ASU hosts a number of graduation ceremonies each fall and spring semester. See University Ceremonies for details.
University Commencement books are published after fall and spring semesters. Names for summer graduates will appear in the fall commencement book. The most recent and past programs (from 2012 forward) can be found at https://graduation.asu.edu/commencement_programs
An undergraduate student must have completed at least 56 credit hours of resident credit at ASU to qualify for graduation with academic recognition for a baccalaureate degree. The cumulative GPA determines the designation, as shown in the table below.
Students eligible for academic recognition are given honor cords to be worn at graduation ceremonies. Your current GPA will determine which cords you are given. Your diploma and transcripts will reflect the appropriate recognition based on all coursework completed at ASU, including courses in your final semester.
Pick up honor cords at any University Registrar Services location.
ASU Online Students: After you apply to graduate you will receive an email with additional information about honor cords and ceremonies.
| Cumulative GPA | Designation |
|---|---|
| 3.40-3.59 | cum laude |
| 3.60-3.79 | magna cum laude |
| 3.80-4.00 | summa cum laude |
The cumulative GPA for these designations is based on ASU resident course work only. All designations of graduation with academic recognition are indicated on the diploma and the ASU transcript. Graduation with academic recognition applies only to undergraduate degrees.
A student who has a baccalaureate degree from ASU and is pursuing a second baccalaureate degree at ASU (with a minimum of 30 hours of resident credit) is granted academic recognition on the second degree based on credit hours earned subsequent to the posting of the first degree.
Inquiries about graduation with academic recognition may be directed to graduation@asu.edu or 480-965-3256.
Graduate students who complete a master's program with a 4.0 cumulative GPA qualify for recognition as "With Distinction." This recognition will be indicated on both the diploma and the ASU transcript through a notation of "With Distinction." Please note that this recognition was implemented in the fall of 2022 and will not be awarded retroactively to students who completed their master's degrees before that time. The cumulative GPA for With Distinction recognition is based solely on ASU coursework.
Please be aware that doctoral graduates are individually recognized at the Graduate Commencement for their remarkable achievement. The doctorate represents the highest level of educational attainment, and these students are recognized during the Commencement by having their names called, along with a special hooding process conducted by their faculty.
If you have any inquiries regarding master's students graduating With Distinction, please contact grad-gps@asu.edu or call 480-727-2984. For inquiries about ceremonies or Commencement activities, please visit https://graduation.asu.edu/contact. For inquiries about degree conferral or diplomas, please email graduation@asu.edu or call 480-965-3256.
Are tickets required for graduation ceremonies?
Most ceremonies do not require tickets. To view a list of ceremonies and to determine which events will require tickets, please visit https://graduation.asu.edu/ceremonies/latest
Where is disabled parking at Commencement?
Parking information for Sun Devil Stadium and Desert Financial Arena, including disabled parking and shuttle service can be viewed at https://graduation.asu.edu/guests/parking
Where is disabled seating at Commencement and Convocations?
Information on accessibility and inclusivity for graduates and guests can be viewed at https://graduation.asu.edu/guests/accessibility