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Convocation Ceremony Information

College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Convocation Instructions

College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Convocation: Friday, April 25, 2025; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Marriott Center

A convocation ceremony is a formal event hosted by each individual college within a university to celebrate the achievements of its graduating students. It typically includes speeches, the presentation of degrees, and other traditions that reflect the unique character of the college.

Graduates

Important Note: Graduates will begin lining up at 10:30 a.m., and the processional will begin promptly at 10:55 a.m. Please be on time. Don't forget your cap and tassel.

  • Arrive at the Southeast corner outside of the Marriott Center at 9:50 a.m. dressed in academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel).
    • Please note: You will not have a place to keep your belongings during the ceremony, so only bring what will fit in your pocket.
    • You will pass through the metal detectors, just as at all Marriott Center events.
    • You are expected to maintain BYU Honor Code in your dress.
    • The east tunnel entrance includes approximately 70 stairs, so keep that in mind and plan your footwear accordingly. If you will need accommodations, please contact us as soon as possible prior to Convocation so that we can assist you.
  • Locate your department sign and obtain a name card from your department's designated table. Keep your name card with you at all times!
    • Line up with other students in your department. You are welcome to line up in any order you wish within your department. When the processional begins, you will march with your major through the entrances, so make sure you stay with your group and in the correct line.
    • Please plan on attending the entirety of the ceremony out of respect for the other graduates. We anticipate that the ceremony will last for approximately 2 hours.
    • Processional will start promptly at 10:55 a.m. If you arrive late you will sit in a “latecomers” section and not with your department.
    • Some students will be seated up in the stadium seats. Please be aware that this will mean climbing additional stairs during the processional and the diploma walk. If you need accommodations, please contact us as soon as possible prior to convocation so that we can assist you.
    • Keep your name card with you at all times until you hand it to the reader before shaking hands with college and university dignitaries.
    • When in doubt, follow the ushers—they will guide you through the entire ceremony.
    • Do not bring personal belongings with you. If you do bring anything, such as a cell phone, keep it with you as you will change seats during the ceremony. If you leave items behind in your seats, they will be collected and taken to the Marriott Center Lost and Found after the end of the ceremony.
    • There will be no professional photographer at the ceremony. There is a designated Family Photo area in sections 14 and 15 for family members to take pictures as you come off the stage.
    • Children—including babies—are NOT allowed on the main floor of the Marriott Center.
    • Printed programs will be available to graduates as they exit the Marriott Center during the Recessional. Extra programs may be available to guests after the ceremony outside the north side of the Marriott Center.
    • Please note that you will only be receiving a diploma cover at this event. Diplomas will be mailed by the University 6-8 weeks after graduation exercises.

    Family Members/Guests

    • No tickets are required for this event.
    • Guests can arrive between 10:00-11:00 a.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.
    • Seating for guests is at Portals M-E.
    • Guests will pass through metal detectors, as at all Marriott Center events. The Marriott Center has a no bag policy for all attendees.
    • Guests can greet graduates following the ceremony on the NE lawn outside the Marriott Center (by the big parking lot).

    Questions?


    Contact Liberal Arts Advisement and Careers at 801.422.3541 or liberalarts_gradeval@byu.edu, or visit https://liberalarts.byu.edu/applying-for-graduation