Information For Graduates

Kennesaw State University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff. As such, we are adhering to health and safety guidelines set forth by the Georgia Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control, under guidance from the University System of Georgia.

Commencement is the celebration of your KSU journey and the beginning of your next adventure. This page contains information to help you prepare for this special day.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Before the Ceremony

• PLEASE HAVE YOUR PHONE FULLY CHARGED PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL AND CHECK TO BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR GRADPASS.
• Students MUST BE CHECKED IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR to their ceremony
  
  • Check in will begin an hour and a half before the ceremony starts.
  • Check in is on Field 3 next to the stadium. (parking map)
  • Parents should not accompany their graduate to student check in.
  • For students who need handicap accessible parking or have mobility issues, please check the Accessibility page on the Commencement website.
• Face coverings that cover nose and mouth are required while checking in and throughout Commencement inside the stadium. Students will not be allowed to remove their mask as they cross the stage.
• Please screenshot or print your GradPass QR code prior to your arrival at Fifth Third Bank Stadium and/or Field 3.
• Students should park in any of the lots listed below before walking to Field 3 to be checked in. Directional signage and volunteers will be available for assistance.
  
  • For 7:00 pm ceremony on Monday, May 10th
    • Park in the lots labeled Gray, Black, Green, or Tan.  The Teal lot is for ADA parking only. (parking map)
  • For all other ceremonies beginning May 11th through May 14th
    
    • Park in the lots labeled Gray, Black, Green, Tan and Gold.  The Teal lot is for ADA parking only. (parking map)
• Once checked in, students will be escorted to a seat on the field.  Please do not leave your seat and do not remove your face mask. You cannot leave the stadium once you have entered.
• Wear appropriate shoes to walk on grass.  High heels are not recommended.
• The program will be digital and available for download on the KSU Commencement website at commencement.kennesaw.edu.
• Bags are not permitted in the stadium and storage is not available for personal items, so please plan accordingly.

During the Ceremony

• Students should have their mask on and GradPass ready to be scanned before lining up to receive their diploma.
• Once in line, students will pick up a diploma cover and have their GradPass scanned before walking across the stage.  Each student’s name will be announced, and degree information will be displayed on two large screens.
• There will not be the traditional handshake with KSU leadership on the stage, however Lifetouch will take a socially distanced photo of each student with the President while on the stage.
• After walking off the stage, an official graduation portrait of each student with their diploma cover will be taken.  Face masks may be removed for this photograph but should be put back immediately following the photo.
• Before returning to be seated, the Office of Alumni affairs will have table with a gift for students to pick up as they walk by.

After the Ceremony

• Once the graduation ceremonies are over, Scrappy will lead the students out of the stadium as students are guided to exit row by row.
• After exiting, we encourage students to have a plan as to where you will meet with your guests in the parking lot areas.
• LifeTouch will be walking though the parking lots to take candid photographs with family and friends. ·