Download the 2008 Commencement
informational or
parents brochure.
Online, Friday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. - If you missed the meeting, hear what you
missed.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, e-mail the registrar's office. Learn more about SCAD Commencement 2008 in Atlanta.
What are the B.F.A. requirements to graduate?
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is awarded to all students who complete a minimum of 180 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. In addition, the student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in their major program of study. If a minor is declared, the minor GPA must be 2.0 or higher. Any students not meeting the GPA requirements must retake classes to meet the stated GPA.
The ACA transition students have different GPA requirements; e-mail Linda Cowart if you have any questions.
What do I need to do to be considered for graduation?
All students should apply for graduation two quarters prior to completion of their degree. Students must complete an application with their academic adviser and pay the required graduation fee ($30 + late fee if not applied by deadline).
Do I need to apply if I will not participate in the ceremony?
Yes! Any student who wants to have their degree awarded must apply to graduate. Note: "graduation" and "graduating" are not the same. The commencement ceremony is often incorrectly referred to as "graduation." This is a ceremony only and is the day when students are acknowledged and have the ceremonial conferment of their degree. No diplomas are handed out at this event. It is to be considered "a day of celebration."
Students GRADUATE when all their degree requirements are met and they have been awarded their degree in our system. Before we can award degrees, final grades must be processed at the end of each quarter and final audits are completed for students who applied for the specified quarter. Clearance from the bursar's office and library must then be given before diplomas are mailed to the diploma address provided by the student.
When is the commencement ceremony?
The Savannah 2008 commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 31, in the Savannah Civic Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave. The Presidential Conferment of Degrees ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. followed bythe Presentation of Degrees ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Atlanta 2008 commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 31, 6 p.m., at the Georgia World Congress Center, Sidney Marcus Auditorium, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. N.W. Doors will open to the public at 5 p.m.
Will I need tickets?
Yes. Participating Savannah students will receive four tickets to the 9 a.m. Presidential Conferment of Degrees ceremony and eight tickets to the 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. Presentation of Degrees ceremony. Participating Atlanta students will receive eight tickets.
Where and when can I get my tickets?
For the Savannah ceremony, tickets will be distributed by the Trustees Theater box office beginning Monday, May 19.
For the Atlanta ceremony, tickets will be distributed in the Student Resource Center beginning Monday, May 19.
What if I need special seating arrangements?
These tickets are limited and will be included in the total of four tickets allowed. More information will be announced.
For the Atlanta ceremony, special seating is limited and will be included in the total of eight tickets allowed. For special seating, please contact Margaret Bankoff at 404.253.2737 before April 18.
What if I need more tickets?
You may neither sell nor offer any type of currency to buy tickets. Tickets are transferable and students with extra tickets are encouraged to make them available to students in need.
Will there be a commencement ceremony rehearsal?
Yes, rehearsal in Savannah will be held at the Savannah Civic Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Friday, May 30, 2 p.m.
Rehearsal in Atlanta will be Friday, May 30, 4 p.m., at the Georgia World Congress Center, Room A412, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. N.W. Bus transportation will be provided to GWCC from SCAD-Atlanta. Students must meet on the front porch of SCAD-Atlanta at 3 p.m.
What if I can't make it to the commencement ceremony rehearsal?
Rehearsal is MANDATORY. Rehearsal will take place in Savannah and Atlanta Friday, May 30. Make plans now to attend. If you are not at rehearsal, you will not be included in our lists for the commencement ceremony.
Where do I get my cap and gown?
Your cap and gown will be placed on your assigned chair in the arena during rehearsal. You will receive it that day.
What if I haven't ordered my cap and gown?
You can order from . Be sure to choose the appropriate location for the ceremony where you'll be participating.
What should I wear to the ceremony?
Men should wear black/navy slacks, a white shirt with a tie, and dark colored shoes. Women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse, pantyhose and dark-colored shoes. It is highly recommended that women wear shoes with low heels to avoid tripping on the stairs and stage.
What if I change my mind about being in the ceremony?
Contact your graduation auditor immediately. If you decide not to participate, we will need to remove your name from our lists.
If you decide you WANT to participate, contact us immediately! This process is more involved and cannot be a last-minute decision. If you want to be in the ceremony, you must e-mail us and show proof that you have purchased your cap and gown from Herff Jones. The deadline to apply for participation in the commencement ceremony is Friday, May 9.
How long will the commencement ceremonies last?
We expect all ceremonies to last no longer than two hours.
Can I bring food or drinks with me?
No food or drinks are allowed.
Can I bring my cell phone, camera or purse/bags to the ceremony?
All cell phones MUST be turned off during the ceremonies. You cannot take pictures during the ceremony. Purses/bags are not allowed since there is no place for you to leave them. Anything you have with you must fit in a pocket under your gown.
What time do I need to arrive on commencement day?
The Savannah graduates must arrive to the Johnny Mercer Theater by 7:15 a.m. for lineup.
Atlanta graduates must be at the Georgia World Congress Center, Room A412, by 4 p.m. for line-up. Bus transportation to the GWCC will be provided. Students must meet on the front porch of SCAD-Atlanta at 3 p.m. for the bus.
Will I get my diploma at the commencement ceremony?
No. Diplomas are mailed to the address you provided with your graduation application after final grades are processed and your accounts are cleared with the office of the bursar and library. If you did not apply for graduation on time, there could be a delay of eight to 12 weeks to receive your diploma.
Will my minor or second major be listed on my diploma?
Minors are not listed on the diploma or announced during the ceremony. If you have two majors, both will be listed on one diploma. If you want separate diplomas for each, you will need to order them separately and will be charged $25 for each diploma if we were not notified previous to placing diploma orders by midterm of the quarter in which you will graduate.
The pronunciation of my name is difficult. How do I make sure it is said correctly?
If you did not include the pronunciation on your application addendum, you need to e-mail it to your graduation auditor as soon as possible. We will also have a pronunciation table at the commencement ceremony rehearsal, but do not wait until rehearsal to confirm your pronunciation.
What color is my tassel?
Tassel colors are decided according to your major. B.F.A. honors students will receive a gold tassel in addition to the major tassel. (Cords are only given to graduate students.) You will also have a commemorative stoll to wear with your graduation attire. This will be a gold stoll with the SCAD logo embroidered on it. All students will wear these. The stoll can be autographed by fellow students, awarded to someone special who assisted you in achieving your degree, or is a great item to frame.
Will I be receiving an award or honors?
Academic honors are based on your winter quarter grades. Honors are announced when you walk across the stage. However, your final audit determines what honor will be on your diploma. Cum Laude is 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, Magna Cum Laude is 3.7 to 3.89 GPA, and Summa Cum Laude is 3.9 to 4.0 GPA. Only undergraduate students are awarded academic honors. We do not round up.
How do I get photographs?
Chappell Studio Inc. will take photographs of all graduating students as they receive diplomas. A passport-size photo proof and an order form will be sent out within 14 days of the commencement ceremony. During the commencement ceremony rehearsal, students will be asked to fill out a form indicating where the photo proof should be mailed. For additional proofs or more information, visit or call 800.424.3686.
Whom do I contact for:
Graduation audits, ceremony participation, contact information:
Undergraduate students --
Graduate students -
Shana Jackson at 912.525.6174
Cap and gowns, announcements and class rings: at 912.764.9314
