Can you believe you’re actually here? Four years ago, you probably couldn’t even find your dorm room without getting lost twice. Now you’re about to walk across that stage in Littlejohn Coliseum and officially become a Clemson alum. But before you can toss that cap in the air, there’s a whole lot to check off your list.
As someone who’s photographed over a hundred Clemson graduates over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of last-minute panic moments. Trust me when I say the stress of “Did I remember to apply for graduation?” is real. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive checklist to keep you organized, on track, and ready to celebrate your amazing achievement without the anxiety.
The Big Picture: Why This Checklist Matters
Senior year at Clemson flies by faster than a Howard’s Rock rubdown before kickoff. Between final projects, job hunting, and trying to squeeze in every last Tiger tradition, it’s easy to let important graduation requirements slip through the cracks. Missing a deadline doesn’t just mean paperwork headaches—it could mean watching your friends walk across the stage while you wait another semester.
But here’s the good news: with a little planning and this roadmap, you’ll sail through your senior year like the organized, accomplished Tiger you are.
Your Timeline at a Glance
Fall Semester (Senior Year)
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Apply for graduation
- Complete degree audit
- Register for final semester courses
Spring Semester
- Final transcript review
- Order cap and gown
- Set up Tassel account
- Plan celebration photos
- Attend Senior Week events
Pre-Graduation Month
- Confirm all requirements met
- Arrange housing transition
- Plan post-graduation logistics
The Essential Academic Checklist
1. Apply for Graduation (Don’t Skip This!)
This is the big one that trips up more students than you’d think. You must apply for graduation through iROAR, and yes, even if you’re 100% sure you’ll have all your credits, you still need to officially apply.
Key Deadlines:
- August 2025: June 3, 2025
- December 2025: September 9, 2025
- May 2026: January 28, 2026
Pro tip: Applying after posted deadlines incurs an initial fee of $75 with an additional charge of $5 each day thereafter. Nobody wants to pay extra fees for procrastination. Save that money for your post-graduation celebration dinner at The Esso Club!
2. Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Schedule this meeting early in your final year. Your advisor will:
- Review your degree requirements
- Ensure you’re on track to complete everything
- Help you register for any remaining required courses
- Address any concerns about your academic standing
3. Complete Your Degree Audit
Think of this as your graduation GPS. Your degree audit shows exactly where you stand with:
- Major requirements
- General education credits
- Electives
- Minimum credit hours for your degree
Run this audit at least twice during your senior year; once at the beginning and once mid-spring semester.
4. Special Requirements for Honors Students
If you’re graduating with Honors College distinction, you have an extra step: all Clemson University Honors College students must also complete the Clemson University Honors College Distinction Verification Form.
Don’t let this slip! Honors distinction is a big deal and you’ve worked hard for it!
5. Order Your Cap and Gown
Contact the Clemson University Bookstore to order your graduation regalia. Pro tip: Order early to avoid the last-minute rush and potential sizing issues. Nothing’s worse than a cap that won’t stay on during your walk across the stage!
6. Set Up Your Tassel Account
Here’s something that might surprise you: Clemson has contracted with Tassel, a vendor that will assist with confirming students’ attendance at graduation and ensuring that graduates’ names are read correctly at the ceremony.
You’ll receive an email from commencement@clemson.edu with setup instructions. Please do not delete or ignore this email. This is how they make sure your name gets pronounced correctly when you walk across that stage.
7. Plan Your Graduation Day Logistics
For Graduates:
- Enter via the loading dock, located on the southwest side of the arena along the Avenue of Champions
- Must be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time
- All doors will open two hours prior to the graduation ceremony start time
8. Guest Planning
Normally, tickets are not issued for guests attending Clemson graduation ceremonies. However, it is recommended that each graduate limits guests to a maximum of six. Seating is first-come, first-served, so encourage your family and friends to arrive early!
9. Senior Week Activities
The Clemson Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association host senior week near the end of Spring semester for all graduates. Considered a “bucket list” of Clemson traditions, the Student Alumni Association has a week full of activities for seniors to enjoy. This is your chance to experience those final Clemson traditions with your classmates—don’t miss it!
10. Plan Your Graduation Photos
Here’s where my photographer heart kicks in! Your graduation is a milestone worth capturing professionally. Whether you want:
- Senior portraits in your cap and gown around campus
- Family photos after the ceremony
- Candid shots of your celebration
- Professional headshots for your post-graduation job search
Start planning your photo sessions early. Popular spots like the Clemson University campus, downtown areas, and scenic locations book up quickly, especially during graduation season.
11. Understand Diploma Delivery
All diplomas will be mailed regardless of ceremony attendance. You don’t need to worry about carrying your diploma during the ceremony; it’ll arrive safely at your address later.
12. Plan Your Tech Transition
Your Clemson email and IT access will change after graduation. Check out the IT changes to expect so you’re not caught off guard when trying to access university systems.
13. Housing Arrangements
If you’re living on campus, you’ll need to coordinate your move-out timeline for graduates. Plan this in advance, especially if your lease runs past graduation.
The “Don’t Forget” Essentials
Academic Records
Know how to access your academic records in the future. You’ll likely need official transcripts for job applications, graduate school, or professional licensing.
Diploma Replacement
Just in case life happens, know the process to replace your diploma if it gets damaged or lost.
Network Building
Connect with the Clemson Alumni Association to maintain your Tiger connections long after you leave campus.
My Personal Graduation Photography Tips
As someone who’s captured countless Clemson graduation memories, here are my insider tips:
For Senior Portraits:
- Schedule your session 2-3 months before graduation
- Bring along your cap and gown
- Consider multiple locations around campus for variety
- Don’t forget props like your class ring or favorite Clemson gear
For Graduation Day:
- Designate someone to be your family photographer
- Plan a specific meeting spot after the ceremony
- Consider professional portraits in your regalia before or after the ceremony
- Capture candid moments, not just posed shots
You’ve Got This!
Senior year can feel overwhelming, but remember—you’ve already done the hard part. You’ve survived hard classes, made it through finals weeks that felt endless, and probably experienced at least one late-night Cookout run that saved your sanity.
This checklist isn’t meant to stress you out; it’s your roadmap to crossing that finish line with confidence and style. Take it one step at a time, celebrate the small victories along the way, and don’t forget to pause and appreciate this incredible achievement.
You’re about to join the ranks of Clemson alumni who’ve gone on to do amazing things. That diploma represents years of hard work, growth, and memories that will last a lifetime.
And when you’re walking across that stage in Littlejohn Coliseum, with your family cheering in the stands and that orange and purple tassel swinging, you’ll know you’ve earned every moment of that celebration.
Go Tigers! 🐅
Looking to capture your Clemson graduation memories with professional photography? As a local senior and graduate photographer who knows all the best spots around campus and town, I’d love to help you document this milestone. From senior portraits to graduation day photography, let’s create images that celebrate your Clemson journey. Contact me today to discuss your graduation photography needs!
