The Convocation of the School of Public and International Affairs celebrates our candidates for graduation, our alumni, faculty and staff, and the entire SPIA Community. SPIA students are recognized individually for their hard work and dedication toward earning their degree.

Questions? Email [email protected] or Mr. Paul Welch at [email protected]


2025 Convocation

Friday, May 9, 2025
2:30 PM

The Classic Center
Akins Ford Arena
300 N. Thomas Street
Athens, GA 30601

For more information about the university’s ceremonies, visit the UGA Commencement webpage

 

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For more than 30 years, UGA seniors have made an impact on the university as they prepare to graduate. Each year, their collective $30 donations combine to improve the experiences of their peers and programs across campus, and to fund the Class Gift to a student organization. Thousands of Bulldogs have prepared the way for us—enhancing our facilities and funding our scholarships and experiences. Now it’s our turn.

You can find a fund anywhere on campus (like the School of Public and International Affairs or your academic department) and direct $20 of your gift to help it grow. The other $10 will support the Class Gift.

The donation deadline for both undergraduate and graduate students earning degrees in May, August or December 2025 is March 31, 2025.

Make a Gift Learn More

For more than 30 years, UGA seniors have made an impact on the university as they prepare to graduate. Each year, their collective $30 donations combine to improve the experiences of their peers and programs across campus, and to fund the Class Gift to a student organization. Thousands of Bulldogs have prepared the way for us—enhancing our facilities and funding our scholarships and experiences. Now it’s our turn.

You can find a fund anywhere on campus (like the School of Public and International Affairs or your academic department) and direct $20 of your gift to help it grow. The other $10 will support the Class Gift.

The donation deadline for both undergraduate and graduate students earning degrees in May, August or December 2025 is March 31, 2025.

Make a Gift Learn More

FAQs - General Information
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When:

Friday, May 9, 2025
2:30 p.m.

Where:

The Classic Center Arena
Akins Ford Arena
300 N Thomas Street
Athens, GA 30601

Parking Information

Pay-by-the-hour parking is available in the Classic Center Parking Deck.

Are tickets required to attend SPIA Convocation?

No, tickets are not required to attend SPIA Convocation in 2025.

How long does the ceremony last?

SPIA Convocation is expected to last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

Photos, Videos & Programs

Professional photos will be taken of each SPIA graduate and emailed to students following the ceremony. 

Convocation programs will be given to each guest as they enter the auditorium. Each candidate will be recognized by name in the program using the official information on file with the University of Georgia Office of the Registrar. 

Hotel and Visitor Information

For information about campus and surrounding attractions and accommodations, contact the UGA Visitors Center.

FAQs - For Students
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Does SPIA host a convocation ceremony in the fall?

At this time, SPIA only hosts a convocation ceremony each spring.

Who participates in SPIA Convocation?

In Spring 2025, all SPIA students who are cleared to graduate in May are invited to participate in SPIA Convocation (undergraduate and graduate).

In order to be listed in the printed program, candidates for degrees must remove their FERPA restrictions when applying for graduation. This requirement must be completed by all undergraduate students expecting to graduate in spring or summer 2025 semesters.

How do I RSVP for SPIA Convocation?

Please check back for the RSVP form.

When is UGA Commencement?

Visit the UGA Commencement webpage for up-to-date information about UGA’s Undergraduate & Graduate Commencement ceremonies.

What is the attire for SPIA Convocation?

Students are required to wear academic regalia to participate in SPIA Convocation. Regalia can be rented from the UGA Bookstore.

Undergraduate degree candidates in SPIA wear a white tassel. Candidates should wear their tassels over the right eye before their UGA degree has been awarded (prior to UGA Commencement). 

Special Accommodations

If you plan to participate in the 2025 SPIA Undergraduate Ceremony and have a disability or need special assistance, please contact the Undergraduate Student Services Office at 706-542-4114 or [email protected].

Past Convocation Ceremonies
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2024

Recordings:

Photos:


2023

Recordings:

Photos:


2022

Recordings:

Photos:

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