Commencement: One Journey Ends…and Another Begins
Anderson University will celebrate the achievements of its students with Winter Commencement on Friday, December 16.
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.
We welcome you to join us in Henderson Auditorium at the Rainey Fine Arts Center as we recognize the Anderson University Class of 2022.
Welcome to one of the most important days of your life.
December 16, 2022 Commencement Ceremonies
For December 2022 Commencement, there will be two ceremonies on-campus and livestreaming on this page. Students will be assembled by the academic unit of the primary major/program. See the listing and schedules below.
Guest capacity
Limited to 6 guests in Henderson
Live-streamed option for overflow in the Student Center
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 6 guests per student. The ceremony will be live-streamed in the Student Center Theater for overflow capacity.
Friday, December 16, 10am
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Center for Leadership and Organizations
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- School of Public Service & Administration
Friday, December 16, 3pm
- College of Christian Studies
- College of Engineering
- College of Health Professions
- School of Interior Design
- The South Carolina School of the Arts
Location: Henderson Auditorium, Rainey Fine Arts Center
Winter Commencement speaker: Patty Slaughter, PhD
Dr. Patty Slaughter was born is Asmara, Ethiopia, where her parents were teachers working for the Peace Corps. After moving back to the states, her family settled in New York where she grew up as a NY Yankees and NY Giants fan! Her parents were both lifelong educators, and in high school Dr. Slaughter promised herself she was “never going to be a teacher.”
Dr. Slaughter didn’t keep that promise to herself. She has been teaching in higher education for over 25 years and is finishing her 12th year teaching at Anderson University. She is a licensed psychologist (in NY and NC) and has worked in several practice settings including -schools, churches, community mental health centers, and private practice. While she enjoys doing clinical work, Dr. Slaughter loves teaching and mentoring college students. One of the things she is known for among her students is wearing crazy colored socks with her Chaco sandals.
Dr. Slaughter has been married to her husband Dane for almost 30 years. They have two amazing daughters –Jadyn is an officer in the US Navy studying to be a Navy Physical Therapist, and Kaelyn is a college junior studying mechanical engineering at a school in TN. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family.
Students
Parents & Guests
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
How to Wear Your Cap and Gown
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 December 16th.
10:00 AM Livestream
3:00 PM Livestream
