Fall 2024 Commencement is set for Wednesday, December 11, at the El Dorado Conference Center at 6:00PM.

Commencement Programs:

• Full Fall 2024 Commencement Program

• Honor Grad Fall 2024 Program with agenda

Students who have requested to walk at graduation should receive an email from Mary Kate Sumner by the end of the day, November 4th. If you have decided to change your mind (to walk or not walk) please let us know by emailing MSumner@southark.edu.

 The night of the ceremony: Please, Arrive no later than 5:15 pm and report to the check-in station inside the conference center.

 Please, do not park in Brookshire’s parking lot. There is adequate parking available on campus.

 Note: You must meet all catalog requirements in order to participate in the ceremony, including an overall 2.0 GPA. As well as, all financial obligations must be met in order to receive your diploma.

Diplomas: On the night of the commencement ceremony (December 11), all students attending the ceremony will receive an empty diploma folder during the ceremony.  You will receive a digital copy of your diploma that will be delivered to the email address that was provided on your graduation application. The printed copy of your diploma will arrive within the next few weeks by mail. It will be sent to the address on your graduation application. This is the process for all students, not specifically for those who will be walking at the ceremony.

Caps and Gowns: Walking students may start picking up your regalia (caps and gowns) on December 2, 2024 from the Stars Shop. All honor cords and veteran cords will not be provided until the night of graduation at check-in. PTK students will receive their stoles and gold tassels with their regalia. You will need to bring a photo ID.

The Stars Shop is located on the first floor of the El Dorado Conference Center (SouthArk Student Center) in the previous bookstore location.

 If you want someone to pick up your regalia, you will need to email msumner@southark.edu from your SouthArk email address who your pick up person will be. They will need to provide a photo ID.

You may pick up your regalia anytime the Stars Shop is open from December 2 until the night of the commencement ceremony.

• The Stars Shop hours of operation from December 2 – December 11:

  • Monday – Thursday  8:00 – 5:00

  • Friday 8:00 – 11:00

  • Ceremony Night – Open until 6:00pm to pick up regalia and for shopping.

Commencement Regalia Rules: The Regalia (caps/mortar boards, gowns, stoles, cords) that are provided by the college are the only allowed regalia during the ceremony. All other items can be used to take pictures after the ceremony, but not worn during the ceremony. Your caps/mortar boards may be decorated as long as it is only the top that is decorated, nothing hangs off of it, and it is not inappropriate. We will request that all items that are not SouthArk provided are removed during line up. Contact Mary Kate Sumner, MSumner@southark.edu, with any questions.

Accommodations: If you or a family member needs an accommodation for the ceremony, please contact Mary Kate Sumner, MSumner@southark.edu, with the details. Examples include: use of a mobility device such as a wheelchair or a walker.

If you have questions about the commencement ceremony, please contact Mary Kate Sumner at MSumner@southark.edu, 870-864-7127.

 If you have questions about graduation requirements, your degree/certificate, or your GPA, please contact your advisor or Jayna Winiecki at JWiniecki@southark.edu, 870-864-7142. As a reminder: You must meet all catalog requirements in order to participate in the ceremony, including an overall 2.0 GPA. As well as, all financial obligations must be met in order to receive your diploma.

PTK students can pay for their stoll at the following link: https://bookstore.southark.edu/phi-theta-kappa-stoll