Graduation and Cronkite Convocation

Celebrating Cronkite graduates

ASU proudly celebrates all graduating students with large commencement events, school-specific convocations and other special ceremonies. For complete information on the university’s graduation programming, visit graduation.asu.edu. Graduating Cronkite students and their support systems are encouraged to participate in the following events:

Cronkite Convocation: Convocation events are college-specific celebrations of individual achievement. All graduating student names are called, and all graduates cross the stage. Read more details below.
University Commencement: Commencement ceremonies are the university-wide events at which ASU President Michael Crow confers degrees. Undergraduates are presented by college at University Undergraduate Commencement (student names are not read). At Graduate Commencement, doctoral graduates have their names read and cross the stage; master degree candidates are announced by college, but not individually. Learn more below.
Other recognitions: Honors students, veterans and students who are members of other interest groups are invited to participate in special recognition ceremonies.

Cronkite Convocation

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024

7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Location: Desert Financial Arena

Watch live: live.asu.edu

Convocation honors all graduating Cronkite students—undergraduate and graduate, in-person and online. During convocation, students receive a diploma case, have their name announced, cross the stage, pose for a photo and video clip, and are congratulated by dean Battinto Batts, Jr. Attendees will hear from sports analyst Dave Miller, Cronkite’s convocation speaker. The ceremony is expected to last about 90 minutes.

What students should know

Arrival: Graduates must check in between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. across from the arena at the Mountain America Stadium southeast entrance. After check-in, graduates must be seated inside Desert Financial Arena by 6:45 p.m. Students arriving later than 6:45 p.m. will be directed to available seating after the start of the ceremony and may not be able to sit with their cohort.

Cap and gown: Official ASU graduation regalia is required at all ASU graduation ceremonies. Graduation attire will not be available for purchase the day of the event. Students will be asked to carry their gowns through security. Caps may remain fastened; be sure the tassel hangs on the left side.

What to bring: If you bring a bag, it must be clear, and it must comply with the ASU Bag Policy. Only bring items you need and can carry with you; there are no secure locations available to store personal items.

Parking: Parking is in Lot 58, Lot 59 and the Packard Drive South parking structure. Refer to ASU’s event parking information for details.

What guests should know

Guest attendance: Tickets are not required: Friends, family and other guests are welcome to attend Cronkite Convocation. Guests who are unable to attend in person can view the ceremony via live stream during the ceremony time at live.asu.edu.

Arrival and seating: Doors open at 6 p.m. Seating for guests is first-come, first-served. Tickets are not required.

Parking: Parking is in Lot 58, Lot 59 and the Packard Drive South parking structure. Refer to ASU’s event parking information for details.

University Undergraduate Commencement

Monday, Dec. 16, 2024

2:30 p.m. (Graduating students should arrive by 1:30)

Location: Mountain America Stadium, Frank Kush Field

Watch live: live.asu.edu

Commencement is ASU’s university-wide recognition ceremony for all undergraduates at which President Crow confers degrees. For more information, visit ASU’s Graduation Website.

University Graduate Commencement

Monday, Dec. 16, 2024

9:00 a.m. (Graduating students should arrive by 8:00 a.m.)

Location: Desert Financial Arena

Watch live: live.asu.edu

Commencement is ASU’s university-wide recognition ceremony for all graduating graduate students at which President Crow confers degrees. Doctoral students’ names are announced, while master’s students are recognized by college group. For more information, visit ASU’s Graduation Website.

Other ceremonies

Barrett, the Honors College Convocation: Honors students are recognized for their academic achievements at this special convocation ceremony. View event details.

Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony: This ceremony recognizes the military service and academic accomplishments of graduating ASU student veterans; student veterans are presented with their veteran stole and recognized for their accomplishments. View event details.

Special interest and cultural convocations: These ceremonies are a time for smaller groups to gather and celebrate students’ graduation. Smaller settings provide the opportunity for individual recognition. View all event details here.

Getting ready for graduation

Plan for your big day

Caps, gowns and more: Graduation caps, gowns, announcements, diploma frames and rings may be purchased online through Herff Jones .

Special assistance and accommodations: Students should indicate on the MarchingOrder RSVP form if you or one of your guests will be in need of special seating arrangements or other specific accommodations. Please contact the Cronkite School Events team at csevents@asu.edu.

Flowers: Leis and bouquets will be sold at convocation. Students and guests are encouraged to pre-order for pickup before the ceremony so that students can wear their leis onstage and in pictures. Order at the Commencement Group pre-order page.

Convocation photos: All graduates are photographed twice on stage. A proof sheet and price list will be mailed to each graduate approximately 10 days after the ceremony, and a digital order form will be sent to the email address you used to RSVP. Contact official photographer GradImages at 800-261-2576 or service@gradimages.com with questions.

Food and drink: Concession stands will be open for guests on the main concourse. Food and beverages are not allowed on the floor.

Clear bag policy: Desert Financial Arena observes ASU’s clear bag policy for all graduating students, guests and employees. View the ASU Bag Policy for a list of allowed and prohibited items.

More resources

ASU Graduation Office, 480-965-3256

Office of University Ceremonies, 480-965-3565