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]
Download the 2026 SPIA Convocation Program
View the 2026 Convocation Photo Gallery
Password: UGA26
Friday, May 8, 2026
2:30 PM
Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center
300 N. Thomas Street
Athens, GA 30601
For more information about the university’s ceremonies, visit the UGA Commencement webpage
Update your information so we can keep in touch after graduation
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 2026 is March 31, 2026.
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 2026 is March 31, 2026.
FAQs - General Information −+
Friday, May 8, 2026
2:30 p.m.
Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center
300 N Thomas Street
Athens, GA 30601
The Akins Ford Arena is the new venue space located behind the Classic Center on Foundry Street. From Foundry Street, you will enter Gate 1 between the Classic Center parking deck and the Foundry Street building.
Click here to view a video of walking directions from campus.
Parking at the Classic Center will be very limited. All faculty, staff, students and guests are encouraged to use parking in downtown Athens and in north campus lots. All campus parking is free throughout campus on Commencement day. There are seven Convocations taking place at the Classic Center on Friday, May 8. Please allow plenty of time for parking and follow “SPIA Event” directional signs.
Family and guests may enter the venue to be seated 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time.
No, tickets are not required to attend SPIA Convocation in 2026.
SPIA Convocation is expected to last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
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 arena. 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.
By attending SPIA Convocation, you hereby consent to be photographed, filmed and included in live stream footage, which may capture your image, voice, and likeness, and agree to the distribution of this footage on SPIA’s YouTube channel and SPIA’s website.
For information about campus and surrounding attractions and accommodations, contact the UGA Visitors Center.
FAQs - For Students −+
At this time, SPIA only hosts a convocation ceremony each spring.
In Spring 2026, all SPIA students who are cleared to graduate in May are invited to participate in SPIA Convocation (undergraduate and graduate). December 2025 and expected August 2026 graduates are also able to participate.
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 2026 semesters.
Registration for 2026 SPIA Convocation is now closed.
Visit the UGA Commencement webpage for up-to-date information about UGA’s Undergraduate & Graduate Commencement ceremonies.
Students are required to wear academic regalia to participate in SPIA Convocation. Regalia can be rented from the UGA Bookstore.
Tassels:
Candidates should wear their tassels over the right eye before their UGA degree has been awarded (prior to UGA Commencement).
If you plan to participate in the 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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Department Contact
He/Him
School of Public & International Affairs
Director of Student Affairs
202 Herty Drive, room 103
Office: 706-542-4114
Fax: 706-583-0095
Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday, 1 to 2 pm and by appointment via SAGE
School of Public & International Affairs
Assistant Director of Signature Events and Stewardship
Office: 706-542-5066
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
School of Public & International Affairs
Administrative Associate, Office of Student Affairs
Office: 706-542-4114
Office Hours:
M-F: 11am-3pm
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