2025 Watauga High School Graduation

Doors will open at 4:30pm

Ceremony will begin at 5:30pm

The Holmes Center has a Clear Bag Policy in place for all events.

Guests are permitted items per the Holmes Center’s Bag and Admission Policy. This includes small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items.

All guests entering the arena are subject to a metal-detector screening by way of a wand, visual inspection and bag inspection conducted by security personnel. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items and is for the safety of our guests and our staff.  Prohibited items will be confiscated upon entry.

 

Accessibility Information

App State is committed to providing an inclusive experience for individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed in order to fully participate in commencement events on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Disability Resources (odr@appstate.edu or 828-262-3056). Remote live captioning will be displayed on the jumbotron during the ceremony. Please make disability accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony. 

Where is the accessibility seating in the Holmes Center?

The Holmes Center makes every effort to meet the needs of all guests and provides arena accessibility information via its website regarding accessible seating and restroom locations.

Guests should use the accessible SW entrance off of Holmes Drive, which leads to section 9 in the arena. A passenger elevator is also located at section 9 for use on a per-event basis.

Is wheelchair assistance available?

Wheelchair assistance by trained medical personnel to accessible seating is available by request at the First Aid Station in section 9.

App State does not maintain a supply of wheelchairs for personal use. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility work with a medical supply store or pharmacy for short-term wheelchair options/rentals.

Is assistive communication available?

Assistive listening devices are available at the Holmes Center on a first-come, first-served basis at the SW box office located at section 9.

Are service animals allowed?

Only service animals (dog or miniature horse) trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate functional limitations of a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted in the arena.

Comprehensive information regarding animals on campus can be found in the Animals on Campus Policy.

2025 Spring Commencement

Ceremony Schedules

Saturday, May 10

9 a.m. ceremony

Beaver College of Health Sciences

1 p.m. ceremony

Reich College of Education
University College

5 p.m. ceremony

Walker College of Business

Graduates will attend the commencement ceremony of the college that administers/houses their academic program.

About Commencement

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.

Graduates do not need to register, and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

    • Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
    • App State, media outlets, and family and friends film commencement ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.

 

See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.

2025 Spring Commencement

Ceremony Schedule

Friday, May 9

9 a.m. ceremony
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Hayes School of Music

1 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
English • History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Languages, Literatures and Cultures • Philosophy and Religion • Psychology • Sociology

5 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology • Biology • Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences • Computer Science • Geography and Planning • Geological and Environmental Sciences • Government and Justice Studies • Mathematical Sciences • Physics and Astronomy • Rural Resilience and Innovation

Graduates will attend the commencement ceremony of the college that administers/houses their academic program.

About Commencement

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.

Graduates do not need to register, and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

    • Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
    • App State, media outlets, and family and friends film commencement ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.

See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.

Fall Commencement

The Holmes Center operates under a clear bag policy

 

Friday, Dec. 13

9 a.m. ceremony
Reich College of Education
University College
Walker College of Business

1 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences

5 p.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Hayes School of Music

 

Graduate students will attend the college ceremony represented by their major field of study.

About Commencement

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.

Graduates do not need to register and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Interim Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.

2024 Watauga High School Graduation

Doors will open at 4:30pm

Ceremony will begin at 5:30pm

The Holmes Center has a Clear Bag Policy in place for all events.

Guests are permitted items per the Holmes Center’s Bag and Admission Policy. This includes small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items.

All guests entering the arena are subject to a metal-detector screening by way of a wand, visual inspection and bag inspection conducted by security personnel. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items and is for the safety of our guests and our staff.  Prohibited items will be confiscated upon entry.

 

Accessibility Information

App State is committed to providing an inclusive experience for individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed in order to fully participate in commencement events on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Disability Resources (odr@appstate.edu or 828-262-3056). Remote live captioning will be displayed on the jumbotron during the ceremony. Please make disability accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony. 

Where is the accessibility seating in the Holmes Center?

The Holmes Center makes every effort to meet the needs of all guests and provides arena accessibility information via its website regarding accessible seating and restroom locations.

Guests should use the accessible SW entrance off of Holmes Drive, which leads to section 9 in the arena. A passenger elevator is also located at section 9 for use on a per-event basis.

Is wheelchair assistance available?

Wheelchair assistance by trained medical personnel to accessible seating is available by request at the First Aid Station in section 9.

App State does not maintain a supply of wheelchairs for personal use. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility work with a medical supply store or pharmacy for short-term wheelchair options/rentals.

Is assistive communication available?

Assistive listening devices are available at the Holmes Center on a first-come, first-served basis at the SW box office located at section 9.

Are service animals allowed?

Only service animals (dog or miniature horse) trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate functional limitations of a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted in the arena.

Comprehensive information regarding animals on campus can be found in the Animals on Campus Policy.