Commencement Checklist for Students
The day you've been waiting for is finally here! Graduation is an exciting time for you, your family, and your friends; we can't wait to help you celebrate this milestone. But before you walk across the stage, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Check out our list below and don't forget to grab your cap and gown!
Graduation checklist
If you are planning to graduate in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025 (this also includes completion of undergraduate or graduate certificates), it is important that you review the information below.
The deadline to apply for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 graduation is February 7, 2025. The application for graduation is available in Banner Self-Service. (Detailed instructions below)
COMPLETE the Graduation Questionnaire - It is mandatory that all students completing degrees in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025 complete this questionnaire by Sunday, April 13, even if you previously completed the survey OR do not plan to attend the ceremony.
***PLEASE NOTE: If your situation and/or plans change and you will not graduate, please email DSU-Registrar@dsu.edu immediately.
Submit your application for graduation
Please note that you must have declared a program or certificate in order to apply for graduation for that specific program or certificate.
- If you have not yet submitted your application, please do so as soon as possible by following the navigation in Banner Self-Service Student menu > My Academic Information > Graduation Application.
- If you have already submitted your application or if you are not sure if you have submitted an application, you can check by accessing the Student menu > My Academic Information > View Graduation Application.
In the upcoming weeks after submitting your graduation application, you will receive a preliminary degree audit by email.
You will also receive additional email communications regarding exit exams and a survey to verify commencement attendance, diploma name, and diploma mailing address.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the Registrar’s Office or (605) 256-5144.
Regalia is ordered through the Trojan Zone. Order all regalia online at www.dsubookstore.com by April 20. After this date, orders must be placed directly through the Trojan Zone and late order fees will be applied. Please order your regalia early to avoid any potential delays.
- Associate’s Apparel Unit purchase includes black cap, gown, tassel, year tab
- Bachelor’s Apparel Unit purchase includes black cap, gown, tassel, year tab
- Master’s Apparel Unit purchase includes black cap, Master’s gown, Master’s hood (required), tassel, year tab
- A hood is required to participate in the master’s hooding ceremony. Please note that in order to ensure the correct hood color you must order the master’s hood directly from the Trojan Zone as the deadline to order custom hoods has now passed. Please contact bookstore@dsu.edu if you have not placed an order for your Master’s hood.
- There is no Rental Regalia option for Master Students.
- Doctoral Apparel Unit includes black cap, gown with velvet chevrons, Doctoral hood (required), tassel, year tab
- A hood is required to participate in the Doctoral hooding ceremony. Please note that in order to ensure the correct hood color you must order the master’s hood directly from the Trojan Zone as the deadline to order custom hoods has now passed. Please contact bookstore@dsu.edu if you have not placed an order for your Doctoral hood.
- A $30.00 late fee will be assessed on all regalia orders placed after October 11.
If you have questions on academic apparel, announcements, frames, or jewelry options, please email the Trojan Zone bookstore or phone (605) 256-5238.
Do you have a family member who is a DSU Alumni? Please complete this section of the survey so you can be recognized at commencement. For more information about this new tradition, please contact the DSU Alumni Office.
To get your International Stole or for more information, please contact the International Programs Office.
Gear Up!
Double-check you've got your cap, gown, tassel, and any honor cords/stoles/hood you've earned.
Arrive Ready & Relaxed!
Give yourself plenty of time to get organized, snap some photos, and handle any last-minute touches. Doors open at 8 a.m. for the hooding ceremony at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse and at 9 a.m. for the Commencement Ceremony at the Madison Community Center double gym. You will be screened by security upon arrival.
Say Hello!
Swing by the check-in table at the double gym so we know you're here. You can also pick up your honor cord there on Saturday morning if needed.
Trust Our Team!
The student marshals and support staff are there to help you have a fantastic experience. Follow their lead – they're on your side!
Celebrate You!
This is a huge moment, so soak it in and have fun! Share your joy with #DSUGrad and #LoyalToBlue.
Aim for On Time!
Master's and doctoral grads, please arrive at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse by 8 a.m. to get lined up for the 8:30 a.m. processional. Everyone else, please be at the Madison Community Center double gym by 9:45 a.m. in your regalia.
Travel Light!
There won't be a secure spot for extra belongings, and only approved regalia can join you on stage.
Keep the Flow Going!
As you cross the stage, keep moving to be considerate of the graduates behind you. There will be great photo opportunities after the ceremony!
Share Your Thanks!
Take a moment to appreciate all the amazing people who supported you on this journey – friends, professors, family, and more. They'll cherish your gratitude.
Tickets are required for general admission bleacher and special accommodations seating for Commencement.
For family and friends who are unable to sit in bleacher-style seating, we can make special accommodations upon request. Specific tickets will be required for the limited amount of floor seating. To notify us of special needs (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, vision, or hearing impairment, etc.), please contact our events staff or call (605) 256-5666.
No tickets are required for overflow seating at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse.
No tickets are required for the Graduate Hooding Ceremony.
Commencement Schedule
Find out where to gather, what happens, and when by checking out the Commencement Day Schedule.
Photos/DVD's
A professional photographer will take photos of each graduate and can be purchased directly from the photographer. DVD's of the ceremonies will also be available for purchase.