2025 Fall Commencement

Fall Commencement will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. in Worthen Arena. There is one ceremony that takes place in the Fall that recognizes all graduates together. Worthen Arena will open at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

While often used interchangeably, graduation and commencement refer to two distinct milestones in a student’s academic journey.

  • Graduation is the official conferral of your degree once all academic requirements are met.
  • Commencement is the celebratory ceremony where graduates are recognized publicly.

The ceremony is not ticketed, so graduates are welcome to invite as many guests as they would like.

Graduates should enter at Lower Level Gate 1 and be in their seat by 9:45 a.m. Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines. 

Fall Commencement will be livestreamed on this web page on the day of the event.

Graduates

There are three important steps that students must complete in order to graduate and participate in Commencement.

Step 1: Apply to Graduate

Complete the official graduation application by the appropriate deadline. The deadlines to apply for graduation are:

  • Wednesday, October 22 (graduate students)
  • Monday, December 8 (undergraduate students)

In order for a student's name to be included in the commencement program book, they must apply no later than Thursday, November 13. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the commencement program book.

If you are a graduate student who missed the application deadline, please contact the Graduate School at 765-285-1291. If you are an undergraduate student who missed the application deadline, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 765-285-1161.

Apply to Graduate

Step 2: Register for Commencement

Complete the Commencement registration form to let us know your plan to attend Commencement. The deadline to submit this form is Thursday, November 13.

Register for Commencement

Step 3: Order Your Cap and Gown

Order your cap and gown online. You will be given two shipping options. 

  • Ship to Home (additional shipping and handling fee): ordering deadline— Monday, November 17
  • Ship to Bookstore (pick-up beginning December 2.): ordering deadline— Friday, October 31

See Cap and Gown Details

  • 9 a.m.: Doors open
  • 9:45 a.m.: Graduates seated
  • 10 a.m.: Ceremony begins
  • 12 p.m.: Ceremony concludes with the recessional

A detailed parking map and additional information will be available in November, please check back for updates.

Parking on campus is complimentary on Commencement Day. For easiest access to the lots surrounding Worthen Arena, we recommend entering via Bethel Avenue.

Doctoral and Master’s candidates will sit in a designated area, while undergraduates will be seated with their respective college. Undergraduates, please review What’s My College to determine your college affiliation. 

The ceremony begins with a formal procession led by the Mace Carrier, President Mearns, and platform party. Remarks will be delivered by President Mearns, Provost Marri, and a special speaker. Degrees will be conferred during the ceremony, with each graduate individually acknowledged and doctoral candidates formally hooded.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will be directed to exit the arena following the platform party recessional. Please coordinate a meeting spot with family and friends ahead of time.

You will find a bag containing:

  • Diploma cover
  • Name card
  • Pencil
  • Program

Please fill out your name card and photo information legibly and promptly. Be prepared to list the phonetics of how you would like your name announced as your cross the stage. You will carry your diploma cover and completed card with you when it’s time to walk across the stage. Hand your card to the student marshal before your name is announced. Our Commencement staff will direct you across the stage. Once your name is called, you will walk across the platform and have your photo taken with your diploma cover.

After your on-stage photo, you will exit to a designated area for a second photo opportunity. Once that photo is taken, staff will guide you back to your seat to rejoin your fellow graduates for the remainder of the ceremony.

  • Graduates and guests are expected to stay for the full duration of the ceremony.
  • Review the list of prohibited items and share the commencement website with your guests so everyone is prepared
  • You will go directly to your seat upon arrival-no lineup or holding area.
  • Do not bring umbrellas, bags, or personal items; storage is not available.
  • Cap decorations are encouraged, but must be appropriate and not obstruct views.
  • Wear comfortable yet formal footwear-you will be walking and standing.
  • Arrive dressed in your full regalia: cap, gown, and any approved cords or stoles.
  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all commencement ceremonies.
  • Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines.

We are honored to welcome you to this momentous occasion as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class. Your presence means the world not just to our graduates but to the entire university community. Whether you’ve traveled across town or across the country, thank you for being part of this unforgettable day!

To make your visit even more enjoyable, we have gathered a few local favorites for dining and lodging below. Find more Muncie recommendations at destinationmuncie.org..

  • Ball State University Hotel (located in the L. A. Pittenger Student Center)
  • Baymont Inn & Suites
  • Comfort Inn & Suites
  • Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center
  • Fairfield Inn
  • Hampton Inn & Suites
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
  • Coming Fall 2026: The Cantio Hotel-located in the heart of campus!
  • Adams Street Chophouse
  • Amazing Joe’s Grill
  • Elm Street Brewery
  • Four Day Ray (Yorktown)
  • The Guardian Brewing Co.
  • Ron Lahody’s Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse
  • Roots Burger Bar
  • Savages Ale House
  • Vera Mae’s Bistro
  • 1925 Pubhouse
  • Commencement is not ticketed- you can invite as many guests as you would like
  • The ceremony lasts approximately two hours.
  • Take a moment to review the list of prohibited items, etiquette and protocol,  and explore our website for additional details prior to your arrival. 

  • Flash Photography, the official photographer for Ball State University Commencement ceremonies, captures multiple photos of each graduate during the ceremony. Photos are available to order online within a few days after Commencement. Guests may take personal photos or videos during the ceremony, but must remain seated while doing so. Please avoid blocking aisles or obstructing the views of others. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, only authorized photographers and videographers with proper credentials issued by Ball State University may access the arena floor. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us celebrate this milestone with respect and order.

     

As our students turn the page to a new chapter, they look back with gratitude at the individuals who challenged, inspired, and believed in them. Commencement is your chance to be part of their final college memory-one filled with pride, joy, and reflection. Whether you are attending in regalia or sending a message of congratulations, your involvement makes the day unforgettable. Your presence sends a powerful message: that every student matters, and every journey is worth honoring.

Faculty seating is reserved at the front near the stage at every commencement ceremony. For details or questions, feel free to contact us directly at commencement@bsu.edu

Regalia

Faculty and staff participating in commencement are encouraged to wear academic regalia, which includes a gown, cap or tam and hood if applicable. Regalia should be purchased individually and ordered early to ensure proper fit and timely delivery. You can find more information about regalia here or contact the Ball State Bookstore for more information.