GRADUATION CEREMONY

• Date: Saturday, May 16, 2025

• Time: 3:00 PM

• Location: Akins Ford Arena, 300 N. Thomas Street, Athens, GA

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Graduate Arrival Time:

• 12:30 PM (this allows adequate time to make it through Akins Ford Arena security check points and graduate check-in before the ceremony begins)

• Security Screening:  At Akins Ford Arena, each guest is required to undergo a security screening. Metal detectors will be set at each entrance for those who are able to step through them. Alternative screenings will be available for expectant mothers, wheelchair-bound guests, and guests who have other medical conditions which restrict them from using metal detectors. All guests entering the venue must go through security. Guests who refuse will not be allowed to attend the event. 

• Graduates will not bring bags or cell phones into the arena. Key fobs and car keys are allowed. 

Spectator Arrival Time:

• Akins Ford Arena will open their doors to spectators at 1:30 PM.

• Security Screening:  Spectators must also go through Security Screening. At Akins Ford Arena, each guest is required to undergo a security screening. Metal detectors will be set at each entrance for those who are able to step through them. Alternative screenings will be available for expectant mothers, wheelchair-bound guests, and guests who have other medical conditions which restrict them from using metal detectors. All guests entering the venue must go through security. Guests who refuse will not be allowed to attend the event. 

• Please review the Graduation Guest Guidelines page for a complete list of prohibited items at Akins Ford Arena. Additionally, Akins Ford Arena enforces a clear bag policy.

GRADUATION DAY PARKING

For more details about Graduation Day parking, please visit the Graduation Day Parking page.

GRADUATION REMINDERS

Graduate Dress Code:

• Due to security checkpoints, graduates should not arrive wearing their caps and gowns.

• Graduates will be checked in by an assigned faculty member upon arrival. 

• Please be sure to review the dress code HERE. These rules will be strictly enforced.

• Once cleared by an assigned faculty member, graduates will put on caps and gowns. 

Graduate Cell Phone Policy:

• To maintain the dignity of the ceremony and to have the graduates' undivided attention, graduates WILL NOT be allowed to have cell phones with them during the ceremony.  

• Cell phones MUST be left in vehicles or with parents or guests.  Students MAY NOT have a cell phone in their possession.  This rule will be strictly enforced.  

• If a cell phone is found or seen with a graduate, it will be confiscated with a Monday morning pick-up.   

DURING THE CEREMONY

Graduation is a dignified event and celebrates every member of the Class of 2026.  In order for each guest to enjoy and celebrate their graduate, please review the Graduation Guest Guidelines page for important information and expectations.

AFTER THE CEREMONY