Participant and Guest Information
Valuable Commencement Resources
Candidates
Review application deadlines and graduation requirements to ensure you are ready for your big day! Also see alumni information, next steps, and what to expect after graduation.
Welcome Guests!
Find information helpful for a smooth and enjoyable graduation day. Become familiar with the venue, parking, and accessibility at commencement ceremonies.
Faculty
See directions for the faculty venue entrance and the faculty reception site. Review the processional timeline and formation for the ceremony opening.
Candidate Information
Graduation Application
Apply for graduation in iROAR
All candidates must apply for graduation in iROAR. Once logged in, go to the Student Self-Service option and select Student Records.
Additional Requirements for:
CU Honors College Graduate School
Application Deadlines
| Graduation Date | Application Deadline* |
|---|---|
| December 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
| May 2027 | January 27, 2027 |
| August 2027 | June 1, 2027 |
*Applying after posted deadlines incurs an initial fee of $75 with an additional charge of $5 each day thereafter.
Cap and Gown
Graduation regalia should be worn to the ceremony. For any questions regarding your cap/gown or other regalia, please contact the Clemson University Bookstore.
All diplomas will be mailed regardless of ceremony attendance.
Tassel
Clemson has contracted with Tassel, a vendor that will assist with confirming students’ attendance at graduation and ensuring that graduates’ names are read correctly at the ceremony.
All candidates for graduation will receive an email from commencement@clemson.edu with instructions on how to set up an account with Tassel. Please do not delete or ignore this email.
Littlejohn Coliseum
All doors will open two hours prior to the graduation ceremony start time. Graduates will enter via the loading dock, located on the southwest side of the arena along the Avenue of Champions. The facility does not allow outside food or drink to be brought into the coliseum and will be enforced at all gates. Graduates must be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
Clear bag policy: The clear bag policy will be in effect at graduation at all doors, including the VIP entrance.
Once inside the arena, graduates will check in with the Registrar’s staff. You will then proceed to the coliseum floor and be seated with your major college. Further instructions regarding seating will be given by the event staff on the coliseum floor.
Your NextSteps
What will your NextSteps be?
Whether you're beginning a new career, graduate school, military service, another adventure, or still seeking your next steps — your response provides us with insights to support and celebrate fellow Clemson Tigers. Contact nextsteps@clemson.edu with questions.
Share your story!After Graduation
The Clemson Alumni Association is an open-membership, nonprofit organization that exists to connect graduates with their fellow Tigers and with their alma mater. Through a variety of programs and services, the Alumni Association works with alumni around the world to ensure a Clemson Experience every day, one that includes serving, involving, informing and engaging alumni, current and future students, and friends of the University.
Next Steps and Expectations
All diplomas will be mailed regardless of ceremony attendance.
- IT changes to expect
- Moving out of on-campus residences for graduates
- Who to contact for academic records in the future
- Need to replace your diploma?
Guest Information
Littlejohn Coliseum
Tickets will not be issued for guests attending the December 2026 graduation ceremonies. However, graduates are encouraged to limit their guests to a maximum of six.
All doors will open two hours prior to the graduation ceremony start time. All guests will enter through the main gates along the concourse. Please note that the east entrance to Burton Gallery will not be accessible during Commencement. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parties are encouraged to arrive together as holding vacant seats is discouraged. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, and posters or signs larger than 8.5 x 11 inches are not permitted.
Clear bag policy: The clear bag policy will be in effect for all commencement ceremonies at all entry doors, including the VIP entrance.
Parking
Guests will be directed to park in lots surrounding Littlejohn Coliseum (PDF). Please allow for extra time entering the facility due to construction on the southeast corner (adjacent to Avenue of Champions and Centennial Boulevard).
Archived commencement programs may be accessed via Tiger Prints.
Graduation Photos
Faculty Participation and Procession Information
- If you plan to attend graduation as participating faculty in the procession, please contact your department/college. This will help us plan accordingly for reserving faculty seating in the Coliseum and ordering food for the reception(s).
- Please note that all participating faculty must have a robe and regalia with them to participate in the procession.
- Faculty must enter Littlejohn Coliseum via the loading dock, located on the southwest side of the arena along Avenue of Champions.
- Magnetometers will be inside VIP doors.
- The facility does not allow outside food or drink to be brought into the coliseum and will be enforced at all gates.
- Clear bag policy: The clear bag policy will be in effect at graduation at ALL doors, including the Club VIP entrance.
- Follow signs down hall to Coliseum Club for the faculty reception.
- Faculty procession: Fifteen minutes prior to start of ceremony, faculty are lined up in two even lines and wait for cue from floor. The faculty processional opens the ceremony.
- Two marshals (one for each line) process faculty down either side of center section of Coliseum Club faculty reserved seating from bottom rows up.
- There will be no reserved parking for faculty.
