As the birthplace of public higher education, the University of Georgia has fostered a tradition of academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, and service to others since 1785. For our graduates, Commencement is a beginning, the start of the next chapter in their lives.
Whether you’re participating in the graduate Commencement ceremony or supporting your graduate, this information will help you prepare for and navigate graduation day.
Keepsakes
Programs
Digital programs will be available to download for the Graduate Commencement Ceremony.
The names of students who applied to graduate with a master’s or specialist degree in Spring 2025 by March 10 will appear in the program. The names of students who applied to graduate with a doctoral degree in Spring 2025 and submitted their doctoral Commencement information form in GradStatus by March 10 also will appear in the program. The deadline to submit the doctoral commencement information form is
If you would like to receive a printed copy of the full 2025 Spring Commencement program, please fill out this form by June 5, 2025. Limit is two per graduate. In order to appear in the program, candidates for degrees must when applying for graduation.
A summary program featuring the order of events will be handed out at the ceremony.
Photos
Photos from the Graduate Commencement ceremony are available through GradImages.
Diploma Frames and UGA Merchandise
UGA merchandise, including diploma frames, can be purchased from the University of Georgia Bookstore located next to Sanford Stadium as well as online from Jostens.
Academic Regalia (Cap & Gown)
Appropriate academic regalia must be worn to participate in the Graduate Commencement ceremony.
Candidates should wear their tassels on the right side prior to their degree being conferred and on the left side afterward. The mortarboard on the cap should be parallel to the ground.
Program-Specific Colors
The color of the velvet on the hoods worn by PhD candidates is dark blue regardless of academic subject . The tassel colors associated with subject areas are as follows:
| Subject Area | Color |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | maize |
| Arts, Letters, Humanities | white |
| Business and Accountancy | drab |
| Education | light blue |
| Engineering | orange |
| Fine Arts and Landscape Architecture | brown |
| Forestry and Natural Resources | russet |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | maroon |
| Journalism and Mass Communication | crimson |
| Law | purple |
| Music | pink |
| Pharmacy | olive green |
| Public Administration | peacock blue |
| Public Health | salmon pink |
| Science | golden yellow |
| Social Work | citron |
| Veterinary Science | gray |