Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the date of Commencement? Time(s)? Location?
What time do doors open for the Commencement ceremony?
Is there a rehearsal?
Do my family and/or friends need tickets to attend Commencement?
Will there be a live webcast of Commencement?
Is there reserved seating for wheelchair guests or guests with mobility concerns?
Is there shuttle transportation on campus?
Where do I return my cap and gown after the Commencement ceremony?
Where should I park?
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
When will my diploma be available for pickup?
Is stepping, marching, or strolling allowed during the commencement ceremony?
Will photos be taken of graduates?
WHEN CAN I PICK UP MY CAP AND GOWN?
What is considered appropriate dress for the Commencement ceremony?

What is the date of Commencement? Time(s)? Location?

This year’s Commencement Exercise will be held Friday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex on the Lorman campus.

What time do doors open for the Commencement ceremony?

Doors will open at 7:00 a.m.

Is there a rehearsal?

Yes. Rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, December 5 at 3 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. All graduates are required to attend.

Do my family and/or friends need tickets to attend Commencement?

No. The fall commencement exercise at Alcorn is not a ticketed event. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will there be a live webcast of Commencement?

Yes. The live webcast can be viewed the day of Commencement at www.alcorn.edu.

Is there reserved seating for wheelchair guests or guests with mobility concerns?

Yes. Reserved seating is available for wheelchair guests or guests with mobility concerns. Individuals will be directed to this location by Commencement staff. One guest may accompany each wheelchair guest or guest with mobility concerns.

Is there shuttle transportation on campus?

Shuttle transportation will be available on Commencement for wheelchair guests or guests with mobility concerns.

Where do I return my cap and gown after the Commencement ceremony?

Return your gown immediately following Commencement to room 201 in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex.

Where should I park?

Graduates should park in the new parking area located next to the Research and Extension Complex. Faculty and staff with credentials may park in the rear section of Spinks-Casem Stadium. Parking for those with a VIP parking pass will be available at the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. Guest parking will be available in all marked parking areas with the exception of the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex and Spinks-Casem Stadium parking areas. Available parking areas include the Center for Ecology and Natural Resources, Willie Mae Latham Taylor Park, Extension and Research Complex, Jesse A. Morris Sr./W.C. Boykin Agricultural Science Building and the K.L. Simmons Sr. Technology Building.

Can I decorate my graduation cap?

Yes. Elevated designs, however, are not permitted.

When will my diploma be available for pickup?

Your diploma will be available following the commencement exercise until 11:00 a.m. Please visit rooms 202 (Graduate Studies) and 203 (letters A-Z) in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. The Office of Students Records will release your diploma upon presenting your identification card or driver's license. We look forward to serving you as an alumnus of this great institution.

Is stepping, marching, or strolling allowed during the commencement ceremony?

In honor of our graduates, it is the intention of the University to afford the highest level of dignity to the commencement program. All graduates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this standard. Please follow directions given by the commencement marshals and other officials. There should be no individual or group stepping, marching, or strolling (vis-à-vis sororities or fraternities) at any point during the ceremony. Failure to adhere to this standard will result in a fine of $500.