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 the Fall of 2023 (this also includes completion of undergraduate or graduate certificates), it is important that you review the information below.
The deadline to apply for Fall 2023 graduation is September 29, 2023. 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 Fall 2023 complete this questionnaire by Friday, November 10, 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 Friday, November 10. 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 November 10.
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.
Tickets are not required for general admission bleacher seating for the Spring Commencement.
Special Accommodation Seating: Tickets are required for floor seating which is available for family or friends who are unable to sit in the bleachers.
Questions? Please contact our events staff or call (605) 256-5666.
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. Photos may be purchased directly from the Lifetouch Special Events. DVD's of the ceremonies will also be available for purchase.