FAQ

What’s the difference between graduation and commencement?

To clearly understand your action steps for commencement, it is important to note that the words “commencement” and “graduation” are not synonymous. Graduation happens the day that the Registrar’s Office confirms that all of your degree requirements have been satisfied, changes your status to “graduated,” and enters a graduation date in your student record. 

Commencement happens in May 2025 and celebrates your past or future graduation (i.e. degree awarding). At the start of the spring semester, you will be asked to indicate your intent to participate in the ceremony and to request your tickets. Additional details about the commencement ceremony and related activities will be sent to your Augsburg-issued email address in the spring semester.

When can I get tickets for my guests?

Students will be able to start ordering tickets in February 2025. 

All eligible graduates will receive an email at their Augsburg-issued address with details on how to register for the ceremony and access their tickets. This email will include important information about the ticket access date and time, as well as the required login credentials.

Please note: Although the ticketing site may be accessible before the official distribution date, any attempts to request tickets before that time will result in a message stating that you are not yet eligible for the ceremony. Your eligibility status will be updated once ticket distribution officially begins.

How many tickets can I order?

Each graduate is allowed a total of 16 tickets: 15 guest tickets plus 1 graduate ticket. You can access and reserve the tickets you need as soon as the ticketing system becomes available in February. Please only reserve the number of tickets you require. If you do not initially reserve all 16 tickets, you will have the option to return to the system later to claim any remaining tickets, if needed.

How do I indicate which of guest(s) need accessibility seating/accommodations?

To request accessible seating or any other accommodations, please fill out the follow-up questions on the checkout page (when you are ordering your tickets) and fill out the Accessibility Form. If you have questions about the physical access provided, please email events@augsburg.edu before the event.

Can I get extra tickets?

If you require more than 15 tickets for guests, we encourage you to work with other graduates who are not planning on using all of their tickets. We will also provide a form to request additional tickets. However, these will not be released until 1-2 weeks before the event and are not guaranteed.

Where do I order my cap and gown?

To participate in the ceremony, you will need a cap and gown. Students can purchase their regalia by ordering online or visiting the bookstore during normal business hours. Additional information about commencement regalia and where to order will be available on the website early in the spring semester.

How do I know if I am graduating with Latin Honors?

The Latin Honor conferred upon completion of the bachelor’s degree will be determined by the final cumulative GPA. Information about Latin Honors can be found on the Graduation website.

Is there anything special I need to do if I graduate in December 2024?

Yes! Approximately one month after your degree is awarded, you will begin receiving a weekly email in your Augsburg email account warning you of when your account will be disabled and advising you of your options. If you intend to participate in the upcoming Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony, please choose the "Hold" option so that your account is kept active for another few months. Otherwise, you will likely run into issues with acquiring Commencement tickets from the Commencement ticketing system.

Will a live webcast of the ceremony be available?

Yes, we will make the full ceremony available via live webcast on the University's YouTube channel. A link to the webcast will be available at www.augsburg.edu/commencement on the day of the event.

Can guests bring balloons into the Convention Center?

No, balloons are not allowed. Please make sure to communicate with your guests that balloons are not allowed.

Why haven’t I, and/or my friend, received email communication about the commencement ceremony?

Only commencement-eligible students receive communication about the commencement ceremony. To become eligible for commencement (and degree awarding), students need to submit a complete Intent to Graduate Form to the Registrar’s Office and then respond to any subsequent requested follow-up from the Registrar’s Office. 

Links: 

• Undergraduate Intent to Graduate Form (Download and save this form to your desktop and fill it out electronically.)
• Graduate-Level Intent to Graduate Google Form