Graduation is almost here. Whether you’re earning your master’s or a graduate certificate from UGA Online, this is your time to celebrate everything you’ve accomplished—on your terms, in your time, and now, with the recognition you deserve.

Here’s what you need to know for UGA’s Spring 2025 Commencement, especially if you’re planning to attend, watch online, or just want to make sure your diploma arrives safely.

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When and where is the Spring 2025 graduate commencement ceremony?

UGA’s Spring Graduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 8 at Stegeman Coliseum. There are two separate ceremonies:

• Master’s and Specialist Degrees: Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Doctoral Degrees: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m.

If you’re attending, plan to arrive at the Stegeman Coliseum Training Facility’s basketball practice gym one and a half hours before your ceremony begins.

Not attending in person? You can watch the livestream from anywhere via the UGA Commencement homepage, beginning five minutes before each ceremony.

No tickets are required for graduate ceremonies—for either students or guests.

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Where should I park for the graduate ceremony?

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Recommended lots include:

• South Campus Deck (S11)
• Carlton Street Deck (S15)
• Foley Field Lot (S14)

Some nearby lots, such as McPhaul Lot (S10) and Coverdell Lot (S16), are reserved for permit holders only.

You can view UGA’s interactive parking map here.

Graduates should enter Stegeman Coliseum using the doors closest to the Carlton Street Parking Deck.

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What accessibility accommodations are available?

Stegeman Coliseum offers first-come, first-serve wheelchair accessible seating along the top row of the lower level.

One guest may sit with individual students needing accommodations; additional family members should use general seating.

Wheelchairs are not provided on site, so guests who need one should bring their own or arrange a short-term rental in advance.

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When and how will I receive my diploma?

You don’t need to pick anything up—UGA will mail your diploma. Here’s the timeline:

• Printed diplomas are sent via USPS approximately 8–10 weeks after graduation.
  • U.S. addresses typically receive them within 4–6 weeks
  • International shipping may take up to 10 weeks
• Certified Electronic Diplomas will be emailed to your UGA email account

Make sure your mailing address is up to date in Athena to avoid any delays.

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Who is speaking at the graduate commencement?

This spring’s graduate speaker is Dr. Paige Carmichael, professor of veterinary pathology at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Carmichael is known for her dedication to student mentorship, interdisciplinary teaching, and advancing faculty development across the university, as well as teaching in the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Comparative Biomedical Sciences program.

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What should I know if I’m also attending the undergraduate ceremony?

For dual-degree students or family members attending both ceremonies:

• The Spring Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony takes place Friday, May 9 at Sanford Stadium
• Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Graduates need tickets for field seating (registration is now closed); guests do not need tickets.

Parking is first-come, first-served. ADA shuttles will be available from East Campus Deck (E04), and guests can enter through Gates 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9. Graduates enter through Gate 10.

A clear bag policy will be in effect. Clear bags must be no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. Food and an unopened bottle of water are allowed.

The speaker for the undergraduate ceremony is Jarryd Wallace, four-time Paralympian and UGA alumnus. Student speaker Kate Willow Hall was selected to represent the graduating class.

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Whether you’re walking across the stage or tuning in from home, you’ve earned this celebration. We’re proud of every Bulldog earning a degree this spring.

Need more info? Visit commencement.uga.edu for updates and details.