Wide-angle stadium view of the Fulton Schools Convocation ceremony in Desert Financial Arena

What is the difference between Commencement, Convocation and Celebrations?

Commencement

The Univerisity-wide graduation ceremonies

ASU Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies are the university-wide ceremonies at which President Crow confers degrees. All graduating students (and their guests), from any ASU department or school, may participate.

More ASU Commencement information

During the ASU Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, President Crow confers degrees upon all ASU bachelor’s degree candidates by schools (not individually). All Fulton Schools of Engineering students are recognized as a group and do not individually cross the stage.

At the ASU Graduate Commencement, President Crow confers degrees upon all ASU graduate students (master’s and doctoral candidates). Doctoral candidates will have their names announced and will cross the stage individually. Master’s candidates are announced by college, but not individually.

Convocation

Fulton Schools Convocation: a ceremony just for Fulton Schools graduates

The Fulton Schools Convocation ceremonies are a high-spirited celebration of graduating Fulton Schools students and their achievements, presented by the Fulton Schools for our graduates and their families.

More Fulton Schools Convocation information

The Fulton Schools Undergraduate Convocation is a celebration for our bachelor’s degree graduates. At this ceremony, your name will be read as you cross the stage to celebrate your achievement!

The Fulton Schools Graduate Convocation is a celebration for our master’s and doctoral degree graduates. In celebration of the completion of their advanced degrees, all graduates cross the stage and their names are read.

Most ASU colleges host Convocations. See the full schedule.

Celebrations

Fun ceremonies that celebrate various student groups

Celebrations include ceremonies and other celebratory graduation events that are held by and for various student groups and are open to all graduating students.

Examples include:

  • American Indian Celebration
  • Asian/Asian Pacific American Celebration
  • Black African Celebration
  • Hispanic Celebration
  • International Student Celebration
  • Rainbow Celebration

See the schedule for all ASU graduation Celebrations.

May I participate in multiple ceremonies? Yes!

You may participate in the ASU Commencement and your Fulton Schools Convocation, as well as any Celebrations that suit your interests and affiliations.

The ASU Commencement ceremonies usually have a well-known keynote speaker and are great opportunities to celebrate with friends who are outside of your school or department.

The Fulton Schools Convocations are high-spirited, fun, and entertaining, and give you a chance to experience a more smaller, more personal celebration!

Plus, you get to cross the stage and hear your name read at your Fulton Schools Convocation.

Note: Convocation and Celebration times and locations are subject to change.

See all ceremonies