What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

Convocation and the PhD Ceremony – two ceremonies for Fulton Schools graduates

The Fulton Schools Convocation ceremony is a high-spirited celebration of graduating Fulton Schools bachelor’s and master’s students and their achievements, presented by the Fulton Schools for our graduates and their families.

The Fulton Schools also conducts the Fulton Schools PhD Ceremony to honor our graduating doctoral students. All PhD hooding takes place at this ceremony.

The latest information on the Fulton Schools Convocation is always found on this website.

Other ASU Convocations

Likewise, other departments and schools across ASU also have Convocation ceremonies.

There are also ASU Special Interest Convocations for graduates who identify with particular groups.

Commencement – the main ASU graduation ceremony

Commencement ceremonies are the official graduation events for the university open to all graduating students regardless of what school they are graduating from.

During the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, President Crow confers degrees upon all ASU bachelor candidates by schools (not individually). All Fulton Schools of Engineering students are recognized together and do not individually cross the stage.

During the University’s graduate commencement, President Crow confers degrees upon all ASU graduate students (master’s and doctoral candidates). Masters candidates will be hooded at Graduate Commencement but will not be called individually to cross the stage. Doctoral candidates will be hooded, have their names called and cross the stage individually to receive congratulations.