Watch today's commencement ceremonies

Watch a replay of the Miller College of Business & College of Communication, Information, and Media ceremony.

Watch a replay of the College of Health and Teachers College ceremony.

Watch a replay of the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning ceremony.

Watch a replay of the College of Sciences and Humanities ceremony

Watch a replay of the College of Fine Arts ceremony.

Watch a replay of the Spring 2026 Main Commencement Ceremony 

Spring Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 2.

Commencement Speaker

Hugh Jackman wearing Tshirt with jacket
(Photo courtesy of Guy Aroch)

Hugh Jackman

Read Press Release

Times and Locations

  • 10 a.m. – Main, university-wide ceremony on the Quad
  • The main ceremony is our traditional university-wide celebration for all graduates that features a notable Commencement speaker, an address from President Mearns, the hooding of doctoral candidates, the conferral of master’s and undergraduate degrees, the presentation of senior awards, and a special performance. Master’s and undergraduate candidates will not be individually recognized at this ceremony. They will walk across the stage as their name is called at their assigned college ceremony. We encourage all graduates to attend both ceremonies to get the full Commencement experience.
  • 12:30 p.m. – College of Fine Arts at Emens Auditorium
  • 12:30 p.m. – College of Sciences and Humanities at Worthen Arena
  • 4 p.m. – R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning at Emens Auditorium
  • 4 p.m. – College of Health and Teachers College at Worthen Arena
  • 7:30 p.m. – Miller College of Business and College of Communication, Information, and Media at Worthen Arena

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.

Clear Bag Policy

Ball State University enforces a clear bag policy (PDF). Please review the Security and Safety information for details on the clear bag policy and security protocols.

Ball State Commencement ceremonies do not require tickets for graduates and guests. All venues will open one hour before each ceremony with open seating available. Each ceremony is estimated to last two hours. Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines.

All ceremonies 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, March 11 (graduate students)
  • Monday, April 27 (undergraduate students)

In order for a student's name to be included in the commencement program, they must apply no later than Thursday, April 2. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the commencement program.

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, April 2.

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— Wednesday, April 8
  • Ship to Bookstore (pick-up beginning Tuesday, April 21.): ordering deadline— Wednesday, March 18

See Cap and Gown Details

Complete the First Destination Survey

Completing the First Destination Survey (FDS) helps us better prepare future Cardinals for success after graduation. If you have landed a job, decided on graduate school, joined the military, or chosen another exciting venture, let us know.

If you are still determining your post-grad plans, there is no need to complete the survey. We will contact you via email or phone in the coming months to capture your outcome.

Take The Survey 

Still seeking or deciding? Connect with the Career Center for assistance. We are here to help. Call 765-285-1522 to make an appointment with a career coach.

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..

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.

Ball State University enforces a clear bag policy. Please review the Security and Safety information for details on the clear bag policy and security protocols.

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.