Welcome to the Commencement information page! We are thrilled to celebrate the historic 20th graduating cohort of the Clinton School of Public Service. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding Graduation Weekend.
When will the 2026 Commencement Ceremony be held?
- Date: Saturday, May 2
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: 1 World Avenue (The One World Campus, formerly the Heifer International Campus), Little Rock
When will the 2026 Graduate Reception be held?
- Date: Friday, May 1
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Location: Sturgis Hall
Attendance & Invitations
How many guests may I invite to the Commencement Ceremony?
Each graduate may invite up to eight guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony. Please register your guests using this form by April 15.Â
How many guests may I invite to the Graduate Reception?
Each graduate may invite up to five guests to attend the Graduate Reception. Please register your guests using this form by April 15.Â
What if I would like to invite more guests than the allotted number?
We are currently coordinating with the Student Government Association (SGA) to establish a ticket-sharing system for unused invitations. Please stay tuned for more information on how to request or donate extra tickets.
Are children welcome to attend?
Absolutely! Children are welcome at both the Graduate Reception and the Commencement Ceremony. Please register their attendance via the forms above in the same manner as you registered your adult guests.
Logistics & Attire
What is the suggested attire for Graduation Weekend?
We recommend business casual attire for both the Friday evening reception and the Saturday morning ceremony. Graduates are required to wear full Clinton School-approved regalia to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
When and where should graduates arrive on the morning of Commencement?
Arrival times and staging locations are currently being finalized. This information will be updated here and sent via email to all graduates as soon as it is available.
How do I purchase my regalia (cap and gown)?
Your regalia can be purchased from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Graduates can begin purchasing their regalia in person during UA Little Rock’s Grad Fest, located at the UA Little Rock Bookstore on the first floor of the Donaghey Student Center, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 18. A direct link to purchase your regalia will be posted here as soon as the ordering window opens. To receive assistance with ordering your regalia, please call the UA Little Rock Bookstore at 501-916-3245.
Where should guests park for the events?
Free parking will be available at the parking lots in front of Sturgis Hall and next to the One World Campus (formerly the Heifer International Campus). We will provide a finalized parking map closer to graduation.
Will accessible seating be available?
Yes. We are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy the ceremony comfortably. Accessible seating will be available. Please look for signage or ask a staff member for assistance upon arrival.
Travel & Virtual Attendance
Where can my guests stay during Graduation Weekend?
Little Rock offers a variety of hotels near the River Market and East Village districts, all within walking distance or a short drive of the Clinton School of Public Service.
Nearby hotels to the Clinton School of Public Service include the:
- AC Hotel
- Comfort Inn and Suites
- Capital Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Doubletree by Hilton
- Hampton Inn and Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Holiday Inn Presidential Little Rock Downtown
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Little Rock Marriott
The Little Rock Visitors and Convention Bureau provides an extensive list of recommendations on where to stay and where to eat while visiting Little Rock.Â
Will the Commencement Ceremony be available to watch online?
Yes. We are pleased to offer a live stream for friends and family who cannot attend the ceremony in person. You can join the broadcast at the start of the ceremony on YouTube. We will post a link to the recording of the Commencement Ceremony on our social media channels the week following graduation.Â
Graduation Photography
Are my guests allowed to take pictures during the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes! Guests are more than welcome to take photos and videos to capture these memories. We simply ask that everyone remain mindful of those seated around them and keep aisles clear so that all guests have an unobstructed view of the ceremony.
Will professional graduation pictures be available?
Yes! A professional photographer will take photos of the Commencement Ceremony and graduates. We will create a full gallery of photos and make this available to Clinton School graduates and their families after graduation. The photos will be available for download for free. We will update this section once we have information on how students and families can view the photos.