Commencement

USD will host commencement ceremonies on Saturday May 9, 2026 in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The undergraduate ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m., and the graduate/professional ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. Students will receive further instruction via email.

We look forward to celebrating our graduates on campus and via a livestream on YouTube. Additional details are provided below.

Commencement Map and Parking 

If you are completing your degree:

1. Complete your Degree Audit Form/Application for Graduation | Graduate School Graduation Forms (myUSD login required)
2. Whether or not you are attending the ceremony, you will need to complete the Diploma Order Form by Tuesday, March 17th, 2026. If you are a candidate for Spring 2026 commencement please contact the Registrar’s Office if you have not received the form.
3. If you wish to have your student email migrated to an alumni email, complete the Opt In Form (myUSD login required).
4. For regalia pickup/drop-off details and to shop for your graduation celebration essentials, please visit Charlie's Bookstore & Fan Shop. Please visit USD Cap and Gown to order your regalia. The Regalia ordering site will open the last week of February. The last date to order regalia online will be Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CST).
5. Complete USD's First Destination Survey to share what's next for you after graduation. The survey stays open until December 31st, so you can update later (but answer now!). This link takes you to your personal Coyote Careers landing page. Click on the blue ‘First Destination Survey’ box to take the survey. This survey is confidential, and only aggregate data is used for reports or analysis—your personal details, including salary, are never shared.

If you are attending the ceremony

• If you require special needs seating, please contact Disability Services.
• Please arrive at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center dressed in your regalia no later than 40 minutes prior to the ceremony.
• You will not receive your official diploma at the ceremony. You will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage. Diplomas will be mailed mid-late July 2026.
• There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite to the ceremony, and no tickets required.

Walk Early Request

If you would like to apply to walk early, you must meet the criteria below.  Walk early forms can be requested from the Registrar's Office at [email protected]. Walk Early applications for Spring 2026 are due Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. No late submissions are accepted. 

Undergraduate Students: 

Undergraduate students must have 102 completed credit hours and have a minimum major, (minor if required) institutional and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. Undergraduate students must submit their recent degree audit with an early request to the Registrar.  The Registrar’s Office will notify the student on the status of the request.

Graduate Students:

In order to seek approval to walk early, graduate students must be no more than 9 credit hours from actual completion of degree.  Students must submit their Program of Study/Application for Degree with their Request to Walk Early.  The Registrar will review the request against the student’s Program of Study ensuring students will be graduating within 9 credit hours. The Registrar will notify the student on the status of the request.

Regalia Guidelines

 

Family & Friends

Guests

Those who are unable to attend the event in person are welcome to watch the ceremony via the livestream on Facebook or on our website.

There is no limit to the number of guests candidates may invite to the ceremony, and no admission tickets required.

Seating

The commencement ceremonies will be held in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

Currently, the May ceremonies will be held in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center with unlimited seating. Seating is available for guests with disabilities on a first-come, first served basis, up to 15 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. Ushers will be available to direct you. If you require special assistance, please contact Disability Services.

Length of ceremony

Undergraduate Ceremony: Approximately 3 hours. Graduate/Professional Ceremony: Approximately 1 ½ hours

Clear Bag Policy

Each attendee will be allowed to enter with one clear bag: either a plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). Small clutches – approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap – can be taken into the venue along with one of the clear bags. The clutch cannot be larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Chain straps on any bag are prohibited. Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, backpacks, coolers, solid drawstring bags, camera bags, computer bags and bags larger than the permissible size. Exceptions will be made for approved medical needs.

View Approved Bags

 

Photography

A professional photographer will take photos of each graduate. Photos may be purchased directly from the photographer. Guests may take their own photographs during the ceremony, but must remain outside of the candidate seating area, in order to ensure an enjoyable ceremony for all candidates.

Catering

Departments and organizations on campus can order cakes through University Dining. To learn about your options and ordering information, contact university catering at 605-677-5665 or email [email protected]. You can also place your order online.