Commencement

The Graduate Hooding ceremony, Baccalaureate, Undergraduate and Graduate commencements will be live-streamed on Converse’s YouTube channel.

The Undergraduate ceremony is a ticketed event and the complimentary tickets can be reserved by the undergraduate the week of Commencement through the Converse Box Office. Tickets can be reserved once the undergraduate’s account(s) are cleared. These tickets can be reserved until Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Seniors will not receive their tickets until account(s) are cleared and the mandatory graduation survey is complete.

Tickets are not required for the Graduate ceremony.

Currently, six (6) complimentary tickets will be available to each graduating senior. If this number changes due to restrictions or limits, you will be notified via your Converse email. There will be no tickets for purchase and at this time, the University cannot commit to any additional tickets.

If you need special arrangements made for guests with disabilities during Commencement, please contact Debbi Thompson, Director of Event Services, at debbi.thompson@converse.edu as soon as possible.

Cords

• Cords issued by the University and worn during the commencement ceremony must signify academic achievement or membership in a recognized academic honor society.
• Departments wishing to introduce a new cord must obtain prior approval from the Commencement Committee by submitting a request to the University Registrar, who serves as Chair.
• Proposals should clearly document that the cord reflects an academic distinction or honor society affiliation.
• Cords that do not represent academic honors or academic societies will not be approved for inclusion in the commencement ceremony.

All Other Regalia

• Any additional regalia must also receive prior approval from the Commencement Committee by submitting a request to the University Registrar, who serves as Chair.
• This includes, but is not limited to, stoles, medallions, pins, and similar items.
• Approval will only be granted for regalia representing an officially recognized group or organization endorsed by the University.

Caps may be decorated if they adhere to the guidelines below:

• No decorations shall exceed two inches above or to the sides of the cap.
• All caps will be approved at the Senior BBQ.
• No foul language or inappropriate content is to be displayed on the cap.
• Any student who attempts to show up with an inappropriate or non-approved cap will be required to purchase a new cap or will not be allowed to walk.
• No personal, individual/organizational stoles, cords, medallions, caps, gowns, tassels, or hoods are allowed.

If you would like to purchase a Converse-themed gift for your graduate, check out our online bookstore for some unique gift options.

Spartanburg is a thriving city with outdoor adventures, eclectic restaurants, and more! Find places to eat and sights to see off-campus here.

Parking

Handicap Parking – A dedicated area for handicap parking will be located behind Carnigie in the Twichell lot. Please have proper credentials visible.

Mobility Issues – those guests with mobility issues can be dropped in front of Twichell quickly then go park the vehicle. Please pull against the curb for drop off so traffic is not blocked. An officer can assist if needed. An elevator is available in Twichell (wheelchair and 1 – 2 other people) to take them to the main level.

General Parking – General Parking is located in the Twichell, North Fairview and Library parking lots. Event parking signage will be posted.

No Parking – There will be no parking around the circle and in the 30 minute parking spots. Reserved parking will be located behind the President’s parking spot for special guests of the President’s Office. Signage will be provided.

Helpful links

• Campus map
• Campus Safety
• Twichell Auditorium