SCAD Atlanta Commencement 2026
Congratulations, SCAD Class of 2026! Join us in celebrating your accomplishments at the SCAD Atlanta commencement ceremony. The Presidential Conferment of Degrees begins at 11 a.m., immediately followed by the Presentation of Degrees at Gateway Center Arena in College Park.
During the celebration, hundreds of outstanding graduates will hear their names called as they cross the stage and enter the next chapter of their lives. Attendees will hear remarks from an honored guest, outstanding graduates, and SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace to commemorate this momentous occasion. For those unable to attend in person, all ceremonies will be live streamed. Find video links on the main commencement page.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Bruce Pask announced as SCAD Atlanta’s 2026 commencement speaker
Bruce Pask serves as AVP, Men's Fashion Office at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, following his tenure as Senior Editorial Director, Neiman Marcus, and Senior Men's Fashion Director, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus — a retail career built on more than thirty years in the fashion magazine and editorial world. He has held fashion directorial posts at T: The New York Times Style Magazine, GQ Magazine, and Cargo Magazine, and has worked as an editor, stylist, and creative consultant for renowned magazines and fashion publications.
Schedule of events
All the times listed are Eastern Time.
Saturday, May 30
11 a.m. | Presidential Conferment and Presentation of Degrees ceremony
During the ceremony, degrees are presented in order of highest degree earned, rather than by school.
School of Animation and Motion
Animation
Motion media design
Visual effects
School of Building Arts
Interior design
The De Sole School of Business Innovation
Advertising
Advertising and branding
Creative business leadership
Luxury and brand management
School of Creative Technology
Game development
Interactive design and game development
School of Design
Graphic design
Industrial design
User experience (UX) design
School of Fashion
Fashion
Fashion marketing and management
School of Film and Acting
Acting
Film and television
Sound design
School of Fine Arts
Painting
Sculpture
School of Liberal Arts
Dramatic writing
Writing
School of Visual Communication
Illustration
Photography
Sequential art
Unsure of what academic school your major falls under? Visit scad.edu/schools to find out.
SCADnow Graduates
SCADnow (eLearning) graduates are invited to participate in Savannah's Presidential Conferment of Degrees and Presentation of Degrees ceremony. All other students can participate in the ceremonies at the SCAD location where they are enrolled.
If you have any questions, email [email protected].
Ticket allotment
Each graduate will be allotted four (4) tickets for the Atlanta Presidential Conferment and Presentation of Degrees Ceremony.
SCAD does not regulate private ticket redistribution and strictly forbids the sale of commencement tickets.
Graduates will receive an email with a link to claim commencement guest tickets from Tassel on Friday, May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Graduates
When is the deadline to order cap and gown?
The online deadline to order cap and gown is Monday, April 6. We encourage students to place their orders ahead of this deadline to ensure they receive them before the ceremony.
Do I need cap and gown to participate?
Yes, cap and gown are required to participate in the Presidential Conferment and Presentation of Degrees ceremony.
What time should graduates plan to arrive?
Graduates should plan to arrive at the venue an hour and a half before the start of the ceremony.
Where do I park?
The Gateway Center Arena and GICC parking area has five conjoined surface parking lots accessible at the East and West entrances. Payment must be made at a kiosk before exiting the lot. We highly encourage guests to reserve parking in advance with the ParkMobile app.
Reserve your parking spot.
View the parking map.
Will there be transportation provided?
Transportation will not be provided from campus to the venue.
Where do I submit requests for ADA seating?
For any special seating requests for guests, email [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, SCAD ID number, major, and degree.
How do I access closed captioning for the in-person ceremony?
Closed captioning will be livestreamed at each ceremony. A QR code will be provided at each ceremony to directly link closed captioning to your mobile device. The QR code will be activated one hour prior to the ceremony.
What is the Gateway Center Arena’s security policy?
All guests must pass through a metal detector or wand to ensure the safety of ceremony guests.
What is the bag policy?
The Gateway Center Arena clear bag policy strictly limits the size and types of bags permitted to keep guests safe. Backpacks, purses (other than small clutches no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches with or without a handle or strap), diaper bags (diapers and wipes may be carried in a clear bag), and suitcases are not permitted. The Gateway Center Arena strongly encourages guests not to bring bags, but each guest may carry one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear plastic Ziploc bag. Children may also carry an approved bag.
There are no provisions to check for prohibited bags or items at the arena. Guests will be asked to return prohibited items to a parked vehicle if they have not entered the arena or disposed of them at the entrance. The Gateway Center Arena is not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged. No balloons will be permitted within the venue.
Can I share with my friends and family?
Yes, your friends and family can livestream graduation on the main commencement page. A link to the livestream will appear on scad.edu/commencement one hour before the ceremony. You can also share your experience using #SCADGRAD and by following @scaddotedu.
How do I share my commencement moments on social media?
Use #SCADGRAD and #SCAD2026 to share your experience. Be sure to tag and follow @scaddotedu.
Whom do I contact for more information about the ceremonies?
Email [email protected].
When can graduates expect to receive their diplomas?
During the ceremony, graduates will receive a congratulatory letter from President Wallace inside their SCAD diploma cover. Official diplomas are mailed after final spring grades are submitted and degree requirements are verified. Graduates will be notified by email when their diploma order is submitted and their digital diploma is available. The printed version will be mailed approximately 3–4 weeks later.
FAQs: Guests
What time should guests plan to arrive?
Doors will open at the Gateway Center Arena at 9 a.m. for guests.
Where do I park?
The Gateway Center Arena and GICC parking area has five conjoined surface parking lots accessible at the East and West entrances. Payment must be made at a kiosk before exiting the lot. We highly encourage guests to reserve parking in advance with the ParkMobile app.
Reserve your parking spot.
View the parking map.
Will there be transportation provided?
We will not be providing transportation for guests or faculty.
Where do I submit requests for ADA seating?
For any special seating requests for guests, email [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, the graduate’s name, SCAD ID number, major, and degree.
What is the Gateway Center Arena’s security policy?
All guests must pass through a metal detector or wand to ensure the safety of ceremony guests.
What is the bag policy?
The Gateway Center Arena clear bag policy strictly limits the size and types of bags that are permitted to keep guests safe. Backpacks, purses (other than small clutches no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches with or without a handle or strap), diaper bags (diapers and wipes may be carried in a clear bag), and suitcases are not permitted. The Gateway Center Arena strongly encourages guests not to bring bags, but each guest may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear plastic Ziploc bag. Children may also carry an approved bag.
If carried loosely or in an approved clear bag, small cameras, binoculars, and cellphones are permitted. Cameras cannot exceed 90mm. Seat cushions without metal seatbacks, pockets, zippers, or concealable areas are allowed but must not exceed 18 inches wide.
There are no provisions to check prohibited bags or items at the arena. Guests will be asked to return prohibited items to a parked vehicle if they have not entered the arena or dispose of prohibited items at the entrance. The Gateway Center Arena is not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged. No balloons will be permitted within the venue.
Will the ceremony be streamed live online?
All ceremonies will be streamed live on the main commencement page. A link to the livestream will appear on scad.edu/commencement one hour before the start of each ceremony. Review the troubleshooting to ensure a seamless streaming experience.
Do I have to register to view the livestream?
No, you do not have to register to view the livestream of ceremonies.
How do I share commencement moments on social media?
Use #SCADGRAD and #SCAD2026 to share your experience. Be sure to tag and follow @scaddotedu.
Whom do I contact for more information about the ceremony?
Email [email protected] for more information.