December Graduation and Commencement

Students at BYU graduate at three different times each year–April, August and December.  However, the university only celebrates Commencement in April and August.  Those who graduate in December may choose to walk in the Commencement ceremonies held in August or April but have no Commencement ceremony of their own.

Commencement is an important part of the university experience. It is the public recognition that students have completed the requirements for graduation as established by their major.  Commencement has been held in various locations over the years including the old BYU Stadium on the hillside, ca. 1920s; the Joseph Smith Building, 1940s; the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, 1950s-1960s; and the Marriott Center, 1971 to the present.

Commencement at the old BYU Football Stadium on the hill, 1920s

Commencement at the Joseph Smith Building, 1940s

Commencement at the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, 1950s-1960s

Commencement at the Marriott Center, 1970s to the present

Although students who graduate in December each year do not have a formal Commencement ceremony, they are recognized as university graduates in the commencement programs produced for the August and April Commencements.  These commencement programs are available in the University Archives as part of UA 1008 Brigham Young University Commencement exercise programs, 1890 to the present.  Click here to see the finding aid for these commencement programs.

If you would like to know more, please contact the University Archivist at gordon_daines@byu.edu or (801) 422-5821.