Fall 2026 Commencement

 **A clear bag policy is in place for the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 11 at the Complex. The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is not impacted. Learn more here. 

The Graduate School Fall Commencement
5 p.m. 
Doors Open
3 p.m.
Graduate Check-in Begins
3:30 p.m.
Ceremony Begins
5 p.m.
Friday, December 11, 2026
The Complex
401 Baytree Road 
This ceremony should end between 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Undergraduate Fall Commencement
5 p.m.
Gates Open
3 p.m.
Graduate Check-in Begins
3:30 p.m.
Ceremony Begins
5 p.m.
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Front Lawn
1500 N. Patterson Street
This ceremony should end around 6:30 p.m.

*There is not a rehearsal for either ceremony. There will be plenty of volunteers on site to direct graduates on where to go. 

**Tickets are not required for either ceremony and graduates can invite as many guests as they like. Seating is first come first serve, but there is plenty of seating available.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about Fall Commencement? Check our FAQ page here, and if you don't find what you are looking for, you can email commencement@valdosta.edu to get an answer. 

Commencement Do’s and Don’ts for Graduates and Guests 

Please read the following very carefully as we want to ensure graduates can enjoy their big moment and their family and friends can see them on stage and hear their name read.

Graduate Do’s 

• Wear your regalia and comfy shoes 

• Follow your marshals & stay in line 

• Walk the stage safely & confidently  

• Smile & pause for your photo 

• Stay through the ceremony 

• Cheer & celebrate 

Graduate Don’ts 

• No jumping, flipping, or long celebrations on stage 

• No signs, flags, weapons, vapes/tobacco, or illegal substances 

• Guests are not allowed in graduate & stage areas 

• Don’t bring valuables you can’t keep with you 

• Don’t leave early 

• Silence your phone 

MAKE YOUR MOMENT COUNT! 

Celebrate BIG. Be safe. Respect the graduates behind you.  

**Clear bag policy only applies to The Complex 

Guests Do’s 

• Arrive early for parking, entry, & seating 

• Bring a clear bag for any belongings (The Complex only) 

• Check the ceremony schedule for door-opening times 

• Keep walkers and strollers out of walkways 

• Keep children with you throughout the ceremony 

• Help keep aisles and walkways clear 

Guests Don’ts 

• No air horns or noisemakers 

• No regular purses or backpacks per VSU’s clear bag policy (The Complex only) 

• No balloons, banners, or posters 

• No weapons or sharp objects 

• No tobacco, e-cigarettes, or illegal substances 

• Don’t block walkways with strollers or walkers 

HELP EVERY GRADUATE HAVE THEIR MOMENT! 

Celebrate proudly. Be courteous. Enjoy the ceremony. 

**Clear bag policy only applies to The Complex 

Important Dates and Deadlines

Many more events are coming soon!

Tuesday/Wednesday, September 29-30, 2026: Grad Finale on the 1st Floor of the Student Union and online. In person hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Details below. 

Thursday, October 29, 2026: Deadline to apply to graduate at the Fall 2026 Commencement in December. Click here to apply.

Thursday, October 29, 2026: Deadline to purchase your regalia ONLINE with assurances it will arrive before graduation. You can still purchase your regalia in the VSU Bookstore up to graduation day. Click here to purchase your regalia online. 

Monday, November 9, 2026: First FREE Grad Photo Day on VSU's Front Lawn. 10 a.m. - noon. Wear your regalia or your best red and black business attire for your photos. 

Tuesday, November 17, 2026: Second FREE Grad Photo Day on VSU's Front Lawn. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wear your regalia or your best red and black business attire for your photos. 

Thursday, November 19, 2026: Final FREE Grad Photo Day on VSU's Front Lawn. 10 a.m. - noon. Wear your regalia or your best red and black business attire to celebrate your graduation. 

Friday, December 11, 2026: Graduate School Commencement at The Complex 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 12, 2026: Undergraduate Commencement on the Front Lawn 5 p.m.

ABOUT GRAD FINALE 

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 and discounts are available. 

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!
  
  

Date: September 29 & 30, 2026

In Person Location: 1st Floor of the Student Union and the VSU Bookstore
Time: 10 a.m. -5 p.m. both days

ONLINE Grad Finale

The ONLINE Grad Finale will take place September 29-30, 2026, as well. The online discount codes will be good during those 48 hours (midnight, September 29 - 11:59 p.m. on September 30) only.

Click here to visit the Online Grad Finale page.

If you have questions about anything related to Fall 2026 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 2026 - Undergraduate Candidate List

FALL 2026 - Graduate Candidate List