The Big Day
Day of the Commencement Ceremony
Check-in
Degree candidates should enter the front side entrance of the Convocation Center as marked with green arrows.
Please note that the candidate entrance, seating, and line-up locations are all designated in green, and the candidate check-in area is in black.
All degree candidates (as well as guests) will be participating in a security check, and candidates should arrive at 4:30 p.m. to allow enough time to complete the process and allow you to check in by the 5:00 p.m. deadline. By 5:00 p.m., wear your cap and gown and prepare to begin the line-up.
5:00 p.m. is the check-in deadline - not a suggested time for arrival.
If you miss the information session, ensure you know your degree name and the approximate location where you will be in the order of degree candidates.
Guest arrival and parking
Guests must be seated by 5:45 p.m. The doors to the arena area will close at 5:50 p.m. for the processional, and the ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Parking will be available at the Convocation Center, and overflow parking will be on the main campus. See Maps and Directions for more details.
Other Considerations
Family Celebration Brunch
10:30 a.m. the morning of graduation
The Celebration Brunch provides graduates, parents, family, and USC Aiken Faculty in the Convocation Center to celebrate this special day. The brunch will allow families and guests to view the Convocation Center, meet faculty and staff, and provide many photo opportunities.
Graduates receive a free Brunch ticket. Additional tickets are $15 per person ($5 for children ages 2-10). These tickets must be purchased from the Alumni Relations Office in the Alumni House.
Please purchase family tickets in advance using any of the below methods:
- Mail a check payable to Aiken Partnership and return the form to Alumni Relations - 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801.
- Please enclose the Senior/Family Celebration Brunch form
- Purchase your brunch tickets at the Alumni House on the USC Aiken campus; the address is 471 University Parkway, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801.
- Call the Office of Alumni Relations at 803-641-3480
Class Gift
Along with graduation, graduates may participate in the traditional Class Gift Program. For a $25 donation, graduates will receive an Alumni tumbler, a special alumni gift, and a one-year membership to the Alumni Association’s Pacer Perks Program. To do this, complete the class gift form and bring or mail it along with your donation to the Alumni Relations Office in the Alumni House.
Members of the Alumni Association gain access to our PacerPerks program, which provides discounts at retailers, restaurants, travel, and more across the country!