Fall Graduation Events and Information

Spartanburg Methodist College welcomes you all to the first Fall Commencement in the College's history.

Some milestones are more than moments to look back on; they open the door to what comes next. When you join SMC’s alumni community, you become part of a new chapter.

At SMC, graduation is more than a walk across the stage. It’s a meaningful milestone we recognize with a series of events that honor your hard work, highlight your accomplishments, and celebrate your transition into life beyond SMC.

>> Don't Miss the Graduation Calendar Below the Ceremony Details!

Attention: Thanks to our continued growth at SMC, we are expecting a capacity crowd for the commencement ceremony. All guests MUST HAVE a ticket to get into the arena. Each graduating student will receive 4 guest tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket to attend. No tickets will be available on site and no guests without a ticket will be allowed into the arena. Once you enter, there will be no re-entry.

Ceremony Information

Participating Graduates will receive their regalia and more information at Gradfest. See Graduation Events Below! Commencement will be live streamed on SMC's YouTube channel.

>> Questions? Check out the Ceremony FAQ at the Bottom of this Page!

2026 Fall Commencement Ceremony

Ceremony Date & Time: Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Spartanburg Methodist College - Camak Auditorium | 1750 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC

Participating Graduates: All participating graduates must meet in Bridges Arena, next to Camak Auditorium, by 5 p.m.

Ticketing: All guests MUST HAVE a ticket to attend. Children aged 2 and under may sit on a guest's lap and do not require a ticket. No re-entry allowed.

Seating: Each participating graduate will be given 4 guest tickets. Tickets can be picked up at Grad Fest on November 11. There is no assigned seating. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Overflow Viewing: SMC will provide a viewing area in Gibbs Auditorium in Ellis Hall for guests who do not have a ticket to the ceremony. Seating is first come, first served.

Parking: Parking will be available in all campus parking lots. Parking is first come, first served. Bridges residence hall parking will be designated for accessible parking. Staff will be on hand to direct guests to the auditorium for the ceremony.

Class Ring and Memento Information

Visit the SMC Commencement page at Jostens for information on purchasing class rings, diploma frames, announcements or other grad mementos of your time as a Pioneer.

Contact: Quo Byard

Click Here for SMC's Jostens Website >

2026 Calendar of Graduation Events

Home Stretch Happy Hour

Saturday, Nov. 7 | 6-8 PM | Moore Gym

The countdown is on to graduation, and we think that’s the best time to start celebrating our seniors! The senior class is invited to join us as we celebrate with drinks, refreshments, music, and giveaways from 6-8 pm in the Moore Gym!

*Attendees should RSVP using the link sent to your SMC email address

The event is open only to seniors.

Contact: Allen Lollis

GradFest

Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 11AM-1PM | Administration Building

Required for All Graduates

A fun celebration for all graduates, including free giveaways, senior signing photos, and pick up commencement tickets and cap & gown. This is a *REQUIRED EVENT* for all graduates participating in the Commencement Ceremony to pick up their tickets and cap & gown.

Contact: Jill Johnson

Senior Signing Photos

Wednesday, Nov. 11 | During Gradfest | Administration Building

Seniors, don't forget to have your official signing photo made to celebrate your post-graduate employment or graduate school acceptance. Receive a free gift when you have your picture made!

Contact: Bre Foster

SMC Alumni Relations Office Reception

Thursday, December 10 | 7:30PM | Ellis Hall

All graduates and their family and friends are invited join the SMC Alumni Relations Office for a cocktail reception to celebrate your graduation.

Contact: Leah Caldwell

Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are required for all guests for this year's Ceremony. Each graduate participating in the ceremony will be given four tickets. It is the graduate’s responsibility to keep up with their tickets and distribute them to their guests. No replacement tickets will be provided. Seating is first-come, first-served. Children aged 2 and under may sit on a guest’s lap and do not require a ticket.

An overflow viewing area will be available in Gibbs Auditorium to watch the ceremony via a live feed.

From I-26

Take exit 21B to merge onto W O Ezell Blvd/US-29 N toward Downtown Spartanburg.
Turn left onto Powell Mill Road (1.3 mi)
Turn right onto S 485/Power Mill Road (1.e mi)
Turn left onto Lester Kingman Drive (0.2 mi)
Parking lots will be on left and right - 1750 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301

From I-85:

Take exit 70 to merge onto I-26 E toward Columbia
Take exit 21B to merge onto W O Ezell Blvd/US-29 N toward Downtown Spartanburg.
Turn left onto Powell Mill Road (1.3 mi)
Turn right onto S 485/Power Mill Road (1.e mi)
Turn left onto Lester Kingman Drive (0.2 mi)
Parking lots will be on left and right - 1750 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301

During lineup, Phi Theta Kappa members will be given a gold tassel, and honor graduates (3.5 GPA or higher) will be given a gold honor stole. Psychology Honor Society members should receive an honor cord, and English Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society members should receive an honor pin to wear. SGA officers and senior athletes will also be permitted to wear their approved cord or stole. Members of the Granite and Cedar Society will be given a dark green and silver cord to wear. Only these approved items may be worn with your cap and gown, and students are not allowed to wear anything else attached to their cap or gown.

While there is no specific dress code, it is recommended that women wear dark pants or a dress/skirt that is not longer than the graduation gown, and men wear a dress shirt and tie with dark pants and dark shoes.