Charleston Southern Graduation Ceremony 2024
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 at Charleston Southern University! Find your FALL commencement date and location below:
- Thursday, December 19 at 5 p.m. – Lightsey Chapel – Master’s and Doctoral
- Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. – Lightsey Chapel – Undergraduate
Please note that the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the Department of Physical Therapy will hold separate Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 14. The EdD program will be included in the graduate Commencement on December 19.
Watch the Full Ceremony
Preparing for Graduation
- Rehearsal
Fall:
More info to come!
- When to Arrive
Fall:
More info to come!
- Tickets
Fall:
Undergraduate graduates will have eight tickets available for guests. Additional tickets may be available, and we will announce ticket registration in the coming weeks.
More info to come!
- Attire
Fall:
More info to come!
- Honor Cords & Stoles
Graduates inducted into academic honor societies will be allowed to wear the specific honor cord for that academic honor society at Commencement. No other adornments available from the academic honor society such as medals, pins or stoles are to be worn at commencement.
Graduates who are student athletes and graduates who are veterans of the United States’ military will be permitted to wear honor cords. Athletic honor cords are Navy and Gold. Veteran honor cords are Red, White, and Blue.
Graduates of Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC will be permitted to wear the sash representing their branch of the military.
Graduates who are members of approved campus organizations may wear a single stole outside their graduation gown.
Please note, students are not permitted to decorate their caps or regalia. Students who do not show up with the appropriate attire may not be able to participate in the Commencement activities.
This policy apply for both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
- Parking
Fall:
More info to come!
FAQs
- Where do I order my cap and gown?
It is the expectation that all candidates for graduation purchase regalia through Jostens. Students should order online by visiting the Charleston Southern University Jostens page.
- Will there be a reception after the ceremony?
Fall:
More info to come!
Summer:
Yes. There will be a light reception after the ceremony at the Buccaneer Field for graduates and their family and friends. This will be an opportunity for refreshments, pictures, and connecting with faculty within each college.
In the event of inclement weather, a reception will be held directly after each ceremony in the Dining Hall.
- Will this event be livestreamed?
Yes, every ceremony will be livestreamed. You can find those links here to share. (Links to come)
- How long will the ceremonies last?
Fall:
More info to come!
Summer:
The undergraduate event on Saturday, May 4 will likely run anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. We recommend making lunch or dinner reservations after 1:30 p.m. to allow time to attend the reception immediately following the event and enjoy time with faculty, staff, and graduates on campus. The graduate event on Friday, May 3, will likely run anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours.
- How do I access professional photos after the event?
Graduates will receive an email with the gallery link in the days following the event. Pictures will also be accessible on this page after graduation and links to the galleries will be posted on the Charleston Southern University Facebook page.
- For children attending the event, what is the age that requires a ticket if the event is moved to Lightsey Chapel?
Ages 2 and under do not require a ticket as long as they can sit on the lap of someone who does have a ticket.
- Will there be accessibility accommodations at Commencement?
Persons needing accommodations for accessibility or disability at Commencement should contact graduation@csuniv.edu at least one week prior to the event to request accommodations. Special seating will be available for guests as needed.
- Is there a clear bag policy?
Fall:
More info to come!
Summer:
Yes. The university will follow its Clear Bag Policy for Commencement ceremonies, which states that approved bags may not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, a 1 gallon (or smaller) re-sealable clear plastic freezer bag, a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. In addition, no weapons are permitted at any Commencement ceremonies.
- Can I decorate my cap?
Please note, students are not permitted to decorate their caps or regalia. Students who do not show up with the appropriate attire may not be able to participate in the Commencement activities.
- When will I get my diploma?
Fall:
More info to come!
Summer:
Diplomas will be mailed to graduates after Commencement. Graduates will receive an email to their CSU email address when the diploma has been mailed. Graduates will be given their diploma cover during the ceremony to be used for pictures.
Please make sure your diploma mailing address is up to date by verifying your address is correct on your MyCSU account. Once you log in, click on your picture or the circle in the upper right hand corner and choose My profile & settings; on the left hand side, choose contact information; click on the drop down arrow under addresses; if your current address needs to be updated, click on Current address, make the changes and save. Addresses must be updated no later than May 6th.
The official document of awarding of your degree is the official transcript. You can order your official transcript in MyCSU once all final grades are posted in May, and your degree is conferred. Once your degree has been conferred, the ‘A0’ hold will change to ‘RA’ (Readmission required). This means you have graduated.