Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Find out how many tickets your graduate is allotted! Tickets are distributed to qualifying graduates electronically.

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, the graduate 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 on a first come, first served basis.

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.

There will be a bag check at the entrance of the Convocation Center. Please note that if you bring a bag, you will be required to have your bag checked.

The following items are prohibited in the Convocation Center:

• Outside food and drink
• Glass or plastic bottles, cans, coolers, or containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco, vaping products, illegal drugs or chemicals
• Weapons of any kind (concealed weapons, firearms, knives, etc.)
• Fireworks of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Helium balloons
• Signs larger than 3’x5’
• Seat cushions with backs or hardback seats
• Noise maker, air horns, or whistles
• Animals (not including service animals)
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.
• Other items as determined by arena security or staff

No outside food or drink will be permitted into the Convocation Center, however there will be concessions available throughout the ceremony.

In addition to food and drink, the following items are prohibited in the Convocation Center:

• Glass or plastic bottles, cans, coolers, or containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco, vaping products, illegal drugs or chemicals
• Weapons of any kind (concealed weapons, firearms, knives, etc.)
• Fireworks of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Helium balloons
• Signs larger than 3’x5’
• Seat cushions with backs or hardback seats
• Noise maker, air horns, or whistles
• Animals (not including service animals)
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.
• Other items as determined by arena security or staff

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 for a detailed map.

Yes, there is an accessibility drop off for guests in the front of the building.

No, the following items are prohibited in the Convocation Center:

• Outside food and drink
• Glass or plastic bottles, cans, coolers, or containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco, vaping products, illegal drugs or chemicals
• Weapons of any kind (concealed weapons, firearms, knives, etc.)
• Fireworks of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Helium balloons
• Signs larger than 3’x5’
• Seat cushions with backs or hardback seats
• Noise maker, air horns, or whistles
• Animals (not including service animals)
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.
• Other items as determined by arena security or staff

Contact the Division of University Relations, universityrelations@ung.edu or 706-864-1950, to request special accommodations prior to the ceremony. If you do not arrange accommodations before arrival, there will be limited wheelchair accessible seating.

You need to be in your regalia ready to line up no later than one hour prior to the start of your ceremony.

Unfortunately, we do not have extra tickets for the ceremonies. However, there is a waitlist available. If any graduate does not need his or her ticket, they may donate them back. 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 on a first come, first served basis.

All you need is your regalia. We discourage graduates from bringing bags with them. There will be a bag check at graduate check-in. Please note that if you bring a bag, you will be required to have your bag checked.

The following items are prohibited in the Convocation Center:

• Outside food and drink
• Glass or plastic bottles, cans, coolers, or containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco, vaping products, illegal drugs or chemicals
• Weapons of any kind (concealed weapons, firearms, knives, etc.)
• Fireworks of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Helium balloons
• Signs larger than 3’x5’
• Seat cushions with backs or hardback seats
• Noise maker, air horns, or whistles
• Animals (not including service animals)
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.
• Other items as determined by arena security or staff

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.

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.

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.

The Newton Oaks Lot (Lot16) and Memorial Hall Lot (Lot19) are 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. See the parking page for more information as well as a map. 

There is no rehearsal; all information needed is provided via email or is on ceremony information page.

Commencement ceremonies are separated by college. Information about each ceremony is included on the Commencement Ceremony page. If you are unsure of what college your degree is part of, please refer to the degree listing. During the summer, all colleges graduate in the same ceremony.

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 Division of University Relations, universityrelations@ung.edu or 706-864-1950.

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.