UGA Spring 2026 Commencement: What Online Graduates Need to Know
UGA Spring 2026 Commencement: What Online Graduates Need to Know
Updated on April 15, 2026: visit UGA Commencement for the most up-to-date information.
Spring graduation is coming up, and for many UGA Online students, it’s the moment everything comes together. Whether you’re planning to walk, watch from home, or just check in, here’s what to expect for Spring 2026 Graduate Commencement.
When and where is Spring 2026 graduate commencement?
UGA’s Spring Graduate Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Stegeman Coliseum.
There are two ceremonies:
- Master’s & Specialist Ceremony 10:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:00 a.m.)
- Doctoral Ceremony 2:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30 p.m.)
Graduates should plan to arrive about 1.5 hours before their ceremony and report to the basketball practice gym inside the Stegeman Coliseum Training Facility.
How do I watch the ceremony if I can’t attend? How do I livestream UGA’s Commencement?
Both ceremonies will be livestreamed on the UGA Commencement homepage, starting about 5 minutes before each ceremony.
No tickets are required, whether you’re attending in person or watching online.
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.
What should I know before arriving?
A few things that tend to catch people off guard:
- Arrive early – all guests and graduates go through a weapons detection system
- Leave unnecessary metal items in your car (portable chargers, metal cases, etc.) to avoid delays
- Follow the clear bag policy – bags must be clear and within size limits
- No tickets required for graduate ceremonies
Graduates should also leave personal belongings with family and plan a meeting spot ahead of time for after the ceremony.
What should I know about the CLEAR BAG policy?
Allowed:
- Clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon clear plastic bags
- Small clutches under 4.5” x 6.5”
Food and sealed drinks are allowed if they fit inside your bag.
Prohibited items include backpacks, large bags, wrapped gifts, alcohol, and oversized signs or noisemakers.
All guests and graduates will pass through weapons detection devices.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Yes, but they are limited and first-come, first-served. Visitors with disability concerns are strongly encouraged to arrive early to Stegeman coliseum.
- Wheelchair seating is available along the lower level
- One companion can sit with the guest needing accommodations
- On-site wheelchairs are not provided, so plan ahead if needed
Real-time captioning is available via the livestream, and ASL interpreters can be requested in advance.
Disability Parking and Transportation
Parking for guests with disabilities is available in the Hoke Smith Annex lot (S12). The lot is adjacent to Stegeman Coliseum. The main entrances to Stegeman Coliseum along Sanford Drive and Carlton Street are wheelchair accessible.
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.
Who is the Spring 2026 commencement speaker?
This year’s speaker is Margaret A. “Meg” Amstutz, dean of the Jere W. Morehead Honors College at UGA.
She leads the Honors College along with major academic initiatives like the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities and the Foundation Fellowship. Before that, she held senior leadership roles in the Provost’s Office and served as UGA’s accreditation liaison. Her background spans decades of work across the University System of Georgia.
Will I cross the stage?
Yes. All graduate degree candidates who attend will cross the stage, and doctoral graduates will be hooded by their major professor.
Seating is organized by degree, and recognition details come from the information submitted through Tassel.
If you’re not attending, your name won’t be read or shown during the ceremony, but you can still watch the livestream.
You’ll still receive your diploma as usual, and you can download a digital program or view ceremony photos afterward.
What should I wear for commencement?
You’ll need full academic regalia (cap and gown).
A couple quick notes:
- Doctoral hoods are dark blue, regardless of discipline
- Tassel starts on the right side, then moves to the left after your degree is conferred
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do UGA graduates need tickets for commencement?
No. Graduate ceremonies do not require tickets for students or guests.
Can family attend UGA graduate commencement?
Yes. Guests can attend freely, but seating is first-come, first-served.
Is UGA commencement indoors?
Yes. Graduate ceremonies are held inside Stegeman Coliseum.
What time should I arrive for UGA graduation?
Plan to arrive at least 1.5 hours early to allow time for check-in and security screening.
What happens if I graduate in the summer?
Summer graduates participate in the Fall Graduate Commencement ceremony.
Can I bring a bag into Stegeman Coliseum?
Yes, but it must follow the clear bag policy.
Will there be photos of the ceremony?
Yes. Photos will be available through GradImages after the event.
Whether you’re walking across the stage or watching from home, it’s a big moment. And it counts just the same: same degree, same faculty, same University of Georgia.
Need more info? Visit commencement.uga.edu for updates and details.