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commencement crowd

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the commencement exercises?

Check out the list of frequently asked questions for commencement.

General Inquiries

Spring 2026

May 9, 2026

The ceremony will take place at The Arena at Southlake. The address is 1300 South Lake Circle, Morrow, GA 30260.

Yes. Registration for the spring 2026 commencement will be open Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 17. Information regarding registration will be communicated via CSU student email approximately six weeks prior to date of the ceremony.

Please reset your account login at https://account.clayton.edu/. Be sure to close and reset your browser completely or switch to a new browser.

Tickets are required for anyone over the age of 3. The number of tickets each student will receive will be determined after registration closes and will be communicated via email. A minimum of six tickets will be allotted per graduate.

Children over the age of 3 are required to have a ticket to enter the commencement ceremony. Tickets are not required for children 3 years or younger.

All degree graduates from spring 2026 will be eligible to participate.

For expedited entry, please leave your bags at home

Clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed in the venue. Small clutch bags, wallets and purses not exceeding 5" x 7" are allowed. All bags will be searched prior to entry.

 

Prohibited items include:

  • No outside food, drinks, snacks, or candy
    • We have free water stations and water fountains located outside the restrooms
  • No backpacks or duffle bags
  • No professional recording equipment for photo/video/audio
  • No GoPros, smart glasses, tablets, gimbals or steadycams
  • No tripods or selfie sticks
  • No balloons
  • No glass of any kind
  • No chairs or blankets
  • No illegal/controlled substances
  • No vapes/juuls/vape juice
  • No cigarettes/lighters
  • No drug paraphernalia
  • No helmets, full face masks, or ski masks
  • No weapons of any kind
  • No pets (service animals exempt)
  • No laser pointers, LEDS, or flow toys
  • No flashlights
  • No glowsticks
  • No markers, pens, or spray paint
  • No large chains, or spiked jewelry/clothing
  • No stickers or flyers
  • No signs larger than 8.5x11"
  • No water containers: bottles, camelbacks, hydro-flasks, cups, or cans
  • No defense items (ex. mace, pepper spray, alarms)
  • No skateboards, scooters, or one-wheels
  • No toys or stuffed animals
Yes, students will walk across the stage to receive recognition. When their name is called, graduates will walk to the stage, where the dean of their college will hand them their diploma cover. They will then proceed to shake hands with the president of the university. This moment serves as a symbolic milestone, representing the completion of their academic journey.
Yes. The commencement student walkthrough is scheduled for Friday, May 8. Time is TBD.
Yes. The Grad Team will be in attendance at all ceremonies to take photos. For more information, please visit The Grad Team's website or call (833) 489-4723.
No. The new commencement venue is located off campus (The Arena at Southlake). However, the real-time, live stream viewing option will be available to all guests. The live stream viewing is located on the commencement live stream page.
Yes. The archived live streams can be found on the live stream page.
Yes. Commencement caps and gowns are available for purchase online. Orders will be mailed to the student. For questions about an order, please contact the vendor at (540) 387-0000 or email the vendor.
Yes. The event will be streamed and accessible via the Clayton State University website.
The commencement program is available for download. All programs will be available during the week of the ceremony.
Disability accommodations can be provided upon request for graduates and guests with disabilities. To request accommodations, please complete the event accommodation request form on the Disability Services website or contact them at (678) 466-5445. Large-print programs will be available at the ceremony upon request for guests with low vision.

 

View graduation application information