A-State preps for spring commencement

JONESBORO, Ark- In four days, Arkansas State students will walk across the stage at First National Bank Arena to receive their degrees.

We spoke with university Chief Communications Officer Bill Smith to bring you everything you need to know before you head out the door to First National Bank Arena on Saturday.

With two ceremonies taking place: one in the morning, the other in the afternoon, Smith says to come prepared.

“We want to remind everybody to make sure to check the website to see which college yours is. So, you don’t show up at the ten o’clock, but your graduate is at two thirty," he said.

Pack your patience- Smith says if you are not attending commencement, you might want to avoid Red Wolf Boulevard and East Johnson Avenue.

Parking will be available at F-N-A arena, residential buildings, and surrounding parking lots across campus.

“...Expect to see thousands of people flowing in and out of First National Bank arena’s parking lots. And of course, with the two sessions, there will be drivers leaving from the ten o’clock and people coming in for the two thirty," he continued. "So, we will have great assistance from the Jonesboro Police Department and [Arkansas State] University Police."

Tickets for graduation are not required.

While only clear bags will be allowed into the arena- one without a clear bag will be sent back to their vehicle.

“The clear bag policy is in effect, just like it is for any other concert or sporting event at Arkansas State. If we have rain, there will be no parking on the grass surfaces. So, if it is raining, plan to get here a little bit early," while saying vehicles parked in the grass will be towed if inclement weather occurs.

Almost 2,000 Arkansas State students are set to graduate. With some traveling far and stepping on campus for the first time as they walk across the stage.

“We have a remarkable number of our online students that make a pilgrimage to Jonesboro to be able to cross the stage, from California to Maine, and have that opportunity to feel their full red wolf pride by getting their degree right here in Jonesboro," said Smith.

To see a complete list of graduation ceremonies and more information, you can click the link below. https://www.astate.edu/a/registrar/students/graduation/ceremony-info/