What Public Safety Requirements do Attendees Need to Know About?
- CLEAR BAG REQUIREMENT -- In the interest of public safety, all venues will adhere to a clear bag requirement for all Commencement Ceremonies.
- The implementation of these measures is intended to enhance public safety on campus. Approved bags are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”. and can be purchased online or in person from the University’s bookstore.
- To Purchase clear bags online, CLICK HERE.
- PROHIBITED ITEMS -- This is a list of items NOT ALLOWED!!! Please DO NOT bring these items to campus!!!
- NO WEAPONS
- NO AIRHORNS
- NO WHISTLES
- NO COW BELLS
- NO BALLOONS
- NO FLOWERS
- NO CAKES
- NO ANIMALS (Except service animals. Advance notice must be provided to the Tuskegee University Police Department for any service animals attending the commencement ceremony).
- PUBLIC PARKING
- FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT — [Parking NOT ALLOWED on campus—must take Shuttle]. The general public attendees should park at BTW High School or TIMS Middle School and catch the Shuttle to campus. Shuttles will begin pickup at 10:45 am.
Is the Spring Commencement open to the public?
- Tickets are required for the Undergraduate Programs Commencement for everyone two years old and above to enter the Chappie James Arena.
- Tickets are not required for overflow locations (The TU Chapel and Logan Hall)
As a Prospective Graduate, when is the deadline to register to graduate in the Spring 2026 Graduation?
- The Deadline was September 2025.
As a Prospective Graduate, if I missed applying for Spring 2026 Graduation, can I still participate in Commencement?
If I do not participate in the Commencement Ceremony, will I still graduate and receive my degree?
- Yes. All students who have been academically and financially cleared will receive their degree.
How many tickets will each Prospective Graduate/Graduate receive?
- Undergraduate Programs students will receive FIVE (5) tickets. See ticket information below.
How do I get tickets to attend?
For the Undergraduate Commencement:
- Tickets are required to enter the Chappie James Arena for everyone two years old and above. Graduating Students will issue tickets to their guests.
- No tickets are required for the overflow locations (The TU Chapel and Logan Hall).
- Tickets will be distributed to Graduating Students on Thursday, May 7th, immediately after rehearsal (or at 12:Noon) at OneStop located in Margaret Murray Washington Hall.
- For Graduating Students who could not pick up their tickets on Thursday, the alternative day to pick up tickets is Friday, May 8th from 10am-2pm at OneStop. Any extra tickets will also be distributed at that time.
- On Commencement Day, Graduating Students will enter campus via the Farm Road gate and park in the large parking area behind Foster Hall near the Commons apartments.
Where are the Lineup Locations for graduating seniors on Commencement Day?
Participants should assemble in Foster Hall as follows:
- TSACS: 5th floor, Room 528
- SOE: 5th floor, Room 529
- CAENS: 4th floor hallway
- CAS: 3rd floor
- Biology: Room 325
- Chemistry - Mathematics: Room 326
- Music - Sociology: Room 327
- CBIS: 2nd floor, Library
- COE: 2nd floor, Auditorium
- SONAH: 3rd floor
- Health Science: Room 328
- Nursing: Room 329
Will the Commencement Ceremony be Live-Streamed?
- Yes. Commencement Exercise will be Live-Streamed on the University’s YouTube Channel.
Will the Campus Bookstore be open on Commencement Day?
- The Campus Bookstore will be open on the Friday before commencement (tentatively 9am - 5pm). It will also be open on Commencement Day, May 9 (tentatively 10am-3pm).
What are the Parking and Shuttle Guidelines for Commencement?
- Parking for Graduating Students on May 9 — Students must have a parking pass which will be provided with tickets, along with showing their ID. They will enter campus via the Farm Road gate.
- Parking for Attendees with ADA Accommodations — These Attendees may enter campus via the Lincoln Gates (must have placard visible) to go and drop off their guest. Any person who accompanies them must have a ticket to enter the arena. Both people must have a ticket. Please read the ADA Accessibility information.
- Parking for the Public on Saturday —
- FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT — [Parking NOT ALLOWED on campus—must take Shuttle]. The general public attendees should park at BTW High School or TIMS Middle School and catch the Shuttle to campus. Shuttles begin pickup at 10 am.
What arrangements have been made for ADA Accessibility?
- Sections are available in the Chappie James Arena for individuals with any ADA issues. Graduating students should inform appropriate University personnel in advance of any special needs of family members or guests. Please read the ADA Accessibility information.
What are the Overflow Locations for Commencement?
How do I know if I am eligible to participate in the Graduation Ceremony?
- To participate in the Graduation Ceremony all students must be FINANCIALLY AND ACADEMICALLY CLEARED.
- Notifications of your status will be posted in TigerWeb
What is the appropriate attire for the Graduation Ceremony?
When is Spring 2026 Graduation?
- Undergraduate Programs | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 12:30 p.m. | Tuskegee University Chappie James Arena
What time will the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony be held?
- Undergraduate Programs: The in-person ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. (CST).
What should I do to ensure that I am financially cleared prior to Spring 2026 Graduation?
- Check your Account Via TigerWeb to determine if you have any outstanding balances, fines (Library, Parking Tickets, Dorm Fines, Apartment fees, etc.)
- Ensure you pay your graduation Application fee and all monies owed to the University on or before:
- Monday, May 4, 2026 | Undergraduates
- Access studentaid.gov and complete your Loan Exit Interview.
Will there be a Baccalaureate Ceremony?
What should I do if I am not receiving email updates/instructions about Spring Graduation Ceremony?
- Contact the Office of Information Technology at 334-727-8040.
How will I receive my Diploma if I WILL NOT participate in the Graduation Ceremony?
- Send an email to registrar@tuskegee.edu and include your Name, ID#, Major, mailing address and a phone # where you can be reached. You should also state that you WILL NOT be participating in Spring 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
- All Diplomas will be mailed. If you are a Spring 2026 Completer a QR Code will be emailed to your TU Email.
Can I have a friend collect my Diploma?
- No – All Diplomas will be mailed.
How will I know if I will receive Honors?
- Honors are awarded to Undergraduates and DVMs Only based on their Fall 2025 CGPA, NOT Spring 2026.
- Honor Cord/Stoles will be distributed after Graduation Rehearsal and can be picked up from your Academic Department. Summer and Fall 2025 Graduates Honor cord/stole was mailed with their Diploma. – Please have your TU ID available for verification. We will mail upon request if you do not attend the Commencement.
- Honors (we do not round off CGPA)
- Cum Laude: 3.250
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.500
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.750
Will I be recognized for Academic Honors at the Graduation Ceremony?
- Yes. The Honor will be called after your name is announced in such cases.
- Each Graduate will be provided with a Name Card which will include their major(s) and Academic Honor if applicable.
What is the cost of the Cap and Gown Package?
- You can purchase your Cap and Gown from our Campus Bookstore. Please contact or visit the Campus Bookstore at 334-727-8844 with additional questions.
Can I purchase my Cap and Gown from somewhere else other than the University’s Bookstore?
- No. The University Bookstore is the only authorized provider of the official academic regalia and the purchasing of Cap and Gowns from other sources is prohibited.
How can I obtain a copy of my Official Final Transcript with my Degree conferred?
- Access: www.tuskegee.edu/transcript
- Cost: $11.75 per copy
- Advance request: Select “Hold for posting of Degree”
- Graduates requesting Transcripts and/or Diplomas must be Academically and Financially Cleared.
- Graduates and PHD can order Transcripts after May 9th
- Undergraduates can order Transcripts after May 15th
When will my degree be noted on my Official Transcript?
- In general, within one week following Commencement the Office of the Registrar will post the Degree earned on students’ transcripts.
- Please do not order your transcript until 1 week after the Commencement Ceremony. If you order before it is likely that your Degree will NOT be posted to your final transcript and you will have to purchase another for $11.75
- Order from the National Student Clearinghouse: www.tuskegee.edu/transcript or from the Office of the Registrar in Kresge Center.
Can I have a friend pick up my transcript?
- No. Only you can pick up your transcript in person or have it mailed.
Do you have Transcript Request “Same Day” service?
- No. All (Electronic/In-Person) Transcripts are processed within 72 hours (about 3 days)
- The National Student Clearinghouse processes our Electronic Requests. The Office of the Registrar does not process electronic transcripts.
What if my name is spelled incorrectly on my Diploma?
- Return the original Diploma to the Office of the Registrar in-person or via mail (Certified Only): Tuskegee University Office of the Registrar, 136 Kresge Center, Tuskegee, AL 36088
- If your name was legally changed. Ex. Marriage – a copy of your Marriage Certificate is required.
What happens if my name is not on the list of Graduates cleared to participate in Graduation?
- To prevent this occurrence, all students are required to check TigerWeb to determine their Clearance status prior to Rehearsal.
- Every effort will be made by the Office of the Bursar and Office of Registrar to ensure students who are eligible (Financially and Academically) are cleared the day prior to the Graduation Ceremony, in a timely manner before Graduation Rehearsal and the actual Commencement Ceremony.
- We ask that all prospective Graduates assume the responsibility as noted below: Application fee and all monies owed to the University on or before.
- Monday, May 4, 2026 | Undergraduates
What happens if my name is not in the Commencement Program?
- We apologize in advance for any inadvertent omission in the Commencement Program. To alleviate this problem the Office of the Registrar provided each Department Head/Dean with the list of all prospective graduates during the Fall after the Application Deadline and the latter Spring for review and update as deemed necessary.
- An updated electronic version of the Commencement Program will be available Online following Commencement.
Where can I get additional copies of the Spring Commencement Program?
- It will be available online on Commencement day.
How long is the Graduation Ceremony?
- Unknown currently. However, our commencement exercises usually last approximately three hours.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions/concerns?
