Commencement is a special time for all graduates and attendees. Below is a list of commencement instructions that will help guide you through this special day.
Fill out the intent to graduate application
Pre-Ceremony Instructions
Day of Commencement Instructions
The event will last approximately 1.5 hours. Graduates are expected to remain seated in the arena for the duration of the ceremony. There is no rehearsal or practice for the ceremony. Please follow all instructions upon arrival and throughout the ceremony. Your family and friends are welcome to join you in your graduation celebration. There are no tickets needed.
Pre-Ceremony Arrival
Check-in time for graduates is 1:00 p.m. Graduates should enter INTRUST Bank Arena through Entrance B. Your prompt arrival for check-in and graduate line-up will help ensure that the event goes smoothly for you and the other graduates. The ceremony begins promptly at 2:00 p.m.
Intrust Bank Arena
Graduates will enter through Entrance B at INTRUST Bank Arena. You will need to be prepared to go through INTRUST security procedures.
All participants and attendees need to be prepared for a security search (metal detectors) upon entrance and only clear bags are permitted in the venue.
For more information on the Clear Bag Policy, please visit:
https://www.intrustbankarena.com/plan-your-visit/policies-code-of-conduct
What to Bring?
Graduates should already wear their regalia. Do not bring personal valuables as there is no way to secure them. Bring only what you intend to carry with you for the duration of the ceremony.
Purchasing Regalia
Regalia Information
Information on where, when and how to purchase regalia can be found below. In addition, Friends University merchandise and graduation gifts can be purchased at https://friends.edu/admissions/visit-campus/bookstore/
Regalia for Bachelor Degree Candidates
Your tassel should be worn on the right side of your mortarboard until you are told to move it to the left by the Vice President of Academics after all graduates have been recognized. Bachelor degree candidates should purchase Bachelors gown, mortarboard cap and tassel.
Regalia for Master Degree Candidates
Your tassel should be worn on the left side of your mortarboard as you have already received a degree. Your tassel will stay and not be moved. Master students will need to wear their hoods upon arrival at the ceremony. Master degree candidates should purchase Masters gown, mortarboard cap, masters hood (by color) and tassel.
Purchasing Regalia
You may visit the Friends Bookstore to place your order online. Students are strongly encouraged to order regalia for commencement by March 15, however, you may do so after this date but need to know that there may be limited stock the closer to the ceremony date.
Ceremony Instructions
Commencement Ceremony Instructions
Information and instructions for the commencement ceremony can be found below:
Processional & Recessional
Graduates will line up in the arena for the Processional after check-in. Follow the instructions given to you for the processional. Graduates will remain in the same lineup for the recessional. Please follow the instructions from the Honor Marshalls.
Ceremony Instructions
Graduates will be instructed on when to get up and walk across the stage to be recognized. Honor Marshalls will help direct graduates where to go upon being called.
When you are asked to stand and move towards the stage, only bring your Name Card that you receive upon check-in.
Do not carry any other personal items such as purses, bags, cameras, etc.
You will hand your Name Card to the University Registrar upon arriving at the top of the stairs.
Walking Across the Stage
Please wait until your name is announced before walking across the stage to receive your diploma cover.
Once your name is called, you will walk to the center of the stage and meet the University President, receive your diploma cover, and exit down the stairs past the table of diplomas. You will then take your official graduate photo and then follow the center aisle back to your seat.
Dress Code
The dress standard for the ceremony is Professional Business Attire. The stage requires the use of steps so please choose your footwear accordingly. Flip-flops are not allowed.
There will not be a place to store purses, bags, hangers, etc. securely so keep these in the trunk of your vehicle or at home.
Post Ceremony
Other Information
Information regarding diplomas, livestream and photography can be found here.
- DiplomasStudents will receive a diploma cover on stage. This will contain information on obtaining your diploma upon your final graduation audit. Diplomas will be printed using the student’s legal name and will be ordered when all academic and financial requirements are met, and degrees verified. When requirements have been verified, graduates will receive an email allowing them to download their digital diploma and the paper diploma will be mailed via USPS a few days afterward. Please allow up to four weeks for the final transcript to reflect degree conferral. Please allow up to six weeks for notification that your diploma is available. We encourage graduates to share their accomplishments when they receive their digital diploma on social media and tag #FriendsU and #FriendsUniversity on all social media platforms. We would love for you to show your Friends pride after achieving such a great milestone.
- PhotographyGraduates will be photographed as they walk across the stage and again after they have received their diploma just off of the stage by GradImages. Photograph proofs and pricing will be emailed to the graduates a few weeks after the event. If you wish to order your photographs over the phone, please call GradImages at 1-800-261-2576, or you can visit their website at www.gradimages.com. There will be a designated photography area for family and friends to take pictures in Section 118.
- LivestreamFriends University will livestream the commencement ceremony. Visit friends.edu/commencement-live to view.