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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

Who Attends

May 8, 2026

9:00 AM

Graduates and Undergraduates

  • College of Behavioral & Health Science

  • College of Education 

May 8, 2026

1:00 PM

Graduates and Undergraduates

  • College of Business

  • College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

May 8, 2026

4:00 PM

Graduates and Undergraduates

  • College of Arts and Letters

  • University College


Guest Seating at Commencement

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) 221-7150.

All remaining available tickets will become available to graduating students on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9:00AM.

Please refer to the Commencement Schedule above for ceremony times.

Tickets for 9:00 AM Ceremony

Tickets for 1:00 PM Ceremony

Tickets for 4:00 PM Ceremony

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.


Commencement Regalia

United in Red: Celebrating Tradition and Excellence!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting change to our graduation attire, reflecting our pride and unity as a community. Starting with the fall 2024 Commencement, all undergraduate, and graduate students will don red regalia! 


Questions related to Commencement?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page!

Frequently Asked Questions