Watch a livestream of the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony beginning on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
View live closed captioning.

2025 Fall Commencement

Fall Commencement will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. in Worthen Arena. There is one ceremony that takes place in the Fall that recognizes all graduates together. Worthen Arena will open at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

While often used interchangeably, graduation and commencement refer to two distinct milestones in a student’s academic journey.

  • Graduation is the official conferral of your degree once all academic requirements are met.
  • Commencement is the celebratory ceremony where graduates are recognized publicly.

The ceremony is not ticketed, so graduates are welcome to invite as many guests as they would like.

Graduates should enter at Lower Level Gate 1 and be in their seat by 9:45 a.m. Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines. 

Fall Commencement will be livestreamed on this web page on the day of the event.

Graduates

There are three important steps that students must complete in order to graduate and participate in Commencement.

Step 1: Apply to Graduate

Complete the official graduation application by the appropriate deadline. The deadlines to apply for graduation are:

  • Wednesday, March 11 (graduate students)
  • Monday, April 27 (undergraduate students)

In order for a student's name to be included in the commencement program, they must apply no later than Thursday, April 2. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the commencement program.

If you are a graduate student who missed the application deadline, please contact the Graduate School at 765-285-1291. If you are an undergraduate student who missed the application deadline, please contact the Academic Advising Center at 765-285-1161.

Apply to Graduate

Step 2: Register for Commencement

Complete the Commencement registration form to let us know your plan to attend Commencement. The deadline to submit this form is Thursday, April 2.

Register for Commencement

Step 3: Order Your Cap and Gown

Order your cap and gown online. You will be given two shipping options. 

  • Ship to Home (additional shipping and handling fee): ordering deadline— Wednesday, April 8
  • Ship to Bookstore (pick-up beginning Tuesday, April 21.): ordering deadline— Wednesday, March 18

See Cap and Gown Details

Complete the First Destination Survey

Completing the First Destination Survey (FDS) helps us better prepare future Cardinals for success after graduation. If you have landed a job, decided on graduate school, joined the military, or chosen another exciting venture, let us know.

If you are still determining your post-grad plans, there is no need to complete the survey. We will contact you via email or phone in the coming months to capture your outcome.

Take The Survey 

Still seeking or deciding? Connect with the Career Center for assistance. We are here to help. Call 765-285-1522 to make an appointment with a career coach.

Parking is complimentary on commencement day. Ball State will provide bus transportation and golf cart assistance from parking lots to venues. A detailed parking map and additional information will be available in April. Please check back for updates.

The main ceremony is our traditional university-wide celebration in the Quad for all graduates that features a notable Commencement speaker, an address from President Mearns, the hooding of doctoral candidates, the conferral of master’s and undergraduate degrees, the presentation of senior awards, and a special performance. Master’s and undergraduate candidates will not be individually recognized at this ceremony. They will walk across the stage as their name is called at their assigned college ceremony. We encourage all graduates to attend both ceremonies to get the full Commencement experience.

*Please note, college ceremony details will vary by college.

*Those graduates who register to attend will receive emails in April with more information.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will be directed to exit the venue following the platform party recessional. Please coordinate a meeting spot with family and friends ahead of time.

*Please note, college ceremony details will vary by college.

  • Graduates and guests are expected to stay for the full duration of the ceremony.
  • Ball State University enforces a clear bag policy. Please review the Security and Safety information for details on the clear bag policy and security protocols.
  • Review the list of prohibited items and share the commencement website with your guests so everyone is prepared
  • You will go directly to your seat upon arrival-no lineup or holding area.
  • Do not bring umbrellas, bags, or personal items; storage is not available.
  • Cap decorations are encouraged, but must be appropriate and not obstruct views.
  • Wear comfortable yet formal footwear-you will be walking and standing.
  • Arrive dressed in your full regalia: cap, gown, and any approved cords or stoles.
  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all commencement ceremonies.
  • Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines.
  • College ceremony details will vary by college

We are honored to welcome you to this momentous occasion as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class. Your presence means the world not just to our graduates but to the entire university community. Whether you’ve traveled across town or across the country, thank you for being part of this unforgettable day!

To make your visit even more enjoyable, we have gathered a few local favorites for dining and lodging below. Find more Muncie recommendations at destinationmuncie.org..

  • Ball State University Hotel (located in the L. A. Pittenger Student Center)
  • Baymont Inn & Suites
  • Comfort Inn & Suites
  • Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center
  • Fairfield Inn
  • Hampton Inn & Suites
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
  • Coming Fall 2026: The Cantio Hotel-located in the heart of campus!
  • Adams Street Chophouse
  • Amazing Joe’s Grill
  • Elm Street Brewery
  • Four Day Ray (Yorktown)
  • The Guardian Brewing Co.
  • Ron Lahody’s Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse
  • Roots Burger Bar
  • Savages Ale House
  • Vera Mae’s Bistro
  • 1925 Pubhouse
  • Commencement is not ticketed- you can invite as many guests as you would like
  • The ceremony lasts approximately two hours.
  • Ball State University enforces a clear bag policy. Please review the Security and Safety information for details on the clear bag policy and security protocols.
  • Take a moment to review the list of prohibited items, etiquette and protocol,  and explore our website for additional details prior to your arrival. 

  • Flash Photography, the official photographer for Ball State University Commencement ceremonies, captures multiple photos of each graduate during the ceremony. Photos are available to order online within a few days after Commencement. Guests may take personal photos or videos during the ceremony, but must remain seated while doing so. Please avoid blocking aisles or obstructing the views of others. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, only authorized photographers and videographers with proper credentials issued by Ball State University may access the arena floor. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us celebrate this milestone with respect and order.

     

As our students turn the page to a new chapter, they look back with gratitude at the individuals who challenged, inspired, and believed in them. Commencement is your chance to be part of their final college memory-one filled with pride, joy, and reflection. Whether you are attending in regalia or sending a message of congratulations, your involvement makes the day unforgettable. Your presence sends a powerful message: that every student matters, and every journey is worth honoring.

Ball State University enforces a clear bag policy. Please review the Security and Safety information for details on the clear bag policy and security protocols.

Faculty seating is reserved at the front near the stage at every commencement ceremony. For details or questions, feel free to contact us directly at commencement@bsu.edu

Regalia

Faculty and staff participating in commencement are encouraged to wear academic regalia, which includes a gown, cap or tam and hood if applicable. Regalia should be purchased individually and ordered early to ensure proper fit and timely delivery. You can find more information about regalia here or contact the Ball State Bookstore for more information.