Commencement Weekend FAQs – Asbury University
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Commencement Weekend FAQs

Any additional questions about the April Commencement ceremony may be directed to provost@asbury.edu.

Guests

▾ What is the schedule for Commencement?

The schedule can be found on the Commencement Schedule page.

▾ What are the local lodging options?

Hotel and bed and breakfast accommodations are available in Wilmore as well as neighboring Nicholasville, Harrodsburg, and Lexington. Please refer to our Lodging List for locations within 30 minutes of campus.

▾ What are the on-campus meal options?

Friday, April 26
Graduate Celebration Lunch
Johnson Building (Dining Hall), Noon - 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 27
TBA

▾ Where can I park?

Parking for guests is provided in these lots:

  • Hamann-Ray Science Center lot
  • James Street lot by the soccer field
  • Jameson (Akers) Recital Hall lot
  • Johnson Residence Hall lot
  • Kinlaw Library lot
  • Kresge Residence Hall lot
  • McCreless Fine Arts Center lot
  • Miller Center for Communication Arts lot
  • Trustees Residence Hall lot
  • Walt and Rowena Shaw Collaborative Learning Center lot

Please refer to the Campus Map to become familiar with these areas.

Please refrain from parking in the Administration lot behind the cafeteria and anywhere on the semi-circle.

Parking for guests with disabilities

Accessible parking and drop-off will be available directly behind the Luce Center. Ground-level access to the building is available via the rear door nearest West Main Street, the access point for the Luce Center lot. Subsequent pick-up after Commencement should also transpire at the rear of the building as the front of the building will be closed to vehicle traffic due to exiting commencement patrons. 

▾ What should I do in an emergency?

During an emergency, 911 should be called immediately and given this information:

  1. the location of the emergency
  2. the nature of the emergency

After notifying 911, University Safety & Security should be notified of the emergency by calling (859) 858-3511, extension "0" ( available 24 hours a day). The caller should advise:

  1. the location of the emergency
  2. the nature of the emergency

University Safety & Security may be contacted by dialing "0" from any campus courtesy phone.

▾ How should I dress for Commencement?

We request that guests wear attire appropriate to the dignity of the occasion.

▾ Is smoking allowed on campus?

In keeping with our University policy of being a smoke-free campus and with State Fire Regulations, we request that guests refrain from smoking on campus.

▾ Can I bring any pets on campus?

Pets are not permitted in any campus facility. Service animals are welcome.

▾ Do I need tickets for Commencement?

Yes, guests must have a ticket to be admitted. Graduates will be issued four tickets for their respective ceremony; tickets will be unique to each service. Live-streaming will be available.

For additional ticket consideration: https://forms.office.com/r/neTGfk6dz0

▾ Where can I buy AU memorabilia?

The Eagle Outlet is located in the lower level of the Rader Student Center and we have many University and Commencement items available.  Special Commencement hours will be Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Students and parents may order graduation announcements online through the Asbury University Virtual Bookstore. Orders received for personalized announcements after April 1 may not be received before Commencement.

Graduation Candidates

▾ What is the schedule for Commencement?

The schedule can be found on the Commencement Schedule page.

▾ What kind of academic regalia (cap, gown, hood, etc.) do I need?

Regalia for Traditional Undergraduate students: Caps/gowns have been ordered according to the information provided on the Graduation Application and will be distributed April 17-19. Pick-up times can be viewed here.

Caps cannot be decorated. Only University-issued academic honor cords are permitted to be worn for Commencement services. Dress shoes (low heels/flats for women) should be worn with the Commencement gown. Dress slacks and dark ties are appropriate for men. Casual wear is not appropriate attire.

Regalia for Graduate and Online Undergraduate students: Participating graduates will order their full regalia (cap/tassel, gown, and hood for Master’s students) through our vendor’s website and bring their regalia to Commencement. Please reference your Asbury email or contact registrar@asbury.edu for ordering information.  The final deadline to order is April 1.

Caps cannot be decorated. Only University-issued academic honor cords are permitted to be worn for Commencement services. Dress shoes (low heels/flats for women) should be worn with the Commencement gown. Dress slacks and dark ties are appropriate for men. Casual wear is not appropriate attire.

▾ Will I receive tickets to give to family and friends?

Each graduate will be permitted to have four guests for in-person attendance and tickets are required for entry. Tickets will be unique to each service.

Traditional Undergraduate students: Tickets will be included with your cap/gown, which will be distributed on April 17-19. Details here

Graduate and Undergraduate Online students: Tickets will be mailed to your home address. If your address needs to be updated, please email registrar@asbury.edu.

For additional ticket consideration: https://forms.office.com/r/neTGfk6dz0

▾ When is Commencement rehearsal?

Graduates will be sent Commencement rehearsal instructions through their Asbury email. Graduates will have the opportunity to walk through the Commencement venue and to locate assigned seat for ceremony on Friday, April 26, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the Luce Center Gym.

▾ When is the Baccalaureate service?

Baccalaureate will be held on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in Hughes Auditorium.

Students: Line up at the front steps of Hughes Auditorium no later than 6:40 p.m. Please come in your cap/gown.

A Graduate Reception with Faculty will follow at 8 p.m. in the Shaw Luce Auditorium in the CLC.

General

▾ What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is when your requirements are completed and your degree is earned (“degree conferral date”; dates are May, August, or December). Commencement is the ceremony where we celebrate your accomplishment!

Graduation = diploma/degree, Commencement = ceremony/regalia

▾ How do I apply for graduation?

Completion of the Degree Application is required to graduate with a degree.  All students who are in the final year of completing a degree must complete the degree application prior to graduating.  Access to the application will be emailed from the Registrar’s Office.  Contact registrar@asbury.edu for a degree application review if you believe you will graduate earlier than the graduation date listed on your Portal Degree Progress Audit.

Diploma

▾ When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to students approximately 6-8 weeks after all academic and financial obligations have been satisfied.

▾ I’m not sure where I’ll be living when I finish my degree requirements – can I have my diploma sent to a different address?

Yes. Please provide an updated address to registrar@asbury.edu, keeping in mind that diplomas will be prepared for mailing in 4-6 weeks after fulfilling degree requirements.

▾ Can I get a frame for my diploma?

Official Asbury University diploma frames are available for purchase at the Eagle Outlet on campus or through the Asbury University Virtual Bookstore.