Frequently Asked Questions
Commencement Activities 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Georgia State University Convocation Center
455 Capital Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30302
10:00 A.M.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Vivian Wilson Henderson Health and Physical Education Center
Leonidas Epps Gymnasium
10:00 A.M.
A Baccalaureate Service is a celebration that honors a graduating senior class from a college/university. The event is typically a Christianity-based interdenominational worship service.
The Commencement Ceremony is a celebration for all students who have completed degree requirements at Clark Atlanta University.
- Per the official Clark Atlanta University policy, undergraduate students may participate in Commencement activities if all courses are scheduled to be completed by the end of the spring term.
- Graduate students must have completed all requirements to participate.
- Please do not have family and friends proceed with flight arrangements and/or any plans to attend the ceremony until you have met requirements to participate in the ceremony.
If the status in Degree Works is applied, the student is on track to graduate pending the successful completion of all academic requirements and course credits as delineated in the application.
COMMENCEMENT VENUE INFORMATION
The venue will be open for Graduating scholars at 8:00 A.M. The designated gathering area is located within the parking deck of the venue. Further information is forthcoming.
Venue gates will open at 8:00 A.M. for seating
Commencement is a ticketed event. Each graduating student will receive 6 tickets for family and guests.
The ticket distribution process is forthcoming.
A link for the ceremonies will be posted and accessed online at www.cau.edu.
The expected duration of the ceremony is approximately 2 hours – 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Students are required to remain during the entire ceremony.
Guests may take their own photos; however, guests must remain seated and cannot block the aisles or view of other guests. This is not only to keep the ceremony running on schedule, but is also for the safety and convenience of all attendees.
A professional photographer has been hired to take individual pictures of each student accepting their diploma cover from the President. Graduation pictures may be ordered online at www.curtismcdowell.com.
REGALIA
OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGALIA must be worn during Commencement Convocation with comfortable black shoes. Official University Regalia is the appropriate attire for graduation.
Order cap and gowns immediately to ensure timely delivery, if you have not done so already.
CAU graduating students have two options when ordering regalia:
Option 1:
- Order ships “for free” for bookstore pickup AFTER April 21, 2025.
- The order deadline is March 17, 2025 at midnight.
Option 2:
- Order ships in 2-3 weeks to student’s chosen address.
- Order deadline is April 21, 2025 at midnight.
- Home or local address delivery orders will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.
- A $14.90 shipping fee will be added to the order.
- If the final deadline of April 21, 2025 is missed, extra regalia will be available in the CAU Bookstore. Supplies will be limited.
For more information, contact the local HJ grad specialist:
MESSIER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
678.240.9283
Shop online at
ACCESSIBILITY
Students, family members or guests with disabilities or requiring special accommodations for the Baccalaureate or Commencement Services should click on the following link to reserve seating in the designated area:
Requests for Counseling and Disability Services Center – Spring 2025 Graduation
Guests will be directed to the designated seating area upon arrival at each venue.
- Families must provide wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
- A family member must accompany the special-needs guest(s) to assist when necessary.
Students are urged to provide this information as soon as tickets are received. ADA compliant seats are limited and will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.
PROHIBITED AND PERMITTED ITEMS
Please be guided by the following:
PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE
GRADUATION SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
School of Arts and Sciences Recognition Ceremony
3:00 P.M.
Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson Student Center
Juanita Powell Baranco Auditorium
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Salute to Graduating Scholars
6:00 P.M.
Vivian Wilson Henderson Health and Physical Education Center
Leonidas S. Epps Gymnasium
Friday, May 16, 2025
Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work Hooding Ceremony
1:00 P.M.
Haven-Warren Hall
Matthew S. Davage Auditorium
School of Business
3:00 P.M.
Thomas W, Cole, Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology
Delores P. Aldridge Auditorium
School of Education
5:00 P.M.
Haven-Warren Hall
Matthew S. Davage Auditorium
Saturday, May 17, 2025 – Baccalaureate
10:00 A.M.
Vivian Wilson Henderson Health and Physical Education Center
Leonidas Epps Gymnasium
Note: A Baccalaureate Service is a celebration that honors a graduating senior class from a college/university. The event is typically a Christianity-based interdenominational worship service.
Class Photos
Immediately following Baccalaureate
Panther Passage & Reception
Immediately following Class Photos
Panther Prowl: Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard —Harkness Hall Gate
Reception Stations: Trevor Arnett Quadrangle and Freshmen Quadrangle
Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Commencement
Georgia State University Convocation Center
455 Capital Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30302
10:00 A.M.
More information will follow via, emails, and ZOOM sessions.