A university commencement ceremony is a meaningful celebration that recognizes the hard work, achievements, and academic success of graduating students. Find important details about the ceremony, including the date, time, location, arrival instructions, regalia requirements, guest information, seating, parking, and other resources to help graduates and their families prepare for this special milestone.

The Ceremony

Date & Time

December 5, 2026

10 a.m.–Noon

The doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

Location

The Arena at Southlake Mall

1300 South Lake Circle
Morrow, GA 30260

Directions

Graduate Information

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Graduates must report to The Arena at Southlake, Box Office Entry (Lower Level-Zone 4) (view location on map), no later than 9 a.m.

Download your stage pass prior to arriving to your ceremony. Stage pass is assessed via Tassel.

Graduates will go through a security check first, then check in with Clayton State staff. At check-in, you will receive two cards:

• The COLORED card should be given to the photographer before proceeding up the ramp to the stage.
• The WHITE card should be given to the announcer as you walk across the stage.

The color of the photographer card represents your college as follows:

• PINK – College of Arts & Sciences
• YELLOW – College of Business
• ORANGE – College of Health
• GREEN – College of STEM

Immediately following check-in, graduates will enter the processional line, which is organized by college. Your colored photographer card will help you find your place in line.

All graduates must be in appropriate academic attire. Academic attire consists of the following: Cap, Gown, & Tassel.

• Master – Black gown with Clayton State gold seal on both tabs, black cap, and appropriate hood & tassel. Your tassel will be on your LEFT.
• Baccalaureate – Blue gown with Clayton State orange seal on both tabs, blue cap, and tassel. Your tassel will be on your RIGHT.
• Associate – Blue gown with Clayton State white seal on both tabs, blue cap, and tassel. Your tassel will be on your RIGHT.

Please inform your guests the primary entrance into The Arena is Gate C (view location on map). Guests should be seated no later than 15 minutes prior to the ceremony. Late arrivals will be seated at the discretion of the ushers.

Your family and friends may view the ceremony via the live stream.

Disability accommodation 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 Disability Services at (678) 466-5445. 

We will not have a place to store valuables during the ceremony. Please make other arrangements for your personal belongings, including purses and keys.

Please read the security and allowed items policy.

Clayton State University strives to recognize the exemplary accomplishments of our graduates. Students who are qualified members of nationally recognized honor societies or nationally recognized registered student organizations (for example, fraternities and sororities) that are recognized by the institution during their studies at Clayton State University have been granted authorization to wear regalia from those organizations during the commencement ceremonies.

The only types of regalia items that may be approved are honor cords or stoles. If you have a question regarding regalia for a specific organization, please email the Department of Laker Life. Please note that all regalia requirements as specified by the Registrar’s Office for graduation should be followed and supersede additional student organization regalia requirements.

Students may wear the appropriate symbol of membership in the following organizations:

• Students graduating with Academic Honors (GPA) from Clayton State – Gold Honor Cord
• Honors Program – Gold Medallion
• Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) First Generation Student Honor Society – Navy blue and silver cords
• Alpha Kappa Alpha – Pink and green stole
• Alpha Lambda Delta, The Honor Society for First-Year Academic Success – Burgundy, gold, and white stole or cord
• Alpha Phi Alpha – Black and gold stole
• Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity – Blue and gold
• American Medical Student Association – Royal blue and gold cord
• Clayton State University Athletes – Orange stole
• Delta Sigma Theta – Red and white stole
• First-Generation Graduates receive orange and white braided cords
• Kappa Alpha Psi – Red and white stole
• Learning Assistant Program – Green and white cord
• Military Veterans – Red, white, and blue cord or stole
• Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity – Purple and white graduation stoles and cords
• National Student Nurses Association (SNA) – Blue and white cord or blue and orange cord
• Phi Beta Sigma – Blue and white stole
• Psi Chi International Honor Society – Blue and white cord, gray, blue, and white stole, or black medallion
• Sigma Alpha Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success – Black and white stole and cords; gray/silver and/or red stole or cords
• Sigma Gamma Rho – Blue and yellow stole
• Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society – Purple and white stole
• Society for Human Resource Management – Navy blue, light blue, and white stole, cord, or medallion
•  Student American Dental Hygienists Association Honor Graduates – White Stole with Dark Purple Trim
• Student Government Association – Orange and blue stoles with SGA emblem
• Zeta Phi Beta – Blue and white stole

Unauthorized ornamentation is prohibited. If your item is not listed above, it may not be worn during the ceremony. If any university official deems the attire to be inappropriate, the student will be asked to remove the unapproved item, or the student may be denied participation in the graduation ceremony.

Entry, Seating & Tickets

All individuals entering the arena for commencement must present an electronic ticket via email. Tickets may not be duplicated under any circumstances and are valid for a single scan only. Each graduate will receive 10 tickets.

Each graduate will receive:

1. Graduate Stage Pass Ticket – This ticket is for the graduate only and is required for check-in and participation in the ceremony. This ticket is not for guest entry.
2. Guest Tickets – Graduates will also receive their allotted guest tickets electronically. These tickets may be distributed directly to family and friends via email.

Please review your email carefully once tickets are released and ensure your guests receive their tickets prior to the ceremony date.

The main entry point for The Arena is Gate C, as marked on the map. Gate B is a secondary entrance.

Guests without a ticket may view the ceremony via the commencement live stream. The ceremony will also be streamed on the university’s social media channels.

Guest Information

All guests entering the arena for commencement must present an electronic ticket via email. Tickets may not be duplicated under any circumstances and are valid for a single scan only.  Guests without a ticket may view the ceremony via the commencement live stream.

The recommended arrival time for guests is 8:30 a.m.

The restrooms are located in the Arena lobby area.

Concessions will be available, including chips, cookies, candy, non-alcoholic beverages, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Outside food is not permitted inside the Arena.

Guests can meet graduates after the ceremony in Zone 4 near Gate A.

Silence or turn off mobile devices.

Be respectful of all graduates and guests.

Help us keep this a safe and enjoyable celebration.

Security & Allowed Items

For expedited entry, guests are encouraged to leave bags at home.

Clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. Small clutch bags, wallets, and purses not exceeding 5" x 7" are also allowed. All bags are subject to search prior to entry.

Prohibited items include:

• Outside food, beverages, snacks, or candy
• Backpacks or duffel bags
• Professional photo, video, or audio recording equipment
• GoPros, smart glasses, tablets, gimbals, or Steadicams
• Tripods or selfie sticks
• Balloons
• Glass of any kind
• Chairs or blankets
• Illegal or controlled substances
• Vapes, e-cigarettes, or related devices
• Cigarettes or lighters
• Drug paraphernalia
• Helmets, full-face masks, or ski masks
• Weapons of any kind
• Pets (service animals permitted)
• Laser pointers, LEDs, or flow toys
• Flashlights or glow sticks
• Markers, pens, or spray paint
• Large chains or spiked jewelry/clothing
• Stickers or flyers
• Signs larger than 8.5" x 11"
• Reusable water containers (including bottles, cups, cans, camelbacks, or hydro flasks)
• Personal defense items (for example, mace or pepper spray)
• Skateboards, scooters, or one-wheels
• Toys or stuffed animals

Accessibility Accommodation Services

Clayton State University is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive commencement experience for all graduates and guests.

ADA-Accessible Parking

Designated ADA-accessible parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vehicles must display a valid disability parking permit or license plate.

Accessible parking is limited, and guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Event staff and signage will assist guests in locating designated parking areas and accessible entrances.

Accessible Seating & Entrances

Clearly marked accessible entrances and routes will be available throughout the venue.

Designated accessible seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible seating is intended for guests with disabilities who require these accommodations and one accompanying companion or support person.

Due to limited seating, accessible seating areas are not intended to accommodate entire families or groups. Additional family members and guests will be directed to general seating areas.

Individual circumstances requiring additional assistance or support will be considered.

Event staff will be available to assist guests with locating accessible seating areas.

Communication Access

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available during the commencement ceremony.

The ceremony will also be livestreamed with Spanish interpretation and captioning.

Guests requiring additional communication accommodations are encouraged to submit requests in advance.

Mobility & Physical Access

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Accessible routes and designated seating areas will be available for guests with mobility-related needs.

Event staff and volunteers will be available to provide directions and limited assistance as needed.

Accommodation Requests for Graduates & Guests

Graduates and guests requiring disability-related accommodations are encouraged to submit requests at least 7–10 business days before the ceremony to allow sufficient time for coordination.

Requests may be submitted through the Event Accommodation Request webpage.

For additional information or assistance, please contact Disability Services at (678) 466-5445.

While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate requests received closer to the ceremony, certain services may require advance arrangements.

Important Reminder Regarding Accessible Seating

To ensure equitable access for all guests, designated accessible seating is reserved for individuals who require disability-related accommodations and one accompanying companion or support person. These areas are not intended for entire families or groups. We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain accessible seating for those who need it.

Emergency Information

What should I do in case of a medical emergency?

Medics will be available on site in designated triage areas. One is located on the second level near the west concourse, and another is on the first level near the box office entrance. All security personnel have radios to communicate with onsite medics.

Will there be onsite medical personnel?

Yes, medical personnel will be present throughout the ceremony.

Where are the first aid stations located?

If you need medical attention, please notify the nearest security officer. A first aid station is located on the second level near the west concourse.

What is the emergency contact protocol (police/campus public safety)?

In case of an emergency, alert a nearby security or police officer. They will assist you and coordinate with medical personnel.

How do I report a concern or suspicious activity?

If you see anything suspicious or concerning, notify the nearest security or police officer. Security personnel will be stationed throughout the arena and roaming the concourses.

What are the evacuation procedures?

In the event of an evacuation, the ceremony will be paused and instructions will be announced. Security personnel will direct guests to exit the arena through designated egress points. Second-level egress is available at all exits, and first-level egress is available via the box office and loading dock exits. Please follow all directions from security personnel.

What is the severe weather plan?

In the event of severe weather, announcements will direct guests to shelter in place. Those outside the venue will be directed to shelter inside the adjacent mall complex.

What is the protocol for a lost person or child?

Notify the nearest security or police officer. Security personnel will coordinate with venue management.

Where is lost and found located?

Lost items should be turned into the nearest security or police officer. Guests searching for lost items should contact a police officer to check the lost and found at the security office.

Who should I contact for questions or day-of issues?

For parking inquiries, please see a nearby volunteer. For ticket issues, please visit ticket support at Gate A.