President Warmack speaks at the podium as Claflin graduates in caps look on during commencement
Fall Commencement 2026

Commencement

Fall 2026 Commencement Convocation is Friday, December 11, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. Everything graduates and guests need is on this page.

View the ScheduleWatch Commencement LiveParking & Directions

Schedule

Fall Commencement Schedule

Both events take place at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

ThursdayDecember 102026

10:00 a.m.

Commencement Rehearsal (Mandatory)

Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex

All graduating students are required to attend.

FridayDecember 112026

9:45 a.m.

Commencement Convocation

Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex

Graduates in place by 8:00 a.m. Ticketed guests may enter at 8:00 a.m.

Faculty and graduates are required to wear academic regalia at these events.

Spring 2027 Commencement is Saturday, May 8, 2027. See the Academic Calendar.

Tickets

Commencement Tickets

Every graduate and guest needs a ticket. Fall Commencement has no overflow seating.

  • An email invite via Eventbrite from commencement@claflin.edu with registration information will be sent directly to each graduate's Claflin email address. The email may end up in your Junk folder, so search your inbox for the word "commencement."

  • Students are required to register on Eventbrite and are responsible for distributing guest tickets to their guests.

  • Each graduate who registers for the ceremony will receive six electronic tickets: five for guests in the main venue and one for the graduate. There is no overflow seating for Fall Commencement.

  • All graduates and guests, including children ages 3 and up and the physically challenged, need an electronic or printed ticket to enter the Health and Wellness Complex.

Arrival

Arrival and Location

Commencement will be held at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115, on Friday, December 11.

Graduates: in Place by 8:00 A.M.

Enter through the side door of the Health and Wellness Complex on Clark Street and meet in the Auxiliary Gym. You may park in the gravel parking lot for easy access to that side of the gym.

Guests: Doors Open at 8:00 A.M.

The five ticketed guests of each graduate may enter through the front entrance on the Magnolia Street side. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive together, as they will be seated together. A host or hostess will guide you to your seating.

Public Safety

Claflin Public Safety, along with Orangeburg City and County Public Safety, will be on the ground to ensure a smooth entry and successful commencement ceremony.

Safety

Clear Bag Policy and Security

To provide a safer experience and smooth entry, only clear bags are allowed into the Health and Wellness Complex.

  • Only clear bags will be allowed into the Health and Wellness Complex. Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed.

  • Small clutch bags that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap, may be taken into the Health and Wellness Complex with one of the clear bags.

  • All attendees will be subject to security screening prior to entering the building.

  • Balloons and wrapped gifts will not be allowed in the building.

For graduates

Ceremony Information

What to expect from the moment you arrive until the recessional.

  1. Wear your graduation regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) to the ceremony. Please be fully dressed before entering the Health and Wellness Complex. Watch how to wear your academic regalia.

  2. Once inside, graduates will be given their name cards and lined up for the procession. You will be standing until you process into the ceremony, so wear comfortable shoes.

  3. The marshals are your guide for the ceremony.

  4. Males are to take off their hats when the colors are posted and keep them off until it is time for degrees to be conferred.

  5. You will be presented to the President. After Dr. Warmack says "with all rights appertaining thereto," turn right, face the marshal, move into the aisles, and proceed to the stage when directed.

  6. At the stage, give your name card to the name reader. Your name will be called as you cross the ramp in front of the stage.

  7. All graduates will have the opportunity to have a professional photograph taken with President Warmack on the stage.

  8. After the benediction, a musical chord will signal when to stand, and a second chord will signal when to turn for the recessional. Follow the marshals; they will guide you from the rows.

Claflin graduates in caps, gowns and orange stoles hold maroon diploma covers during commencement
Watch live

Can't Be There in Person?

For family and friends who are unable to attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed on Claflin's Facebook page.

Watch on Facebook

Office of the Registrar

Academic Honors and Diplomas

The Office of the Registrar congratulates you on this momentous milestone. Here is some important information for you.

  • Academic honors: Summa Cum Laude is 3.90–4.00; Magna Cum Laude is 3.75–3.89; Cum Laude is 3.50–3.74.

  • Transfer or Continuing Education students who enter with advanced standing are eligible to graduate with Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude honors under the same grade-point ratio required of regular students.

  • Diplomas will be handed out immediately after the ceremony in the Auxiliary Gym of the Health and Wellness Complex if you have met all academic, financial, and university requirements.

  • To have your diploma mailed, email the Office of the Registrar with your complete mailing address: registrar@claflin.edu

  • If you fail any major courses, you will not be issued your diploma. If you have a financial obligation to the University, you will not be issued your diploma.

Photography

Photography

Your Diploma Photo

Each graduate will receive an electronic file of them receiving their diploma from President Dwaun J. Warmack. The file will be made available no more than two weeks after the ceremony.

The Platform

For the safety and courtesy of others, guests may not take photographs from the platform. The platform is restricted to graduates and members of the dais.

Personal Video Cameras

Hand-held personal video cameras are allowed only if they do not obstruct the view of other guests in the audience.

Parking

Parking Plan and Enforcement

Parking is free and limited. Plan to arrive early and travel in one car.

  • 01Parking will be available in university parking lots 8 through 15 and on surrounding streets.
  • 02All parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • 03ADA-accessible parking is in parking lot 10 and is also first come, first served.
  • 04Parking in driving lanes or along landscaped curbs is strictly prohibited.
  • 05VIP parking is reserved on the east side (rear) of the building in parking lot 9.

By car

Driving Directions to Claflin University

We are centrally located in South Carolina, 75 miles west of Charleston and 40 miles south of Columbia. Major interstates and highways are easily accessible if traveling by car. Greyhound will take you directly to Orangeburg while Amtrak will take you to Columbia.

The closest airport to Orangeburg is the Columbia Metro Airport. Also, many students and friends fly in and out of the Charlotte International Airport, Charlotte, NC and the Charleston Airport, Charleston, SC.

From Charleston, SC

  1. Take I-26 WEST to Exit 145-A US-601
  2. Take exit #145-A towards ORANGEBURG
  3. Travel 5.3 miles on US-601/Magnolia Street
  4. Claflin University's main entrance will be on your left

From Savannah, GA

  1. Take I-95 NORTH, exit to I-26 WEST towards COLUMBIA
  2. Take exit #145-A US-601 SOUTH towards ORANGEBURG
  3. Travel 5.3 miles on US-601/Magnolia Street
  4. Claflin University's main entrance will be on your left

From Florence, SC

  1. Take I-95 SOUTH exit to I-26 WEST towards COLUMBIA
  2. Take exit #145-A US-601 SOUTH towards ORANGEBURG
  3. Travel 5.3 miles on US-601/Magnolia Street
  4. Claflin University's main entrance will be on your left

From Charlotte, NC

  1. Take I-77 SOUTH towards ROCK HILL- travel 96 miles
  2. Take the I-26 EAST exit towards CHARLESTON –travel 29.8 miles
  3. Take exit #145-A towards ORANGEBURG, travel 5.3 miles on US-601/Magnolia Street
  4. Claflin University's main entrance will be on your left.

From Augusta, GA

  1. Take I-20 EAST towards FLORENCE
  2. Take the I-26 EAST exit towards CHARLESTON –travel 29.8 miles
  3. Take exit #145-A towards ORANGEBURG - travel 5.3 miles on US-601/Magnolia Street
  4. Claflin University's main entrance will be on your left

From Columbia, SC

  1. Take I-26 E toward Charleston
  2. Merge onto US-601 S via EXIT 145A toward Orangeburg
  3. US-601 S becomes Magnolia St
  4. 400 Magnolia St. is on the left

Where to stay

Hotel Accommodations

Call the hotel directly for rates and reservations.

Hampton Inn & Suites

749 Citadel RoadOrangeburg, SC 29118

(803) 937-5800

Fairfield Inn by Marriott

663 Citadel RoadOrangeburg, SC 29118

(803) 533-0014

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orangeburg

675 Citadel RoadOrangeburg, SC 29118

(803) 809-0111

Tru by Hilton Orangeburg

739 Citadel RoadOrangeburg, SC 29118

(803) 813-8000

Questions

Questions About Graduation?

The Office of the Registrar can help with graduation requirements, diplomas, and mailing addresses.

Office of the Registrar Academic Calendar