Wings Out, Soar Beyond

Commencement at Georgia Southern

Commencement is more than a milestone—it’s the moment our Eagles spread their wings. For graduates, it marks the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of bold new journeys. For families, it's a proud celebration of everything your student has accomplished and the promise of all that lies ahead. At Georgia Southern, we don’t just prepare students for what's next—we help them soar beyond.

Learn More

Order Your Cap & Gown

Order your cap and gown by Nov. 1!
Order deluxe doctoral regalia by Oct. 10

Savannah Undergraduate Ceremony

Saturday, December 13
Enmarket Arena
10:00 AM 

Ceremony for undergraduate students in all colleges, any campus.

Statesboro Undergraduate Ceremony

Tuesday, December 16
Paulson Stadium
2:00 PM

Ceremony for undergraduate students in all colleges, any campus.

Statesboro Graduate Ceremony

Wednesday, December 17
The Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center
6:00 PM

Ceremony for graduate students in all colleges, any campus.

Watch the Live Ceremony

The live broadcast will begin at

Enmarket Arena
Savannah, GA

Frequently Asked Questions

questionanswer
Do I have to apply for graduation?

Yes. All students, regardless of whether they choose to participate in Commencement ceremonies, must apply for graduation in order to receive their degree.

application, graduation, wings,
How do I apply for graduation?

All candidates must submit an Application for Graduation through your WINGS account at least three semesters before you anticipate completing degree requirements. Please click here for instructions to apply.

Please access your WINGS account through MyGeorgiaSouthern to enter a Diploma Address (DA) that is valid six to eight weeks after commencement for delivery of your diploma. For more graduation information, click here.

application, graduation, wings, diploma
When are the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies?

Georgia Southern University is planning three separate ceremonies:

  • Saturday, December 13 – Enmarket Arena in Savannah at 10 a.m.
    • Ceremony for undergraduate students in all colleges, any campus
    • *Graduates receiving an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies should participate in this ceremony.
  • Tuesday, December 16 – Paulson Stadium in Statesboro at 2 p.m.
    • Ceremony for undergraduate students in all colleges, any campus
    • *Graduates receiving an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies should participate in this ceremony.
  • Wednesday, December 17– Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro, 6 p.m.
    • Ceremony for students earning master’s, specialist or doctorate degrees in all colleges, any campus
timing, length, days, schedule, dates, times, locations,
How do I know which college I am graduating from?

Your college can be found in your DegreeWorks or Banner accounts.

Graduates who are receiving an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) will see “Provost” as their college in DegreeWorks or Banner accounts.

At Commencement, if you are graduating with an AA or BIS, you would attend the college ceremony for the College of Arts and Humanities. If you are graduating with AS, you would attend the college ceremony for the College of Science and Mathematics.

How do I get my regalia (cap and gown) and from where?

Students may reserve their cap and gown on the Herff Jones website. Details on cap and gown will be posted on the Office of the Registrar website.

outfit, clothing, clothes
Will there be a commencement speaker?

Yes. There will be a different speaker for each ceremony. View the specific ceremony page for the speaker information.

keynote, speech
Will there be a practice for any ceremony?

No. Participants need to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony begins for line up and directions.

reception, rehearsal
Do graduates need a ticket to get into the ceremony?

No, your cap and gown is your ticket.

entry,
Do guests need tickets to enter the venue and if so, how many will I receive?

Each guest, regardless of age and including currently enrolled students, will need a ticket to enter ceremonies at Enmarket Arena and the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center. Students can reserve a limited number of tickets for their guests through Tassel and have been emailed a link with login information to their student account.

Tickets will not be required for guests of graduates who choose to participate in the ceremony at Allen E. Paulson Stadium.

Graduates will not need tickets. Their cap and gown is their ticket.

Where is the Enmarket Arena and what do I need to know about parking for the Savannah ceremony?

The address for the Enmarket Arena is  620 Stiles Ave, Savannah, GA 31415

View directions and parking information on the Enmarket Arena website. There will be no charge for parking at Enmarket Arena on the day of Commencement.

cars, driving, drive, fee
Do Enmarket Arena’s policies apply to the commencement ceremony in Savannah?

Yes. Please visit Enmarket Arena’s A-Z guide for complete information on the venue’s policies.

purse, venue, conduct, signs
Does Enmarket Arena’s clear bag policy apply to the commencement ceremony in Savannah?

Yes. Large bags, backpacks and purses are not permitted at Enmarket Arena. Clutches are permitted at 4.5″x6.5″ or smaller. All bags above this size MUST BE CLEAR and no larger than 14″x14″x6″ with a 2-pocket maximum. Clutches and clear bags are subject to search. Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted, but subject to search.

clear, bag, purse, venue, conduct, signs
Will I get my diploma at the ceremony?

You will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony. You will receive your diploma in the mail approximately six to eight weeks after the semester you complete degree requirements.

certificate, paper, mailed, delivered
So, what are my options if I’m graduating with a master’s, specialist or doctorate degree?

Students earning a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree will now be honored in a dedicated Graduate Commencement ceremony. This event is designed to highlight traditions such as the hooding ceremony and to place graduate students at the center of the celebration. It offers a distinct, meaningful experience that reflects the rigor of advanced study while honoring the family, friends, and mentors who supported you along the way.

degree, diploma,
Does the stadium’s policies apply to the commencement ceremony in Paulson Stadium?

Yes, for commencement, both graduates and guests must comply with the policies that are required by Paulson Stadium fan code of conduct. Those guidelines are available at the Fan Code of Conduct page. Clear bags will not be required.

purse, venue, conduct, signs
What about inclement weather?

The ceremony at Paulson Stadium is outside and will take place rain or shine unless the weather is threatening and compromising safety. There will be no rain plan.

If rain is in the forecast, graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to bring appropriate rain gear. Umbrellas are permitted.

The ceremony in Savannah is indoors.

storm, sunny, thunder, lightning,
If I have a disability and have concerns about participating in the ceremony, what should I do?

Contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center for your campus ceremony:

Statesboro Campus
912-478-1566
SARCBORO@georgiasouthern.edu

Armstrong Campus
912-344-2572
SARCSAV@georgiasouthern.edu

ada, disabled, disable, assistance, access
If one of my guests has a disability and needs information about attending the ceremony, what should I do?

Contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center for your campus ceremony:

Statesboro Campus
912-478-1566
SARCBORO@georgiasouthern.edu

Armstrong Campus
912-344-2572
SARCSAV@gerogiasouthern.edu

ada, disabled, disable, assistance, access
Will wheelchairs be available for guests with accessibility needs at either ceremony?

Wheelchairs or other mobility devices will not be provided at either ceremony. If guests need a mobility device, they should plan to provide their own.

Additionally, guests with accessibility needs may be dropped off in the ADA parking lot at Paulson Stadium and at the ADA drop-off location off Stiles Avenue at Enmarket Arena

ada, disabled, disable, assistance, access
Are pets or animals allowed at the ceremonies?

Only service animals will be allowed at any Commencement ceremony.

dogs, cats, ada, disabled, disable, assistance, access, emotional support, horse
Can the ceremonies be viewed online?

All ceremonies will be livestreamed on the university’s Facebook page and on the university’s commencement page.

video, feed, simulcast
What is the dress code for the ceremony?

Georgia Southern’s custom blue regalia featuring a cap, tassel and gown are required for graduates during the ceremony. As Commencement is a formal and respected event, graduates are encouraged to dress appropriately and be mindful of weather conditions.

Watch this video to learn more about how to wear commencement regalia.

outfit, clothing, clothes

Question not answered above? Email communications@georgiasouthern.edu.

Traditions & Commencement Facts

Commencement vs Graduation

Why is it called “Commencement”?

Commencement is the official event where students are recognized for completing their degree requirements or recognizing those who will soon complete requirements.

Graduation indicates a student has completed all the requirements needed for their degree.

The Double & Triple Eagle Society

The Double & Triple Eagle Society is a joint initiative between the College of Graduate Studies and the Alumni Association of Georgia Southern. The Society recognizes our alumni who have earned two (or more) degrees from Georgia Southern and/or Armstrong State University. Double & Triple Eagles are leaders who not only get the real-world training they’ll need to thrive in their careers, but also get involved on campus or in the community, where they learn to invest in others and make their corner of the world a better place to live.

To qualify as a Double Eagle, you must hold one undergraduate and one graduate degree or two graduate degrees from Georgia Southern or Armstrong State University. 

To qualify as a Triple Eagle, you must  one undergraduate and two graduate degrees or three graduate degrees from Georgia Southern or Armstrong State University.

Georgia Southern double eagle

Tassel Colors

Each tassel color represents a specific field of study or academic discipline. Use this guide to identify degree programs and their corresponding tassel colors by college, as worn by graduates during the Commencement ceremony.

Tassel ColorDegreeCollege
Light Blue
Doctor of EducationEd.D. EDDCollege of Education
Apricot
Doctor of Nursing PracticeD.N.P. DNPWaters College of Health Professions
Teal
Doctor of Physical TherapyD.P.T. DPTWaters College of Health Professions
Citron
Doctor of PsychologyPsy.D. PSYDCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Salmon Pink
Doctor of Public HealthDr.P.H. DRPHJiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Light Blue
Education SpecialistEd.S. EDSCollege of Education
Drab
Master of AccountingM.Acc. MACC WebParker College of Business
White
Master of Arts in EnglishM.A. MACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Master of Arts in HistoryM.A. MACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Master of Arts in Professional Communication and LeadershipM.A. MACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Master of Arts in Social ScienceM.A. MACollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
White
Master of Arts in SpanishM.A. MACollege of Arts and Humanities
Light Blue
Master of Arts in TeachingM.A.T. MATCollege of Education
Drab
Master of Business AdministrationM.B.A. MBAParker College of Business
Light Blue
Master of EducationM.Ed. MED m.e.d.College of Education
Brown
Master of Fine ArtsM.F.A. MFACollege of Arts and Humanities
Kelly Green
Master of Health AdministrationM.H.A. MHAWaters College of Health Professions
Pink
Master of MusicM.M. MMCollege of Arts and Humanities
Peacock Blue
Master of Public AdministrationM.P.A. MPACollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Salmon Pink
Master of Public HealthM.P.H. MPHJiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Copper
Master of Science in Applied EconomicsM.S. MSParker College of Business
Science Gold
Master of Science in Applied GeographyM.S. MSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Master of Science in BiologyM.S. MSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Sage Green
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and DisordersM.S. MSWaters College of Health Professions
Science Gold
Master of Science in Computer ScienceM.S. MSAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Science Gold
Master of Science in Criminal Justice and CriminologyM.S. MSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Sage Green
Master of Science in KinesiologyM.S. MSWaters College of Health Professions
Science Gold
Master of Science in MathematicsM.S. MSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Citron
Master of Science in PsychologyM.S. MSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Sage Green
Master of Science in Sport ManagementM.S. MSWaters College of Health Professions
Orange
Master of Science in Applied EngineeringM.S.A.E. MSAEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Gold
Master of Science in Applied Physical SciencesM.S.A.P.S. MSAPSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Orange
Master of Science in Civil EngineeringM.S.C.E. MSCEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Master of Science in Electrical EngineeringM.S.E.E. MSEEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Science Gold
Master of Science in Information TechnologyM.S.I.T. MSITAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Master of Science in Mechanical EngineeringB.S.M.E. BSMEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Apricot
Master of Science in NursingM.S.N. MSNWaters College of Health Professions
Sage Green
Master of Science in Sports MedicineM.S.S.M. MSSMWaters College of Health Professions
Black
Associate of ArtsA.A. AACollege of Arts and Humanities
Brown
Bachelor of Arts in ArtB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Arts in EnglishB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Arts in HistoryB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and CulturesB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
Pink
Bachelor of Arts in MusicB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
Dark Blue
Bachelor of Arts in PhilosophyB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
Brown
Bachelor of Arts in TheatreB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality StudiesB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Arts in Writing and LinguisticsB.A. BACollege of Arts and Humanities
Brown
Bachelor of Fine ArtsB.F.A BFACollege of Arts and Humanities
White
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary StudiesB.I.S. BISCollege of Arts and Humanities
Pink
Bachelor of MusicB.M. BMCollege of Arts and Humanities
Light Blue
Bachelor of Science in Art EducationB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Crimson
Bachelor of Science in Communication StudiesB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Crimson
Bachelor of Science in JournalismB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Crimson
Bachelor of Science in Multimedia JournalismB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Crimson
Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Film and ProductionB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Crimson
Bachelor of Science in Public RelationsB.S. BSCollege of Arts and Humanities
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in AnthropologyB.A. BACollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Aquamarine
Bachelor of Arts in International StudiesB.A. BACollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dark Blue
Bachelor of Arts in Political ScienceB.A. BACollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Maroon
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family ScienceB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and CriminologyB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Maroon
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel DesignB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Maroon
Bachelor of Science in Interior DesignB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Aquamarine
Bachelor of Science in International TradeB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Citron
Bachelor of Science in PsychologyB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Sage Green
Bachelor of Science in RecreationB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
White
Bachelor of Science in SociologyB.S. BSCollege of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Gold
Bachelor of Information TechnologyB.I.T BITAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in Computer ScienceB.S. BSAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Civil EngineeringB.S.C.E. BSCEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Computer EngineeringB.S.Cp.E. BSCPEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in ConstructionB.S.Cons. BSCONSAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Construction EngineeringB.S.Con.E. BSCONEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Electrical EngineeringB.S.E.E. BSEEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in Information TechnologyB.S.I.T. BSITAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing EngineeringB.S.Mfg.E. BSMFGEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Orange
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical EngineeringB.S.M.E. BSMEAllen E. Paulson College of Engineering
Light Blue
Bachelor of Science in EducationB.S.Ed. BSEDCollege of Education
Black
Associate of ScienceA.S. ASCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in BiologyB.A. BACollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in ChemistryB.A. BACollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in GeographyB.A. BACollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in GeologyB.A. BACollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Arts in PhysicsB.A. BACollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in BiologyB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in BiochemistryB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in ChemistryB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in GeographyB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in GeologyB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical SciencesB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Science Gold
Bachelor of Science in PhysicsB.S. BSCollege of Science and Mathematics
Salmon Pink
Bachelor of Science in Public HealthB.S.P.H. BSPHJiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Copper
Bachelor of Arts in EconomicsB.A. BAParker College of Business
Drab
Bachelor of Business AdministrationB.B.A. BBAParker College of Business
Sage Green
Bachelor of Health SciencesB.H.S. BHSWaters College of Health Professions
Sage Green
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and DisordersB.S. BSWaters College of Health Professions
Maroon
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food ScienceB.S. BSWaters College of Health Professions
Gold
Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation SciencesB.S. BSWaters College of Health Professions
Gold
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory TherapyB.S. BSWaters College of Health Professions
Sage Green
Bachelor of Science in Sport ManagementB.S. BSWaters College of Health Professions
Sage Green
Bachelor of Science in KinesiologyB.S.K. BSKWaters College of Health Professions
Kelly Green
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory ScienceB.S.M.L.S. BSMLSWaters College of Health Professions
Apricot
Bachelor of Science in NursingB.S.N. RN-BSNWaters College of Health Professions
Gold
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic SciencesB.S.R.S.Waters College of Health Professions

The Presidential Medallion

The presidential medallion and chain, worn by the president of Georgia Southern University as part of the president’s academic regalia, symbolizes the University and signifies the authority and responsibility of its highest executive office. Georgia Southern’s presidential medallion and chain is a custom-designed, handcrafted work of art. Professor Christina Lemon and Georgia Southern alumna Madeline Shelor collaborated on the custom design and creation of the medallion and chain using a combination of traditional methods and new technology. The medallion is a three-and-one quarter inch circular pendant form made from sterling silver and accented with two blue Sapphire cabochon stones (smooth rounded stones). The dimensional medallion design features a cast sterling silver relief of the Georgia Southern University seal design. The center of the seal design includes a relief image of the iconic Marvin Pittman Administration building on historic Sweetheart Circle. Encircling the central seal design are stylized oak leaf and acorn motifs, the enduring emblem of strength, stability, honor and longevity. Each oak leaf is crafted in relief and hand engraved. A smaller oak leaf motif continues on the reverse side.

The Mace

Leading the Processional of faculty and administration is the Macebearer, the faculty member holding the rank of Professor with the highest seniority of service at Georgia Southern University. The mace is a two-and-one-half foot shaft and sphere of cast Everdur bronze and carved American walnut. This representation of the ceremonial symbol of office and authority was designed and crafted in 1988 by Thomas P. Steadman, associate professor of art. Its angular forms and low-gloss finishes are reminiscent of the medieval battle mace from which the more scepter-like academic mace evolved. The design of the mace blends forms suggested by native flora of south Georgia. The magnolia leaves and stems encircling the head of the mace in a double helix symbolize Georgia Southern’s link with its region. A small ballast rock, found on the Georgia coast and traced to probable British origin, is embedded in the finial base of the shaft representing the foundation of the institution.

ROTC Commissioning

During Commencement, Cadets from the Eagle Battalion—Georgia Southern University’s award-winning Army ROTC program—are formally commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. This ceremonial milestone marks the beginning of their service as officers, honoring their dedication, leadership, and commitment to both the University and our nation.

Stay Connected After Graduation

Your Georgia Southern journey doesn’t end at commencement — it’s just the beginning! As a new graduate, you’re officially part of a network of more than 154,000 proud Eagle alumni. Update your information, find regional alumni chapters, attend events, and stay connected to your Eagle community wherever life takes you.

Explore New Graduate Resources