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Commencement

Commencement is your big day to shine on the stage! You've earned this moment!

Clear Bag Policy for Commencement

Bags must be clear and not exceed 12"x12"x6". Non-clear bags will be permitted if 6.5"x4.5" or smaller. Exceptions for guests who require medical equipment will be provided. All bags subject to search.

 

Schedule of Commencement

Below is the schedule of the times and colleges for the upcoming graduation ceremonies at Austin Peay State University.

Date Time Colleges

December 11, 2026

10:00 AM

Graduates & Undergraduates in:

  • College of Arts & Letters
  • College of Business
  • College of STEM

December 11, 2026

3:00 PM

Graduates & Undergraduates in:

  • College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
  • College of Education

 

Guest Seating

In order to ensure comfortable, hassle-free seating for all guests, students will pre-select seats for their guests in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. See below for links to the ceremony's EventBrite page—the graduate's A# is the access code to enter the site. Each graduate is initially allotted six (6) tickets. Family and friends who cannot attend the ceremonies can watch the events live using the link above.

If any of your guests require ADA-compliant or wheelchair-accessible seating, or if you have any general ticketing questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar, at graduation@apsu.edu or (931) 221-7121.

All remaining available tickets will become available to graduating students on Monday, November 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

Please refer to the Commencement Schedule above for College details.

December 11, 2026 — 10 AM Commencement Tickets

December 11, 2026 — 3 PM Commencement Tickets

Dunn Center Commencement Seating Map

View Accessible Map Data

Dunn Center Seating Map

Note: Map is not drawn to scale.

Venue Orientation

The Dunn Center is a rectangular indoor arena. The building is bordered by Robb Avenue to the west, Drane Street to the east, and Marion Street to the south.

The main entrance is on the south wall, facing Marion Street.

The stage is located along the north wall of the arena floor, oriented east to west.

 

Gates and Entrances

The venue has six gates:

  • Gate B — West wall, south end (near the corner of Robb Avenue and Marion Street)

    • Recommended entrance for seat sections:
      AA, BB, CC, RR, and SS

  • Gate C — Northwest corner (near Robb Avenue)

    • Recommended entrance for seat sections:
      CC, DD, EE, FF, and GG

  • Gate D — Northeast corner (near Drane Street), floor level

    • Recommended entrance for floor seating and wheelchair guests who do not have a reserved seat/ADA seat. There is also an elevator down the left hallway to allow wheelchair guests to reach the upper levels.

  • Gate E — Northeast corner (near Drane Street)

    • Recommended entrance for seat sections:
      HH, JJ, KK, LL, and MM

    • An elevator is available in the hallway, behind the gate.

  • Gate F — Southeast corner (near Drane Street and Marion Street)

    • Recommended entrance for seat sections:
      MM, NN, OO, PP, and QQ

  • Main Entrance (Stairs) — South wall facing Marion Street

 

Seating

The main arena floor contains floor seating for graduates, as well as limited ADA, ticketed, and VIP seating.

Ticketed Seating Sections
Lettered sections surround the perimeter of the arena on the upper levels.

  • West side (along Robb Avenue), listed south to north: AA, BB, CC, DD, EE

  • North side (behind and beside the stage), listed west to east: FF, GG, HH, JJ

  • East side (along Drane Street), listed north to south: KK, LL, MM, NN, OO

  • South side (along Marion Street), listed east to west: PP, QQ, RR, SS

General Admission seating is available on the 3rd level.

 

Lost & Found

Located on the floor in the Northeast corner, near Gate D, to the right of the stage.

Questions related to Commencement?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page!

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of the Registrar
Phone: 931-221-7121
E-mail: graduation@apsu.edu
Location: Ellington, Room 316