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. Registration ended April 15.
How many guests may I invite to the Graduate Reception?
Each graduate may invite up to five guests to attend the Graduate Reception. Registration ended April 15.
Are children welcome to attend?
Absolutely! Children are welcome at both the Graduate Reception and the Commencement Ceremony.
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 and guests arrive on the morning of Commencement?
Graduates should arrive at the Commons in Sturgis Hall no later than 8 a.m.
Doors will open for guest arrival beginning at 8 a.m. at the main entrance of the One World Building. Please be advised that entry to the venue will close at 9:45 a.m. sharp. Any guests who have not gone through check in by this time will not be permitted entry to the ceremony. We strongly recommend that all attendees should carpool, arrive early, and be in their seats by 9:30 a.m. to ensure a seamless start to the program.
To ensure the safety of all participants, every guest must undergo a mandatory security screening process conducted by the Secret Service. To expedite this check-in, we ask that you avoid bringing large bags, sharp objects, weapons, and/or prohibited liquids. Please follow Secret Service rules for prohibited items. Please note that only clear bags within the specified size restrictions of 18” by 13” by 7” will be permitted inside the venue.
Upon arrival, our staff and volunteers will be clearly identified by lanyards and will be available to assist you throughout the morning. For specific directions on where to enter and park, please refer to the parking map provided below.
How do I purchase my regalia (cap and gown)?
Your regalia can be purchased from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock via this link. 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?
Parking passes will be available for pickup during the Graduate Awards Reception on Friday, May 1. If guests do not have a parking pass on Saturday morning, they will still be permitted to park in the campus lots provided their name appears on the official RSVP list; in these instances, guests should be prepared to confirm their name with the parking attendant upon arrival.
Free event parking is located in the lots directly in front of the Clinton Presidential Center and adjacent to the One World Campus. We encourage all attendees to review the parking map provided below to familiarize themselves with these locations prior to arrival.
Will accessible seating and parking 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 volunteer/staff member for assistance upon arrival. Staff and volunteers will be clearly identified by lanyards.
Please note that accessible parking has been moved to the lot immediately next to the One World Building for closer proximity to the entrance. Please see the parking map above for more information. To ensure we are prepared to assist you, please notify us of your plans to use this service by filling out this Google Form by April 30.
Travel & Virtual Attendance
Where can my guests stay during Graduation Weekend?
A block of rooms is available for Clinton School of Public Service graduates and their guests at the:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Little Rock Downtown
811 E. 4th Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
In order to reserve a room at the special rate, please call the hotel at 501-372-5102 or call IHG Central Reservations at 1-800-658-1184 and give the agent the name of the event (Clinton School of Public Service Graduation) and their preferred date(s) of stay. Guests may also scan this QR code:
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 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.
Will the Commencement Ceremony be available to watch online?
Yes. We are pleased to offer a livestream 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.
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.