Commencement Ceremonies

Holmes Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Boone Campus

Friday, Dec. 12

9 a.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Hayes School of Music

1 p.m. ceremony
Reich College of Education
University College
Walker College of Business

5 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences

Graduates will attend the commencement ceremony of the college that administers/houses their academic program.

Livestream

Watch a livestream of each ceremony here on Dec. 12
at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Ceremony Schedule

Presiding, Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor

Processional

"Pomp and Circumstance"

Edward Elgar, Composer
Roger Harvey, Arranger

Presentation of Colors

App State ROTC’s Pershing Rifles

"The Star-Spangled Banner"

Words by Francis Scott Key
John Higgins, Arranger
Vocalist Regan Hartley, soprano, choral music education major

Welcome

Dr. Neva J. Specht, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Commencement Address

Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor

Greetings from the UNC System Board of Governors and Appalachian State University Board of Trustees

Mr. C. Philip Byers, UNC System Board of Governors member

Presentation of Candidates

Provost Specht

Conferring of Degrees

Chancellor Norris

Alma Mater

Recording by Luke Combs
Singer/Songwriter

Recessional

"Procession of the Scholars”

Dr. William G. Harbinson, Composer

"Hi Hi Yikas”

Dr. William Gilbert Spencer, Composer and Arranger

Musical selections performed by Appalachian Brass Ensemble
Hayes School of Music

Dr. Dakota Corbliss, Conductor

About Commencement

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.

Graduates do not need to register, and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Accessibility and disability accommodations are available.

Review the Holmes Center's Bag and Admission Policy — small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions, and medically necessary items are permitted.

App State, media outlets, and family and friends film commencement ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.

See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.

Ceremony Information for Graduates, Faculty and Guests

Info for Graduates

Info for Faculty

Info for Guests

Regalia and Attire

Parking

Accessibility

Diplomas

Save the Date

Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Holmes Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Boone Campus

Thursday, May 7, 2026

6 p.m. ceremony
Hayes School of Music
Reich College of Education
University College

Friday, May 8, 2026

9 a.m. ceremony
Walker College of Business
Management • Marketing and Supply Chain Management

1 p.m. ceremony
Walker College of Business
Accounting • Computer Information Systems • Economics • Finance, Banking and Insurance
Walker College of Business students earning graduate degrees should attend the 1 p.m. ceremony

5 p.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences

Saturday, May 9, 2026

9 a.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology • Biology • Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences • Computer Science • Geography and Planning • Geological and Environmental Sciences • Government and Justice Studies • Mathematical Sciences • Physics and Astronomy • Rural Resilience and Innovation

1 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
English • History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Languages, Literatures and Cultures • Philosophy and Religion • Psychology • Sociology

5 p.m. ceremony
College of Fine and Applied Arts