Preparing for Commencement
Graduating is one huge accomplishment! Making all the arrangements for the pomp and circumstance of the actual commencement ceremony is another.
Each May, SDSU hosts its annual commencement ceremony. Although there is no official ceremony at the end of other terms, the end of a semester still marks your official graduation date. Check the Graduation webpage for your specific graduation date.
The spring commencement ceremony is scheduled for the Saturday immediately following finals week. While the university does not hold a commencement ceremony in December or August, fall and summer graduates are encouraged to participate in the spring festivities. You will RSVP for commencement through if you are a spring graduation candidate, through the Early Walk RSVP Form if you are a future graduate, or through the Past Graduate RSVP Form if you graduated in the two terms prior to commencement.
Some individual colleges do host their own ceremonies in December and may hold special ceremonies and events to mark the achievement of participating students. Confirm your college/department’s plans in the appropriate dean’s office.
Request your diploma and transcripts.
Now that you’re ready to graduate, get the paper to proudly prove it.
For diploma pickup, visit the Registrar's Office in the Enrollment Services Center Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A photo ID is required.
For diploma or graduation requirement questions, please contact the Records and Registration Office at 605-688-6195. Diplomas will be ready for pickup or mailed in July for spring graduates, October for summer graduates and March for fall graduates.
You will receive email instructions in the term you plan to graduate about how to order your diploma through . If you need to order a copy of your diploma, a digital diploma or you never picked up your diploma and would like one now, please use our Diploma Reorder Form.
- Take a ride on the bike path and swing through the Dakota Nature Park.
- Grab breakfast at Cook’s Kitchen on Main Avenue.
- Climb the Coughlin Campanile.
- Visit the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, the South Dakota Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
- Snap your picture next to the Weary Wil and Dirty Lil sculptures on the Hobo Day plaza.
- Buy a bag of burgers at Nick’s Hamburger Shop.
- Get a scoop of famous SDSU ice cream at the Dairy Bar.
- Add your own stops.
Share your adventure on X and Instagram using #bestofbrookings.
