Please review your catalog for specific degree requirements. University graduation requirements are also posted in the catalog and may be found at www.harding.edu/catalog.

By university policy, to be approved to walk in the May commencement ceremony, candidates must have all degree requirements completed by the date of commencement. As the only exception, candidates who will complete degree requirements no later than two weeks after the May commencement date, when degree requirements will have been checked and verified, are allowed to participate. Students who complete degree requirements after May degrees are verified will participate in the December ceremony, with the exception of pharmacy students who complete degree requirements after May degrees are awarded, and they will participate in the next May ceremony. Similarly, students who complete degree requirements after the December degrees are checked and verified will participate in the upcoming May commencement ceremony.

Get professional 

Students will be able to visit a booth set up for resume building and interact with the variety of career services the university has to offer.

Get connected

The Office of Alumni Relations and Generation HU, the university’s young alumni program, will be set up with stations to meet students and begin relationships with them as they step into their new Harding roles as alumni.

Get swag

Students will have the opportunity to shop for a frame for their diplomas and pick up other various Harding apparel and souvenirs before they leave campus.

Get photos

A photographer on site will offer to take formal graduation portraits of graduates and/or fun photos with friends around campus.

Get robed

This will also serve as the location for students to pick up their caps and gowns for commencement ceremonies.

Get excited

Grad Fest will not only provide one place for students to take care of their requirements before graduating, but it will also facilitate fun and excitement among graduates as they celebrate this milestone in their lives together. Throughout the event, we will encourage all students to participate in every opportunity involved in Grad Fest and celebrate their academic achievements as college graduates.

If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at Grad Fest, you can go to the Bookstore website and complete the ordering information. For any additional questions you may have regarding obtaining your regalia please contact the Harding University Bookstore at 501-279-4351.

If you were not able to pick up your cap and gown at Grad Fest, you can go online to oakhalli.com/colleges/harding and complete the ordering information.

Beginning the week preceding the commencement ceremony, regalia may be picked up in the Harding Bookstore between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and on Saturday morning beginning an hour before the ceremony.

If you pre-ordered a packet, it will be ready with your name on it. Extra packets will be available by size. Be certain you get the correct color of tassel for your degree (see the section on Academic Regalia). If you were unable to order early you should contact the Harding Bookstore at 501-279-4351 with questions.

Wednesday:  After 3 p.m., the Line of March and graduation instructions are available in the "Graduation Information" section above. If your name is on the list but you do not plan to attend, please notify graduation@harding.edu, or call 501-279-4328. If your name is not on the list but you do plan to attend, please notify the office.

There will be no rehearsal for the commencement ceremony. Rather, students will be led in by faculty marshals.

December 16, 2017

Line up for candidates will be in the science building at 9:15. (Guest seating will begin at 9 a.m.)

Spring 2018: May 5, 2018

9 a.m. - College of Bible & Ministry, Carr College of Nursing,  and College of Sciences

• (Line up in the science building at 8:15 a.m.; doors to the Benson Auditorium will be unlocked at 8 a.m. for our guests to begin seating.)

12 p.m. - College of Arts and Humanities, Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, and Honors College (Interdisciplinary Studies majors only)

• (Line up in the science building at 11:15 a.m.; doors to the Benson Auditorium will be unlocked 45 minutes after the 9 a.m. ceremony concludes.)

3 p.m. - College of Allied Health, Cannon-Clary College of Education, and College of Pharmacy

• (Line up in the Science building at 2:15 p.m.; doors to the Benson Auditorium will be unlocked 45 minutes after the noon ceremony concludes.)

Guest seating in Benson Auditorium is available on a first come basis approximately one hour prior to each ceremony. Guests may not reserve seats for more than 4 individuals (including themselves).  Seating is available for the handicapped and elderly upon request to an usher.

In December (only): There will be a dessert reception on Friday evening at 7 p.m. for graduates, their family and friends. This is your opportunity to introduce the special people in your life!

In May (only): On the day of the ceremony there is a reception with hors d' oeuvres after each ceremony in the cafeteria to honor the graduates and their families. All graduates, family members and friends are invited to join the Harding faculty and administrators for this informal, come-and-go celebration.

Candidates for graduation who need special accommodations due to physical limitations must contact us at graduation@harding.edu so that needed arrangements can be made prior to the ceremony. We want to include all students who have successfully completed their program of study.

Guests attending commencement needing special accommodations will be assisted by our ushers. Reserved parking is available directly behind the Benson Auditorium. There is a ramp that gives access from the parking lot into the auditorium without climbing steps. Facilities for wheelchairs and special seating is limited. We will do our best to seat the group together. Please email graduation@harding.edu with questions.