Academic Attire

Appropriate academic regalia must be worn to participate in the convocation. Caps, gowns, and hoods may be purchased at the UGA Bookstore; call 706-542-3171 for information. Note that if you order your academic regalia from someone other than the UGA Bookstore, the UGA Bookstore will not be able to assist you with missing or replacement items.

All graduate degree candidates are to wear black tassels and a “drab” colored hood to indicate the Business and Accountancy academic subject areas. With the exception of honors tassels, undergraduate degree candidates wear the “drab” color of tassels. JD/MBA candidates may indicate the dual degree by wearing both a “drab” and a purple tassel (to indicate the Law area).

Candidates should wear their tassels over the right eye before UGA degree has been awarded (prior to UGA Commencement ceremony); over left eye if degree has already been awarded (following UGA Commencement).

Assembly Instructions

View/Print Assembly Map »

• Assembly begins at 1:30 pm in the Men’s and Women’s practice gyms in the rear of the Stegeman Coliseum located across from the Carlton St. Parking Deck. (look for signs)
  Please — graduates only in practice gyms.
• Sign in at appropriate degree/major area and complete your photo card.
• The lines will leave practice gyms at 2:00 pm to be seated on the Coliseum floor by the beginning of the ceremony.
• Leave cellphones, purses, coats and other belongings with your family or friends. You will not be able to leave any items in the practice gyms or carry them onto the coliseum floor.
• No food or drink is allowed in the practice gyms.
• During the processional, remain in line and avoid gaps in the line.
• As you enter the Coliseum, be sure to follow the person in front of you so that you don’t end up in the wrong line and thus sitting with the wrong degree area.
• As you are directed into your row of seats, be sure to fill all seats. Vacant seats in a row could mean that some students will not have a place to sit.

Helpful tips

As you celebrate this exciting day, please be respectful of those around you and the fact that this is a formal ceremony.

Wear comfortable shoes. You will be going down a flight of stairs and doing a lot of walking. High heeled shoes are discouraged, especially stiletto heels. We want you to be safe so you can enjoy the ceremony.

Choose a location ahead of time to meet your family and friends once the ceremony is completed.

Once you have received your diploma holder, we ask that you return to your seat for the remainder of the program being mindful of the speakers and other graduates.

Welcome to the Terry College Alumni Family!

Congratulations on your accomplishments! We wish you the best of success as you begin a new, exciting chapter of your life! Please keep in touch with us at the Terry Alumni website.

Ceremony

The ceremony begins at 2:30 pm and will last approximately two hours.

There is no limit to the number of guests. Tickets are not required.

Choose a location ahead of time to meet your graduates once the ceremony is completed. Doors to the guest seating area will open at 1:30 p.m.

Receptions

Undergraduate

Light refreshments will be provided for undergraduates as they leave the Coliseum. Undergraduates participating in the UGA Commencement Ceremony will line up in Sanford Stadium at 6:00 p.m.

MA, MAcc, MBA, MIT, MMR, and PhD

There will be a graduate program reception (MA, MAcc, MBA, MIT, MMR and PhDs) held at the Georgia Center for all graduate students and their guests immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Parking

Parking is available in several on-campus lots within convenient walking distance of Stegeman Coliseum and the Georgia Center. Please do not park on sidewalks, landscaped areas, or on streets so as to block lanes of traffic. Improperly parked vehicles may be towed.

It is suggested that disabled and elderly guests arrive early to ensure nearby parking. Guests who are wheelchair bound or who have physical limitations may be dropped off at the Smith Street and Sanford Drive intersection.

The Carlton Street deck behind the Coliseum is within a short walking distance. Limited, special seating is available in Stegeman Coliseum. Terry Student Ambassadors or police officers on duty outside the Coliseum will be able to direct and assist guests. Guests should plan to bring their own wheelchairs and walkers if necessary as they will not be provided.

Hotel and Visitor Information

Visitor information for Athens, GA (hotels, restaurants and activities)

Visitor information for the University of Georgia

Photographs, Videos, Programs, Flowers, Gifts and Food

Professional photographs will be taken of each Terry College candidate as s/he shakes hands with the dean. After the ceremony, graduates may access commencement proofs and order prints from GradImages®.

Video capture of the event will be available through the college’s graduation website 6–8 weeks after the event.
2012 Convocation Ceremony on the Terry YouTube channel »

Convocation programs will be placed in the seats for each of the candidates, and guests will receive copies while supplies last. Each candidate will be recognized by name in the program using the official information on file with the University of Georgia Office of the Registrar.

Congratulatory flowers, Terry branded gifts, and snacks will be available for purchase inside the Coliseum.