Graduation

Congratulations Graduates!

At the end of each semester, we hold a commencement or graduation ceremony to honor students who just have or will soon graduate. This means they have completed all requirements of their degree program and are ready to take the next step in their academic or professional journeys. Each degree candidate is recognized by name and congratulated by the dean of their college or school.

Tuesday

May 2, 2023

6:00 p.m.

Arrival Time: 4:30 p.m. in the Hodge Arena Map pin icon

Processional begins at 5:40 p.m.

Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m.

ALL graduates will attend the graduation ceremony outside on the Main Quad.

Location: USC Upstate Main Campus - Main Quad Map location

Please note that guests will not be allowed to set up tents on the quad during the graduation ceremony.

Rain icon A rain plan is available below.

Rain cloud icon Rain Plan

There will be two ceremonies if the event is moved inside. Both events will be held at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. 

  • College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • STEM
  • University College

Tuesday

May 2, 2023

2:00 p.m.

Arrival Time: 1:00 p.m. at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium - lower level Map pin icon

Processional begins at 1:40 p.m.

Ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m.

  • College of Business and Economics
  • Mary Black College of Nursing
  • College of Education, Human Performance, and Health

Tuesday

May 2, 2023

6:00 p.m.

Arrival Time: 5:00 p.m. at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium - lower level Map pin icon

Processional begins at 5:40 p.m.

Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m.

Nursing Pinning/Awards Ceremony

USC Upstate's Mary Black College of Nursing will host its Pinning/Awards Ceremony on Monday, May. 1, 2023 at 6 p.m.

The location will be at the G.B. Hodge Center Map pin icon image


Previous Graduation

Grad Fair

Grad Fair will be held at the in the University Bookstore 

Tuesday, March 21, and Wednesday, March  22, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Graduates, pick up tickets for the ceremony, purchase your alumni medallion, buy your cap and gown, order your class ring and more!

Order your Regalia, Tassels, Hoods, and Stoles, Diploma Frames online.

Order Online

University Bookstore 
300 North Campus Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC 29303 Map Location to the University Bookstore

Honor Cords

Academic departments will notify students who have earned honor cords. Information about picking up those cords will be sent by email.

Tassel Colors

  • Apricot: Mary Black College of Nursing
  • Blue: College of Education, Human Performance, and Health
  • Gold: Bachelor of Science
  • Drab: George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics
  • White: Bachelor of Arts
  • Gray: Interdisciplinary Studies

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Graduation is a time to celebrate your educational efforts; however, in keeping with the idea that this should be a dignified ceremony, we will conduct a formal graduation. Please adhere to the following guidelines.

  • a white dress shirt and ties, dark pants and dark shoes, or
  • dress, skirt, or slacks and dress shoes. No blue jeans, please. Dresses and skirts should be shorter than graduation gowns.
  • Tennis shoes and/or flip-flops are not appropriate. Please choose footwear and heel heights appropriate for walking across the stage.
  • Your cap and gown are required. Caps should be worn so they sit level rather than on the back or to the side of the head. Your gown should be zipped during the processional and ceremony.
  • In respect for each graduate and their families, we ask spectators and degree candidates to remain seated.
  • No children or family members are allowed on the stage or in the graduate seating area during the ceremony.
  • Degree candidates and their guests should not participate in disruptive behavior until the last graduate walks across the stage. Noisemakers, beach balls, balloons, and other items that could disrupt the ceremony will not be tolerated.

THE SENIOR LEGACY FUND

The Senior Legacy Fund was established as a way for graduates to leave their mark on campus for generations of Spartans to come. By contributing to the Senior Legacy Fund in the amount of your graduation year ($20.23), you can enhance the USC Upstate experience and help provide much-needed support for campus projects. As a symbol of your commitment to those who come after, the USC Upstate Alumni Association will provide an alumni medallion for all those who help their fellow Spartans reach Greater Heights. Your medallion that you will wear at Graduation, can be picked up at Grad Fair, in the Advancement Office or mailed.

Learn more about the Senior Legacy Fund and the alumni medallion.


Disability logoDisability Accommodations
For accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 864-503-5199 at least five business days prior to event.