Fall 2024 Commencement
Important Information
Update on 12/9/2024: Undergraduate Commencement will take place at 5 p.m. on December 14, 2024, on VSU's Front Lawn. The NCAA DII National Semi-Final football game featuring the VSU Blazers begins at 12:02 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. All graduates and their families are invited to attend the game then get ready to cross the stage for their big moment. We cannot wait for this big day at Valdosta State University! Go Blazers!
Live Stream Link for Both Ceremonies: Click here.
The Graduate School Fall Commencement
5 p.m.
Friday, December 13, 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 Fall Commencement
5 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Front Lawn
1500 N. Patterson Street
3 p.m.
Guests can start arriving
3:30 pm.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
5 p.m.
Ceremony with fireworks following
Map of The Graduate School Ceremony at The Complex
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
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)
MS in Psychology 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 on the Front Lawn
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 six-to-eight 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 (main floor)
College of Science and Mathematics: Odum Library second floor (main 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 Desk:
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 (Both Ceremonies)
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, December 13
Pop-Up Shop at The Complex: Opens at 3 p.m.
On Site in the Student Union: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 14
Pop-Up Shop on the Front Lawn: Opens at 3 p.m.
On Site in the Union: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Important Dates and Deadlines
August 21, 2024: Part Time Job Fair, Converse Square 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 18, 2024: Community Service & Volunteer Fair, Student Union Rotunda 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 24, 2024: Career Carnival, Converse Square 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 24, 2024: Career After Hours: A Professional Networking Event, HSBA Lobby (North Campus) 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
September 25, 2024: All Majors Career Fair, Student Union Ballrooms (Third Floor of Student Union) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
October 1-2, 2024: Grad Finale (more information below)
RESCHEDULED ONLINE Grad Finale: Saturday, October 26 - Thursday, October 31 (please see below for more information about Grad Finale and the link to shop online)
November 4, 2024: First FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
November 7, 2024: Deadline to apply for graduation to walk at Fall 2024 Commencement. Click here to apply.
November 7, 2024: Deadline to purchase your cap and gown ONLINE with assurances it arrives before the ceremony. Buy here. You can still purchase your cap and gown in person at the VSU Bookstore on campus up until the ceremony.
November 7, 2024: Second FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon at the photo/video studio at the University Center. The studio is located next to the breezeway that takes you to the stadium. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
RESCHEDULED IN PERSON Grad Finale: November 12 - 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the VSU Bookstore and the first floor of the Student Union (more information below)
November 19, 2024: Final FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
December 13, 2024: Graduate School Commencement at The Complex 5 p.m.
December 14, 2024: Undergraduate Commencement on the Front Lawn 5 p.m.
***If the free Grad Photo Days are rained out, they will be rescheduled for the exact same time and place the next day.
ABOUT GRAD FINALE (RESCHEDULED FOLLOWING HURRICANE HELENE)
This is an important event for all students graduating in December. 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
- Order graduation announcements
- Purchase alumni gifts
- Join the 1906 society
- Get information about VSU's Graduate School programs
- And so much more!
IN PERSON RESCHEDULED DATE (due to Hurricane Helene): November 12-13, 2024
In Person Location: 1st Floor of the Student Union Lobby and the VSU Bookstore
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm both days
RESCHEDULED Online Grad Finale
The ONLINE Grad Finale has been rescheduled from Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Thursday, October 31, 2024. The discount codes will be good during that entirety, but only during these five days.
Click here to visit the Online Grad Finale page.
If you have questions about anything related to Fall 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
FALL 2024 - Undergraduate Candidate List
FALL 2024 - Graduate Candidate List
**If you have questions regarding the candidate list, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@valdosta.edu.Important Information
Update on 12/9/2024: Undergraduate Commencement will take place at 5 p.m. on December 14, 2024, on VSU's Front Lawn. The NCAA DII National Semi-Final football game featuring the VSU Blazers begins at 12:02 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. All graduates and their families are invited to attend the game then get ready to cross the stage for their big moment. We cannot wait for this big day at Valdosta State University! Go Blazers!
Live Stream Link for Both Ceremonies: Click here.
The Graduate School Fall Commencement
5 p.m.
Friday, December 13, 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 Fall Commencement
5 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Front Lawn
1500 N. Patterson Street
3 p.m.
Guests can start arriving
3:30 pm.
Graduates start arriving for check-in
5 p.m.
Ceremony with fireworks following
Map of The Graduate School Ceremony at The Complex
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
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)
MS in Psychology 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 on the Front Lawn
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 six-to-eight 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 (main floor)
College of Science and Mathematics: Odum Library second floor (main 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 Desk:
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 (Both Ceremonies)
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, December 13
Pop-Up Shop at The Complex: Opens at 3 p.m.
On Site in the Student Union: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 14
Pop-Up Shop on the Front Lawn: Opens at 3 p.m.
On Site in the Union: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Important Dates and Deadlines
August 21, 2024: Part Time Job Fair, Converse Square 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 18, 2024: Community Service & Volunteer Fair, Student Union Rotunda 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 24, 2024: Career Carnival, Converse Square 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 24, 2024: Career After Hours: A Professional Networking Event, HSBA Lobby (North Campus) 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
September 25, 2024: All Majors Career Fair, Student Union Ballrooms (Third Floor of Student Union) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
October 1-2, 2024: Grad Finale (more information below)
RESCHEDULED ONLINE Grad Finale: Saturday, October 26 - Thursday, October 31 (please see below for more information about Grad Finale and the link to shop online)
November 4, 2024: First FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
November 7, 2024: Deadline to apply for graduation to walk at Fall 2024 Commencement. Click here to apply.
November 7, 2024: Deadline to purchase your cap and gown ONLINE with assurances it arrives before the ceremony. Buy here. You can still purchase your cap and gown in person at the VSU Bookstore on campus up until the ceremony.
November 7, 2024: Second FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon at the photo/video studio at the University Center. The studio is located next to the breezeway that takes you to the stadium. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
RESCHEDULED IN PERSON Grad Finale: November 12 - 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the VSU Bookstore and the first floor of the Student Union (more information below)
November 19, 2024: Final FREE Grad Photo Day, 10 a.m. - noon on VSU's Front Lawn. Graduates can wear their cap and gown or dress in their best red and black business attire.
December 13, 2024: Graduate School Commencement at The Complex 5 p.m.
December 14, 2024: Undergraduate Commencement on the Front Lawn 5 p.m.
***If the free Grad Photo Days are rained out, they will be rescheduled for the exact same time and place the next day.
ABOUT GRAD FINALE (RESCHEDULED FOLLOWING HURRICANE HELENE)
This is an important event for all students graduating in December. 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
- Order graduation announcements
- Purchase alumni gifts
- Join the 1906 society
- Get information about VSU's Graduate School programs
- And so much more!
IN PERSON RESCHEDULED DATE (due to Hurricane Helene): November 12-13, 2024
In Person Location: 1st Floor of the Student Union Lobby and the VSU Bookstore
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm both days
RESCHEDULED Online Grad Finale
The ONLINE Grad Finale has been rescheduled from Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Thursday, October 31, 2024. The discount codes will be good during that entirety, but only during these five days.
Click here to visit the Online Grad Finale page.
If you have questions about anything related to Fall 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
FALL 2024 - Undergraduate Candidate List
FALL 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