Commencement/Graduation

Commencement: One Journey Ends…and Another Begins

Anderson University will celebrate the achievements of its students with Winter Commencement on Friday, December 15.

Commencement at Anderson University is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a moment when, as a campus family, we gather to recognize our students’ academic achievements, celebrate their growth, and honor their unique journey.

Welcome to one of the most important days of your life.

2023 Commencement Ceremony

For December 2023 Commencement, there will be two ceremonies on-campus. Students will be assembled by the academic unit of the primary major/program. See the listing and schedules below.

Guest capacity

Limited to 4 guests per student
Live-streamed online option

Guest Check-In: Guests are required to stop at one of the check-in stations in the lobby. They will receive a wristband after checking in. We have capacity in the auditorium for a maximum of 4 guests per student. The ceremony will be live-streamed in the Student Center Theater for overflow capacity.

Ceremony 1, 10:00AM

Henderson Auditorium

Center for Cybersecurity
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business
College of Education
College of Engineering
School of Public Service & Administration

Ceremony 2, 4:00PM

Henderson Auditorium

College of Christian Studies
College of Health Professions
South Carolina School of the Arts
School of Interior Design
Center for Leadership & Organizations

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony (PhD, DMin, DNP, and DPT Students Only)

Will be held at the Student Center from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

Graduation Day Itinerary for Students

10:00 AM Commencement Ceremony

8:00 AM – Doors open for check-in in Henderson Auditorium

8:30 AM – Roll call in Daniel Recital Hall

10:00 AM – Commencement Ceremony

3:00 PM Commencement Ceremony

1:00 PM – Doors open for check-in in Henderson Auditorium

1:30 PM – Roll call in Daniel Recital Hall

3:00 PM – Commencement Ceremony

Regalia Information Pricing:

Bachelor’s degree: cap, gown, black tassel, and hood – w/tax = $85.60

Master’s degree: cap, gown, black tassel, and hood – w/tax = $90.95

Doctorate degree: tam, gown, gold tassel, and hood – w/tax = $171.20

Optional: souvenir tassel or tassel keychain – w/tax = $8.56 (each)

Honor Students and Additional Regalia Recipients:

You will receive the honor cord from the specific organization or department before the graduation ceremony OR from the Registrar’s Office during the ceremony rehearsals.

Purchasing Regalia at the AU Outfitters Campus Store

Come by AU outfitters and purchase in-store, or visit www.andersonuniversity.ecampus.com, then go to the graduation section of the shop.

Your regalia will be shipped to your home or you can choose to pick it up at AU Outfitters. Please check the appropriate box for the one you choose. Please note that you must purchase the regalia pieces separately, they do not come as a “package”. If you do not know your hood color, you may call the store at 864.231.2010 and we will let you know what color to order for your major. (We also will double check your hood color when ordered from the list we have obtained from the registrar’s office) Note: If we happen to be out of stock in the gown size and or hood you need, you will be contacted once the order has arrived.

Diploma Frame

Anderson University diploma frames are available to purchase on our website. The diploma frame is a custom order; please allow 4-6 weeks for the item to arrive. This item is not eligible for expedited shipping.

Announcements

Announcements are fulfilled and shipped directly from Balfour and can be purchased online at www.balfour.com/anderson.

Additional information: if you have any questions, please feel free to contact AU Outfitters at 864.231.2010.

Diploma Distribution: Graduates will receive empty diploma covers during the ceremony.  The diplomas will not be available on the day of the ceremony.  Diplomas will be mailed by January 31, 2023 and students will receive an email to the AU email with a tracking number once the diploma has been mailed.

Photography: The university is contracted with Pro Pics to provide photography for graduation, no photographers outside of the University will be allowed on the premises. After the event, you are more than welcome to use the campus for a photo shoot. www.AUphotos.com

FAQ

Guests can arrive as early as 8:45 for the 10:00am ceremony and 1:45 for the 3:00pm ceremony.

The ceremony lasts around 1.5 hours.

Yes, shuttle service will be available for those who need it.

The restrooms are located in the Henderson Lobby.

The University is contracted with Pro Pics to provide photography for graduation, no photographers outside of the University will be allowed on the premises. After the event, you are more than welcome to use the campus for a photo shoot.

Graduates are allowed 6 guests each.

Yes, AU Outfitters will be open from 9:00am to 5:30pm. You can also shop online here.

Livestream

Livestreaming begins on Friday, May 5, 5pm

10:00 AM Livestream

Saturday, May 6 6pm