As you are aware, the weather in Georgia can be unpredictable, especially during the late spring and summer months. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to move our Commencement Ceremonies inside in order to ensure the safety of you and your guests.
You have previously received information regarding how this will necessitate conducting multiple ceremonies due to the space constraints. Below is information you will need with regard to this change.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to safely celebrate your success!
If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@thomasu.edu.
8:30 AM Ceremony will be for the following degrees/majors:
Graduates arrive at the Chappelle (Student Life) Building (adjacent to the Gymnasium) by 7:30 am
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
Associate of Science in Law Enforcement
Administration
Computer Systems Management
Criminal Justice
Homeland Security
Literature and Media
Management
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
11:30 AM Ceremony will be for the following degrees/majors:
Graduates arrive at the Chappelle (Student Life) Building (adjacent to the Gymnasium) by 10:30 am
Biology
Biomedical Laboratory Science
Elementary Education
Exercise and Sport Science
Medical Laboratory Science
Middle Grades Language Arts
Middle Grades Science
Middle Grades Math
Middle Grades Social Studies
Natural Resource & Conservation Management
Nursing
Psychology
Rehabilitation Studies
Secondary Grades English
Secondary Grades Math
Social Work
3:00 PM Ceremony will be for the following degrees/majors:
Graduates arrive at the Chappelle (Student Life) Building (adjacent to the Gymnasium) by 2:00 pm
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science Counseling
Master of Science in Nursing
Human Resource Management
6:00 PM Ceremony will be for the following degrees/majors:
Graduates arrive at the Chappelle (Student Life) Building (adjacent to the Gymnasium) by 5:00 pm
Master of Education
Education Specialist
Where will the ceremony be held? Magnolia Campus Gymnasium, 1550 Magnolia Street, Thomasville, GA 31792
How many guest tickets will I receive? Each graduate will receive four (4) virtual guest tickets. Instructions for obtaining these will be delivered to your TU email account on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Follow the instructions in the email you will receive. Please make sure that your guests know how to obtain and use the virtual tickets. Ushers will scan the ticket code for admittance to the gymnasium upon arrival. All guests over the age of 2 require a ticket.
Parking and Shuttle:
All guests and graduates should park at the Red Owl parking lot located at 1323 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792. Shuttles will be available to transport individuals between the Red Owl and the Magnolia Campus Gymnasium.
Drivers should follow the directions of Traffic Control personnel and not park in grassy areas. Carpooling is encouraged.
Graduate Check-In
Graduates will check-in at the Chappelle Building as noted above. At that time, they will be directed by University personnel and receive their name cards, honor cords (if applicable), and instructions for processing to the ceremony.
Live Stream
All Ceremonies will be live-streamed. The link will be posted to the Commencement web page, TU social media, and the Canvas site on Friday, once it is available.
We welcome guests to watch the live-stream from the Flowers Executive Classroom located on Forbes Campus in Smith Bonvillian Hall. This provides a comfortable location for live viewing which may be a preferred option for your guests.
Etiquette
As we gather to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, we kindly ask all attendees to help maintain an atmosphere of dignity and respect throughout the ceremony. Please be mindful of those around you, silence your devices, and show consideration for all graduates and their families by remaining seated during the proceedings. Let’s honor this milestone with the respect and celebration it deserves. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
+Ordering Caps and Gowns
Students that have applied for graduation will be provided instructions on how to order a cap and gown via the Canvas shell. If you have not received this information by February 15th, please contact the Registrar’s Office at graduation@thomasu.edu.
+Commencement Ceremony Instructions
Thomas University’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 3rd in the Magnolia Campus Gymnasium, 1550 Magnolia Street, Thomasville, GA 31792.
ETIQUETTE
Turn off all cell phones.
Be courteous if taking personal photographs.
Men should remove caps during invocation and benediction.
All guests regardless of age (even babies) must have a ticket; you are encouraged to leave younger children at home where they can celebrate with you later.
Be respectful of your classmates in your and your guest’s congratulations during the ceremony so that all graduates’ names can be heard.
Please pass the programs that are provided down the row you are sitting in.
ATTIRE
Cap & gown is required and should be free of wrinkles (follow instructions provided with gowns)
Wear dark dress shoes and dark dress slacks.
Dark attire looks best under the thin fabric of these gowns.
Low heels are strongly encouraged.
No flip flops, casual sandals or slides.
Cap must be worn flat on the head.
Leave purses in the trunk of your car for security.
All regalia worn should pertain only to the degree you are earning. If you are earning a Master’s degree please do not wear tassels, stoles or other items earned as part of your Bachelor’s degree.
+Commencement Ceremony Tickets
Guest Admission
The ceremonies have been moved to the Thomas University Gymnasium on our Magnolia Campus.
Each graduate will receive four (4) virtual guest tickets. Instructions for obtaining these will be delivered to your TU email account on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Follow the instructions in the email you will receive. Please make sure that your guests know how to obtain and use the virtual tickets. Ushers will scan the ticket code for admittance to the gymnasium upon arrival. All guests over the age of 2 require a ticket.
+Parking, Map, Directions and Local Accommodations
All guests and graduates should park at the Red Owl parking lot located at 1323 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792. Shuttles will be available to transport individuals between the Red Owl and the Magnolia Campus Gymnasium.
Drivers should follow the directions of Traffic Control personnel and not park in grassy areas. Carpooling is encouraged.
Thomas University is proud of its alumni and enjoys the support of its many friends in the local community. TU encourages both its alumni and its friends to become involved with the university and help it serve the needs of its students and the community.
The alumni association is an active group of diverse interests. Our roster is more than 6,000 strong and some undergraduate alumni have returned for graduate degrees.
Many of our alumni support the students and TU through contributions, mentoring and recruiting.
