2024 SPIA Undergraduate Convocation – Friday, May 10, 2024

The Convocation of the School of Public and International Affairs celebrates our undergraduate 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.  

2024 SPIA Convocation will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 at the UGA Performing Arts Center. The ceremonies will be live-streamed via the SPIA YouTube page for those friends and family who are not able to join us in person.

Given the size of our venue & our numbers of candidates, SPIA will host two in-person ceremonies at 11:00 am & 1:30 pm. Both ceremonies offer the same experience and candidates will attend only one. Selection into the ceremonies will be first-come, first-served via the SPIA Convocation RSVP Form.

We are pleased to welcome former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Geoff Duncan to campus to deliver our Convocation Addresses.

Given potential changes to UGA guidelines for social gatherings and indoor events, circumstances around SPIA Convocation 2024 may be fluid.

Visit the UGA Commencement webpage for more information about the University’s ceremonies.

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

Register

 

Make Your Mark at SPIA - Senior Signature

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. Details at alumni.uga.edu/seniorsignature.

The donation deadline for both undergraduate and graduate students earning degrees in May, August or December 2024 is March 31, 2024.

FAQs - General Information
When:

Friday, May 10, 2024
11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Given the size of our venue and the number of candidates, SPIA will host two in-person ceremonies. Each ceremony will offer the same experience and candidates will attend only one. Selection into the ceremonies will be first-come, first-served via the SPIA Convocation RSVP Form.

Where:

University of Georgia Performing Arts Center
Hodgson Concert Hall
230 River Road
Athens, GA 30605

Parking Information

Complimentary parking is available in the Performing Arts Center parking deck and in the surface lot (E11). 

For questions about parking, contact UGA Parking Services at 706-542-7275 or email [email protected]

Are tickets required to attend SPIA Convocation?

Yes. Each student is allowed to reserve up to 5 tickets for friends and family through the SPIA Convocation RSVP Form. Additional tickets may be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis after all students have reserved tickets. Students should monitor their emails for more information about reserving tickets.

How long does the ceremony last?

Each SPIA Convocation ceremony lasts between 60-90 minutes. 

Will the ceremonies be live-streamed?

The ceremonies will be live-streamed via the SPIA YouTube channel for family and friends who cannot attend in person.

  • 11:00 AM Ceremony Livestream »
  • 1:30 PM Ceremony Livestream »
Prohibited Items

Food and drink are prohibited inside the performance venues.

Disability Seating

The Performing Arts Center is accessible to people using wheelchairs or with restricted mobility. An elevator serving all levels is available. Please contact the SPIA Office of Undergraduate Services at 706-542-4114 or [email protected] in advance if you require special assistance. Handicap parking spaces are located near the entrance to the Performing Arts Center lobby. 

Photos, Videos & Programs

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

A recording of the ceremonies will be available on the SPIA YouTube channel.

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
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?

Undergraduates who are cleared to graduate in May are invited to participate in SPIA Convocation. 

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 2024 semesters.

How do I RSVP for SPIA Convocation?

Students should use the SPIA Convocation RSVP Form to register to attend the ceremony of their choice.

How many tickets can I get for my family members to attend SPIA Convocation?

Each student is allowed 5 tickets for their family members. There will be an opportunity to get additional tickets once all students have reserved tickets for their family members.

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). 

Assembly instructions
  • Candidates will begin arriving 1 hour prior to the ceremony
  • Sign in on the second floor of the Performing Arts Center and pick up your name card.
  • Leave purses, coats and other personal belongings with your family or friends; you will not be allowed to take them into the auditorium.
  • No food or drinks are allowed in the theater.
Special Accommodations

If you plan to participate in the 2024 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