Spring Commencement/Graduation - Anderson University Skip to content Spring Commencement/Graduation Spring Commencement One journey ends…and another begins. Anderson University will celebrate the achievements of its students with Spring Commencement on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026. Commencement at Anderson University is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a moment when, as a campus family, we gather to recognize our students’ academic achievements, celebrate their growth, and honor their unique journey. Welcome to one of the most important days of your life. 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremonies For Spring 2026 Commencement, the university will host two events: one on-campus ceremony for undergraduate students and one on-campus ceremony for graduate students (master’s and doctoral). Detailed schedules are provided below. Friday, May 8 Undergraduate Ceremony – 9:00 AM Alumni Lawn (No guest limit on the lawn) Rain Plan: *Note: Rain plan is not finalized, but the current plan will be 2 ceremonies (9:00 am and 2:00 pm) on May 8 at NewSpring. Ceremonies will be arranged by college/school, and the guest count will be posted once the participant count is finalized. UnderGraduate Ceremony Undergraduate Rain Plan Livestream May 8 Saturday, May 9 Graduate (Master's and Doctoral) Ceremony – 10:00 AM Alumni Lawn (No guest limit on the lawn) Rain Plan: *Note: Rain plan is not finalized, but the current plan is 1 ceremony on May 9 in Henderson Auditorium. The guest count will be posted once the participant count is finalized. Graduate Ceremony Graduate Rain Plan Livestream May 9 Friday, May 8 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony – 5:30 PM Student Center Theater The guest count will be posted once the participant count is finalized. Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Campus map How to Get Here Where to Stay Where to eat Guests with Disabilities Winter Commencement One journey ends…and another begins. Anderson University will celebrate the achievements of its students with Winter Commencement on Friday, December 13. Commencement at Anderson University is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a moment when, as a campus family, we gather to recognize our students’ academic achievements, celebrate their growth, and honor their unique journey. Welcome to one of the most important days of your life. CAMPUS MAP CAMPUS MAP HOW TO GET HERE HOW TO GET HERE WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO EAT Commencement Program Commencement Program Notice to Guests with Disabilities One of the many things that make Anderson University Commencement special is its location. Generations of graduates have gathered outdoors on Alumni Lawn to celebrate their transition from student to a member of the AU alumni family. Anderson University recognizes that among the thousands of people who visit campus to celebrate our students’ graduation, some need a wheelchair, walker, or cane to get around. Some may also be sensitive to the weather, which can be unseasonably hot in May and cold in December. As an institution that prides itself on Great Hospitality, we want to do anything we can to make our guests comfortable. If you find the outdoor venue of Anderson University Commencement challenging to the enjoyment of your visit, there will be two options to accommodate your needs: 2 covered areas on Front Street Live viewing in the Student Center Theatre You may also take advantage of our online livestream of the ceremony from the comfort of your home. However you choose to celebrate our students’ achievements, we are eager to welcome you to Anderson University. 2024 Commencement Ceremony For December 2024 Commencement, there will be two ceremonies on-campus. Students will be assembled by the academic unit of the primary major/program. See the listing and schedules below. Guest Capacity Limited to 4 guests per student Live-streamed online option Guest Check-In: Guests are required to stop at one of the check-in stations in the lobby. They will receive a wristband after checking in. We have capacity in the auditorium for a maximum of 4 guests per student. The ceremony will be live-streamed in the Student Center Theater for overflow capacity. Ceremony 1 – 10:00AM Henderson Auditorium Center for Cybersecurity College of Arts and Sciences College of Business College of Education College of Engineering School of Public Service and Administration Ceremony 1 Details Ceremony 2 – 4:00PM Henderson Auditorium College of Christian Studies College of Health Professions South Carolina School of the Arts School of Interior Design Center for Leadership & Organizations Ceremony 2 Details Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Details (PhD, DMin, DNP, & DPT) Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Details (PhD, DMin, DNP, & DPT) Students Parents & Guests Graduation Day Itinerary for Students 10:00 AM Commencement Ceremony 8:00 AM – Doors open for check-in in Henderson Auditorium 8:30 AM – Roll call in Daniel Recital Hall 10:00 AM – Commencement Ceremony 3:00 PM Commencement Ceremony 1:00 PM – Doors open for check-in in Henderson Auditorium 1:30 PM – Roll call in Daniel Recital Hall 3:00 PM – Commencement Ceremony Regalia Information Pricing: Bachelor’s degree: cap, gown, black tassel, and hood – w/tax = $85.60 Master’s degree: cap, gown, black tassel, and hood – w/tax = $90.95 Doctorate degree: tam, gown, gold tassel, and hood – w/tax = $171.20 Optional: souvenir tassel or tassel keychain – w/tax = $8.56 (each) Honor Students and Additional Regalia Recipients: You will receive the honor cord from the specific organization or department before the graduation ceremony OR from the Registrar’s Office during the ceremony rehearsals. Purchasing Regalia at the AU Outfitters Campus Store Come by AU outfitters and purchase in-store, or visit www.andersonuniversity.ecampus.com, then go to the graduation section of the shop. Your regalia will be shipped to your home or you can choose to pick it up at AU Outfitters. Please check the appropriate box for the one you choose. Please note that you must purchase the regalia pieces separately, they do not come as a “package”. If you do not know your hood color, you may call the store at 864.231.2010 and we will let you know what color to order for your major. (We also will double check your hood color when ordered from the list we have obtained from the registrar’s office) Note: If we happen to be out of stock in the gown size and or hood you need, you will be contacted once the order has arrived. Diploma Frame Anderson University diploma frames are available to purchase on our website . The diploma frame is a custom order; please allow 4-6 weeks for the item to arrive. This item is not eligible for expedited shipping. Announcements Announcements are fulfilled and shipped directly from Balfour and can be purchased online at www.balfour.com/anderson. Additional information: if you have any questions, please feel free to contact AU Outfitters at 864.231.2010. Diploma Distribution: Graduates will receive empty diploma covers during the ceremony.  The diplomas will not be available on the day of the ceremony.  Diplomas will be mailed by January 31, 2023 and students will receive an email to the AU email with a tracking number once the diploma has been mailed. Photography: The university is contracted with Pro Pics to provide photography for graduation, no photographers outside of the University will be allowed on the premises. After the event, you are more than welcome to use the campus for a photo shoot. www.AUphotos.com Information for the Ceremonies Video Streaming:  For the convenience of family and friends who are unable to attend Commencement, we are pleased to provide a live video streaming option on our Commencement page.  Please check this page for the link that will be published when it becomes available. Required Dress: Commencement participants must be dressed appropriately in attire suitable for formal church services or professional engagements.  No jeans, shorts, or casual footwear (e.g., flip-flops, athletic shoes, etc.) are permitted.  Avoid high heels and slick-soled shoes to limit chance of slips or falls. Parking Information: Guests are encouraged to park on lots B, C and D. Handicapped parking is located in lots D and E. See campus parking map here. Photography: The university is contracted with Pro Pics to provide photography for graduation, no photographers outside of the University will be allowed on the premises. After the event, you are more than welcome to use the campus for a photo shoot. www.AUphotos.com FAQ How early can guests arrive? Guests can arrive as early as 8:45 for the 10:00am ceremony and 1:45 for the 3:00pm ceremony. How long is the ceremony? The ceremony lasts around 1.5 hours. Will shuttle service be available? Yes, shuttle service will be available for those who need it. Where are the restrooms located? The restrooms are located in the Henderson Lobby. Can I hire my own photographer? The University is contracted with Pro Pics to provide photography for graduation, no photographers outside of the University will be allowed on the premises. After the event, you are more than welcome to use the campus for a photo shoot. How many guests can attend the ceremony? Graduates are allowed 6 guests each. Will AU Outfitters be open for Graduation? Yes, AU Outfitters will be open from 9:00am to 5:30pm. You can also shop online here Livestream Livestreaming begins on Friday, May 5, 5pm 10:00 AM Livestream Saturday, May 6 6pm Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South 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DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN'S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagement Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI Alumni Association AU Network Ways to Get Involved ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment