We’re excited to welcome and honor you at Aspen University’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona! Below you’ll find frequently asked questions regarding Aspen’s Commencement events.

• How to Register for Commencement

Eligible students can RSVP for commencement here: https://aspen.gradpak.com/. The RSVP deadline is August 15, 2024.

View the PDF outlining the process here: Commencement Registration

 

• Ceremony Details

Commencement Ceremony Details

Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Location:     Dream City Church
                   13613 North Cave Creek Road
                   Phoenix, AZ 85022

Time: The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00pm. The ceremony should take about 2 hours; students are required to stay for the entire ceremony.

What time should I arrive?

Doors open at 12:30pm.  Students should arrive no later than 1:30pm to pick up their honor cords and line up for the ceremony. If you have guests with you, they are welcome to explore the venue, visit the concession stand, and find their seats while the graduates are getting lined up.

• Reception Details

Date: Thursday, October 10^th
Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: 4615 East Elwood Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Notes: Parking is available; students are not required to stay the entire time

• Travel & Hotel Details

• Students are responsible for booking their own travel, lodging, and transportation

 Does Aspen University recommend hotels?

Aspen University has a student room block at this hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix North Happy Valley. To reserve a room, call the Front Desk direct at 623-516-9300. You are welcome to set up alternative accommodations; you are not required to stay in this hotel.

 

What is the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is Sky Harbor International Airport.  The Commencement venue is about 20 minutes from the airport.  Students are responsible for arranging their own travel accommodations.  For information about traveling to and from Sky Harbor International Airport, visit their transportation webpage.

 

Where can I park at the venue?

Dream City Church has a large parking lot that will be open for student use during the ceremony.

 

• During the Ceremony

What do I need to bring with me to the venue?

Be sure to bring your name card and regalia with you to the ceremony. The name card will be mailed to the address you provided when you RSVP’d for the ceremony. Regalia for undergraduate students is a cap and gown; regalia for graduate students is a cap, gown, and hood.

 

We recommend you remove your gown from your suitcase and hang it in your hotel room before the ceremony to allow the folds to fall out. There will be steamers on site if you need to steam your gown the morning of the ceremony.  Steamer usage is first-come, first-serve.

 

Can I decorate my regalia?

Yes! Students are highly encouraged to decorate their caps or wear additional stoles, honor cords, or leis to show off their personal achievements and celebrate their culture.  Students who are receiving Aspen-issued academic honor cords will be given those cords at check-in. You can purchase military honor cords or stoles through Aspen’s Jostens store.

 

What should I wear?

Commencement is a professional event that celebrates your academic achievements. Students should dress in semi-formal or business professional attire. Students will be processing into the ceremony and will be standing and walking across the stage. Comfortable dress shoes are recommended.

 

Will there be a photographer?

Yes. There will be a photographer on site to take photos of the graduates as degrees are awarded. Photographs will be available to order through the photography vendor.

 

How can I tag my pictures on social media?

Use the hashtag #aspengrad2024 on social media to tag your photos and see photos from other graduates!

 

Is there a reception after the ceremony?

No. The reception will be the night before the ceremony, Thursday, October 10, 2024. If you want to make dinner reservations to celebrate with your guests after the ceremony, there are several amazing restaurants in the Phoenix area. Since students are required to stay for the entire commencement ceremony, dinner reservations should be made for after 5:30pm.

 

Accommodations

Students who will need hearing, sight, or mobility accommodations during the ceremony should email registrar@aspen.edu to report any needed assistance. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Accommodations beyond accessible parking, entryway ramps, and elevators are not provided for guests.

• Order Regalia

Graduates must bring their own regalia to the ceremony. Regalia can be ordered through Aspen’s Jostens store. (Note: regalia generally takes at least 5 weeks to arrive, so be sure to order early.) 

• Guest Seating

How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?

To help ensure every student can celebrate with their friends and family, we ask that all graduates try to limit their guests to 5 attendees.

 

Are there assigned seats or tickets for guests?

No. While there are reserved seats for students, all other seating is open. Seating is first-come, first-serve.  There are no tickets for guests. Because seating will be limited, we ask that you not leave seats between groups so that as many guests as possible can attend the ceremony.

 

Can my child sit with me during the ceremony?

No. Minors or guests in need of supervision must be accompanied by an adult other than the student. Students will be seated in a reserved seating area away from guests.

• Questions?

We are looking forward to celebrating with you on October 11, 2024!  If you have any additional questions, please reach out to registrar@aspen.edu.