Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Questions
Can family and friends view the Commencement ceremony online?
Yes, via the livestream link
Do the commencement ceremonies require tickets?
- Yes, each graduate is allotted a certain number of tickets based upon the number of graduates participating in the ceremony. We are required by Fire Marshall Code to ensure that the capacity of the Convocation Center is not exceeded to protect our graduates, their families, and their friends.
- To find out how many tickets your graduate is allotted, please click on ceremony sidebar menu and then tickets dropdown menu.
- Tickets are distributed electronically, the link will be updated here when available.
How can I get extra tickets for the ceremony?
Unfortunately, we do not have extra tickets for the ceremonies. If any graduate does not need his or her ticket, they may donate them back to a waitlist. If you are in need of extra tickets, you may join the waitlist. After the deadline for ticket reservation has passed, any unclaimed or unused tickets will be distributed to graduates who have signed up to be on the waitlist.
Do I have to print my tickets?
You can present your ticket as a printed document or on your mobile device. Have your graduate review the options for ticket distributions for guests when they are reserving their tickets to decide which option will work best for your guests.
Do children need tickets?
Yes, any child over the age of 2 is required to have a ticket.
Am I allowed to bring food or drinks into the Convocation Center?
Beverages in lidded containers and snacks that are prepackaged will be permitted into the Convocation Center. We ask that you refrain from bringing in cooked or fast food. There will be concessions available throughout the ceremony.
Will there be concessions available during the ceremony?
There is a concession stand that will be open throughout the ceremony.
Where should guests park?
Parking will be available across the campus. Some designated lots will have a shuttle that can provide transportation from the lot to the Convocation Center. Visit our event parking page.
Is there a drop off area for guests with a need for disability accommodations?
Yes, there is an accessibility drop off for guests in the front of the building.
Are balloons or noise makers allowed during the ceremony?
Out of respect for all guests attending the ceremony, please refrain from bringing any items that could obstruct the viewing of the other guests in attendance.
How long does the ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony depends on the amount of graduates in the ceremony. Typically, ceremonies last between one and a half to two hours.
A guest that is attending the commencement ceremony requires special accommodations, what do we need to do?
Contact the Office of University Relations, 706-864-1950, to request special accommodations prior to the ceremony. If you do not arrange accommodations before arrival, there will be wheelchair accessible seating with limited mobile guest seating.
Is there assigned seating?
Seating is open and does not pertain to the numbers on your tickets. You may sit anywhere in the convocation center that is not reserved.
Will I be able to purchase a gift for my graduate on site?
The bookstore will be at the convocation center with special gifts you can purchase for your graduate. There will also be flower sales on site.
Will there be restrooms available while we are waiting to enter the venue?
There will be port-o-potties located in close proximity to the Convocation Center, but no other restrooms will be available until the Convocation Center is opened approximately 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
Is there a list of local hotels for out of town guests to stay at?
Yes! A list of things to do in Dahlonega can be found on their website.
Student Questions
What regalia am I required to wear on the day of my ceremony?
You are required to abide by the University’s Regalia Policy.
What time do I need to be at the Convocation Center?
You need to be in your regalia ready to line up at least 45 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.
What if I do not have enough tickets to give my family/friends?
Unfortunately, we do not have extra tickets for the ceremonies. If any graduate does not need his or her ticket, they may donate them back to a waitlist. If you are in need of extra tickets, you may join the waitlist. After the deadline for ticket reservation has passed, any unclaimed or unused tickets will be distributed to graduates who have signed up to be on the waitlist.
What am I allowed to bring with me as I walk across the stage?
We ask that all graduates refrain from bringing additional parties with them as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas (no children, no pets). We ask that you refrain from bringing cell phones or other electronic devices across the stage. All personal belongings should be left in your seat or with your guests while you are participating in the ceremony.
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
Students are discouraged from decorating their mortarboards; however, if decorated, it must be minimal and non-distracting to the ceremony and other graduates. Mortarboards may be decorated on the top only and any decorations must lie flat on the mortarboard. Nothing may hang or dangle from the mortarboard, other than the University approved tassel. Please refer to the University’s Regalia Policy for more information about decorating your regalia.
Can I wear adornments that were not given to me by the University on my regalia?
All regalia and Adornments must be approved by the Registrar’s Office. A list of all pre-approved regalia adornments will be maintained by the Registrar’s Office. Stoles, Pins, and Medallions may be worn to only signify participation in a Recognized Student Organization, Athletics, or a specific program recognized by the University. Please refer to the University’s Regalia Policy for more information.
Where should graduates park?
The parking lot behind the library is designated for graduates and marching faculty. This lot is only available to graduates that will not be riding with their guests. There will be shuttle transportation to the Convocation Center from the lot behind the library.
Is there a rehearsal for commencement?
There is no rehearsal; all information needed is provided in the information packet that you are required to pick up prior to the ceremony as well as on the commencement site, under the ceremony tab.
What ceremony am I in?
You can use the link on the commencement site to determine the college that you are in; this will tell you which ceremony you will be in. During the summer, all colleges graduate in the same ceremony.
I have two majors, will I be able to walk for both?
Both of your degrees will be published in the program, but you will only be recognized at the ceremony for one degree. If you are concerned about which degree you will be walking for, contact the Office of University Relations, 706-864-1950.
What if I am unable to pick up my tickets and information packet?
If you are unable to pick up your packet, contact the Office of University Relations, universityrelations@ung.edu or 706-864-1950.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed out approximately 4-6 weeks after the end of the semester.
I am an international student and I want my family to attend. What do I need to do?
The university does not provide letters of invitation to students or their families. You must write the letter of invitation that you will be sending to your guests. You should include the purpose of the visit, the dates and locations where your family will be visiting, and where your family will be staying. Be sure to include important information like your name, date of birth, your guest’s full name, and your guest’s country of citizenship. If you need help with this process, please contact The Center for Global Engagement.