and faculty seating. If you know from which college your student is graduating, it is best to sit in the accessibility seating on that side. Please see graduate seating information below. Also, please note, accessibility seating is for the person needing accommodations and one other person only.
Graduate Seating:
Nevins/South side: College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of the Arts
Bailey/North side: College of Business, College of Education and Human Services, and College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Concessions:
Concessions are available in a tent on the south side of the Front Lawn
Parking and Transportation Map
The Graduate School Parking and Transportation Information
Guest Parking: Parking is available for all guests in the Oak Street Parking Deck and Oak Street Parking Lot, which are just to the south of The Complex, along with the Sustella Parking Deck on Sustella Avenue. Those are in green on the map above. Shuttles will be running to the Oak Street lot and both parking decks and will drop guests off by The Complex.
Accessibility Dropoff and Parking: Accessibility parking is available on a first come first served basis in the Sustella Parking Lot right next to The Complex on the west side. That is also where accessibility drop off is located. Once that parking lot is full, those needing accessibility assistance can still drop off there. This lot is shown in blue on the map above.
The Undergraduate Ceremony Parking and Transportation Information
Guest Parking: Parking is available for all guests in the Oak Street Parking Deck and Oak Street Parking Lot, which is across Oak Street from main campus, along with the Sustella Parking Deck on Sustella Avenue. Those are in green on the map above. Shuttles will be running to the Oak Street lot and both parking decks and will drop guests off just to the south of the Front Lawn on main campus.
Accessibility Dropoff and Parking: Accessibility parking is available on a first come first served basis in the Georgia Avenue lots just north of the Front Lawn. Georgia Avenue is also how you get to the accessibility drop off location, which is the Powell Hall loop. Follow signage to get to the dropoff location.
Email commencement@valdosta.edu with any questions.
VSU Bookstore Hours During Commencement
Friday, May 3
Pop-Up Shop at The Complex: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. or until the crowd is gone
On Site in the Student Union: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
Pop-Up Shop on the Front Lawn: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. or until the crowd is gone
On Site in the Union: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Important Dates and Deadlines
February 15, 2024: Ring Day at the VSU Bookstore (discounts will be available)
March 5-6, 2024: Grad Finale (more information below)
March 5, 2024: Spring Career Carnival from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Converse Square
March 5, 2024: Career After Dark: A Professional Networking Event from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Crane Plaza on North Campus
March 6, 2024: Spring Career Expo: The Pursuit of a Job from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Student Union Ballrooms
March 28, 2024: Deadline to buy cap and gown ONLINE to ensure they arrive before Commencement. Order cap and gown online here. Graduates can still purchase their cap and gown in person at the VSU Bookstore until Commencement week.
March 29, 2024: Deadline to apply for Spring 2024 graduation. Click here to apply.
April 2, 2024: First FREE Grad Photo Day on VSU's Front Lawn from 10 a.m. - noon. Wear your cap and gown or your best red and black business attire.
April 10, 2024: Spring Education Fair from noon - 4 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at the University Center
April 11, 2024: Second FREE Grad Photo Day from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on the fountain side of the Student Union (the side where Oak St. and Baytree Rd. intersect). Wear your cap and gown or your best red and black business attire. **UPDATE-Due to severe weather chances, this free Grad Photo session has been rescheduled to Friday, April 12 from 10 a.m. - noon on the Front Lawn. **
April 16, 2024: Final FREE Grad Photo Day from 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Wear you cap and gown or your best red and black business attire.
April 29, 2024: Ring Ceremony at 6 p.m. on VSU's Front Lawn
May 3, 2024: Graduate School Commencement at The Complex 5 p.m.
May 4, 2024: Undergraduate Commencement on the Front Lawn 7 p.m.
**Free Grad Photo weather makeup days will be the very next day at the same place and time.
ABOUT GRAD FINALE
This is an important event for all students graduating in May. It is a one-stop-shop for everything graduates need to get ready for their big day. Grad Finale can be attended both in person and online.
Here's more about Grad Finale:
- Buy or order your cap and gown
- Purchase your official class ring
- Get professional or graduation photos taken
- Order graduation announcements
- Purchase alumni gifts
- Join the 1906 society
- Get information about VSU's Graduate School programs
- And so much more!
Date: March 5-6, 2024
In Person Location: 1st Floor of the Student Union by the VSU Bookstore
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm both days
Online Grad Finale
Click here to visit the Online Grad Finale page.
If you have questions about anything related to Spring 2024 Commencement, you can reach out to commencement@valdosta.edu for more information.
Applying for Graduation
Graduates should apply for graduation with the Registrar’s Office the semester before they expect to graduate. Talking with your academic advisor can help with this process. The application must be received and the application fee must be paid before students are cleared to graduate.
Here is the link to apply for graduation and the link to pay the graduation fee: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/registrar/forms/graduation-forms.php
SPRING 2024 - Undergraduate Candidate List
SPRING 2024 - Graduate Candidate List
**If you have questions regarding the candidate list, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@valdosta.edu.Commencement
-
University Center
Entrance No. 5
1205 N. Patterson St. -
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Phone: 229.333.5727