BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following the Baccalaureate Service
Vivian Wilson Henderson Health & Physical Education Center Leonidas S. Epps Gymnasium
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
- Graduates arrive: 9:30 a.m.
- Holding location: Athletic Hall of Fame, third floor
- Doors close: 10:30 a.m. as the Line of March prepares for processional staging
- Processional begins: Approximately 10:45 a.m.
SECURITY & VENUE GUIDELINES
- Security screening required for all attendees
- Clear bags and small handbags only
- Prohibited items: balloons, noisemakers and oversized bags
- Only credentialed participants may enter restricted areas
- Follow instructions from public safety and ceremonial staff
RECESSIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Guests are asked to remain seated until the recessional concludes
- Platform guests and line-of-march participants will recess first
- Guests will depart following the directives to the President's Panther Passage
IMPORTANT CEREMONY NOTES
- Students do not recess immediately following the ceremony
- Graduates will remain seated for class photos and dismissal instructions
- Undergraduates, master's candidates and doctoral candidates will be grouped separately following the ceremony
PRESIDENT'S PANTHER PASSAGE
Immediately following the Baccalaureate Service
The President's Panther Passage is designed as a reflective walk for the Class of 2026. Led by Dr. George T. French, Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University, the graduating class is flanked by faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and family members, passing through the historic gate for the final time as scholars. Upon entering the historic Harkness Quadrangle, the atmosphere shifts to one of celebration, with music and a festive reception greeting the graduates.
PROCESSION ROUTE
Graduates will enter through the historic Harkness Hall Quadrangle gate and proceed to the Trevor Arnett Quadrangle while being welcomed by alumni, family and the university community.
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
- Community welcome corridor
- Alumni engagement stations
- Drumline processional support
- Legacy, Golden Sons & Daughters seating
GRADUATE INSTRUCTIONS
Follow all marshal and volunteer instructions.
COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION
Monday, May 18, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center
FOR GRADUATES
Arrival Time: 6:30 a.m., Hall A1 Parking: lower entrance Orange or Red Decks ($15) Estimated End Time: 1:30 p.m.
WHAT TO BRING
- Full regalia (cap and gown)
- Student credential/ID
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Balloons
- Air horns or noisemakers
- Large bags or backpacks
- Prohibited items or weapons
GRADUATE PROCESS
- Check in immediately upon arrival
- Follow marshal and volunteer instructions throughout staging and processional
- Remain in assigned areas until directed
- Graduates will remain seated throughout the recessional; additional instructions will follow
CAP & GOWN PURCHASE
A limited number of caps and gowns are available for purchase at the campus bookstore.
LATIN HONORS CORDS
Honor cords will be distributed at "The Salute to Graduating Scholars" on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to Georgia World Congress Center is not provided. Graduates are responsible for their own transportation.
Use lower entrances to Red Deck and Orange Deck for GWCC parking. Rideshare is recommended.
FOR FAMILIES AND GUESTS
All commencement events are open to parents, family members and guests.
Commencement ceremony doors open at 7:00 a.m.
ARRIVAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Arrive early
- Expect security screening
- Use lower entrances to Red Deck and Orange Deck for GWCC parking
- Follow usher and public safety instructions
SECURITY & VENUE GUIDELINES
- Security screening required for all attendees
- Clear bags and small handbags only
- Prohibited items: balloons, noisemakers and oversized bags
- Only credentialed participants may enter restricted areas
- Follow instructions from public safety and ceremonial staff
SEATING INSTRUCTIONS
- Guests are asked to remain seated until the recessional concludes
- Platform guests and line-of-march participants will recess first
FOR EXECUTIVE LEADERS, TRUSTEES & PLATFORM GUESTS
Arrival Time: 8:00 a.m. Holding Location: A307 Parking Access: Red Deck
Andrew Young International Boulevard
Mangum Street Lower-Level Entrance
PROCESSIONAL NOTE
Platform lineup organized by the Platform Coordinator
SECURITY
All guests are subject to security screening upon entry. Please allow additional time for arrival and credential verification.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
The Office of Accessibility Services is committed to supporting an inclusive and accessible commencement experience for all graduates and guests.
ACCESSIBLE SEATING & MOBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Accessible seating areas will be available for graduates and guests with mobility impairments, medical conditions or other accessibility-related needs. Seating will be provided on a first-identified and approved basis according to venue capacity and safety guidelines.
ESCORT & USHER ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Designated ushers and event personnel will be available to assist individuals requiring escort services to accessible seating locations, entrances, exits and other approved ceremony areas.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Ushers are available for directional and logistical assistance only
- Ushers are not personal care attendants or medical support providers
FAMILY/SUPPORT PERSON REQUIREMENT
Guests or graduates with significant mobility impairments, visual impairments, medical support needs or other conditions requiring continuous assistance must be accompanied by a family member, caregiver or designated support person at all times during commencement activities.
The university and event staff are unable to provide continuous one-on-one monitoring, medical care, wheelchair pushing services for the duration of the event or individualized personal assistance throughout commencement ceremonies.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN TIME
To ensure adequate accommodation support and timely seating, all graduates and guests requesting accessibility-related assistance are strongly encouraged to arrive early for check-in and accommodation coordination.
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL:
- Graduates requesting accommodations: minimum of 90 minutes prior to ceremony start time
- Guests requesting accommodations: minimum of 60-90 minutes prior to ceremony start time
Late arrivals may experience delays in seating and accommodation coordination due to venue and ceremony logistics.
ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS & COMMUNICATION
Individuals requiring accessibility accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services as early as possible prior to commencement to allow sufficient time for review, planning and coordination.
EXAMPLES OF REQUESTS MAY INCLUDE:
- Accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible routes
- Mobility assistance coordination
- Visual accessibility support
- Sign language interpreting services
- Other approved reasonable accommodations
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Commencement FAQs: https://www.cau.edu/commencement/commencement-faqs
Schedule of Activities: https://www.cau.edu/commencement/schedule
