Typically, graduates will cross the stage in order of degree starting with Associate degree candidates, and ending with Doctoral degree candidates. They will enter the stage from the left side and recess off stage to the right after receiving their diploma folder.
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 friends, and our staff.
Tickets are distributed to qualifying graduates electronically via their UNG student email accounts.
Unfortunately, we do not have extra tickets for the ceremonies. If a graduate claims their entire allotment but does not need their total number of allocated tickets, they may contact University Events at universityevents@ung.edu to donate them back. After the ticket claiming period has passed, any unclaimed or unused tickets will be electronically distributed to graduates who expressed their desire to receive additional tickets in the initial online ticket claiming process on a first come, first served basis.
You can present your ticket as a printed document or on your mobile device. Once a graduate has claimed their tickets, they will be emailed to the graduate via their UNG student email account. Once graduates have received their tickets, they can print them or share them with a family member who can distribute them to additional guests appropriately.
Parking will be available across the Dahlonega 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.
The length of the ceremony depends on the amount of graduates in the ceremony. Typically, ceremonies last between one and a half (1.5) to two (2) hours.
Guests of graduates attending the ceremony who need special accommodations should notify University Events at 706-864-1950 or universityevents@ung.edu as soon as possible. If you do not arrange accommodations before arrival, there will be limited wheelchair accessible seating.
There will be limited restrooms available at a different building on campus until the Convocation Center is opened. Doors will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
Yes, flowers and other gifts can be pre-purchased and picked up on-site at the Convocation Center on the day of your graduate’s ceremony. Pre-order online and enjoy a contact-free experience when picking up your pre-purchased and reserved gifts.
Tickets can be presented as a printed document or on a mobile device. Once a graduate has claimed their tickets, they will be emailed to the graduate via their UNG student email account. Once graduates have received their tickets, they can print them or share them with a family member who can distribute them to additional guests appropriately.
Our team is happy to hold any tickets at the Box Office for guests who may arrive on campus at differing times. The Box Office will be located on the Convocation Center Plaza near the main entry doors.
If you have guests in your party arriving later than you, you are welcome to drop off their tickets with our Box Office team. We will mark the tickets with your graduate’s name and your guests can pick them up when they arrive at the Convocation Center for the ceremony.
Unfortunately, we do not have extra tickets for the ceremonies. If a graduate claims their entire allotment but does not need their total number of allocated tickets, they may contact University Events at universityevents@ung.edu to donate them back. After the ticket claiming period has passed, any unclaimed or unused tickets will be electronically distributed to graduates who expressed their desire to receive additional tickets in the initial online ticket claiming process 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.
We ask that all graduates refrain from bringing additional parties with them as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma folder (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.
The Radar Ridge Rec Fields Lot (L64) is designated for graduates and faculty. There will be a shuttle running to the Convocation Center from this lot. Visit our event parking page for a detailed map.
There will be no commencement rehearsal. All necessary information is provided to graduates via email or can be found on the Ceremony & Ticket Information page.
Commencement ceremonies are separated by college. Information about each ceremony is included on the Ceremony & Ticket Information page. If you are unsure of what college your degree is part of, please refer to the degree listing page. During the summer, all colleges graduate in the same ceremony.
UNG collaborates with GradImages to capture your special moment. You will receive an email from them with a link to your photo proofs about one week after your commencement ceremony. If more than two weeks have passed and you still haven’t received your link, you should reach out to GradImages directly to inquire about your photos.