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Affinity Graduation

Affinity Graduations celebrate the academic achievements of students from historically underrepresented communities.

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Affinity Graduation at AU

°¬¿ÉÖ±²¥ University’s Affinity Graduations are designed to celebrate the academic achievements of students from historically underrepresented communities: Asian & Pacific Islander, Black/African heritage, Latin(o)x, Lavender, First Generation students, and the Veteran and Military-Affiliated community.  It also serves as an introduction to the alumni network, highlighting opportunities for life-long connection and volunteer engagement for continued campus involvement post-graduation. We host six (6) individual affinity graduations to promote the celebration of diversity and inclusion, and the various intersections of identity that contribute to the fabric of AU.Ìý 

°¬¿ÉÖ±²¥ University Affinity Graduations were established in 2017 and have evolved and increased affinity representation. AU’s commitment to affinity graduations aligns with our Plan for Inclusive Excellence and our collective efforts to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduates from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Fall Affinity Graduation Toast

Affinity Graduation Toast 
Thursday, December 5 | 4:00-6:00±Ê²Ñ
MGC 128

Affinity Graduation FAQ

The °¬¿ÉÖ±²¥ University’s Affinity Graduations are designed to celebrate the commencement and academic achievements of students from historically underrepresented communities: Asian & Pacific Islander, Black/African heritage, Latin(o)x, PRIDE, First Generation students, and the Veteran and Military-Affiliated community.  It also serves as an introduction to the alumni network, highlighting opportunities for life-long connection and volunteer engagement for continued campus involvement post-graduation.Ìý

Affinity Stoles are for graduating students attending the Affinity Graduation Ceremonies, on a first come, first served basis, and while supplies last. Graduating students who are unable to attend the ceremonies may pick up stoles on a first come, first served basis after the ceremonies have concluded while supplies last.

Graduating students who are unbale to attend the ceremonies may pick up stoles on a first come, first served basis after the ceremonies have concluded while supplies last from the Office of Student Engagement. There is no cost to you for Affinity Stoles at this time.Ìý

You may attend as many Affinity Graduation ceremonies as intersects with your identities.

Affinity Graduations are free to graduating students.

Unfortunately, Affinity Graduations happen once in the spring and once in the fall.

The Affinity Graduation program will run between 90 minutes to 120 minutes.Ìý

The ceremony includes a welcome from key campus administrators and student leaders, and a stole donning ceremony that honors the identities of students graduating and explains the meaning of the selected stole.Ìý

Yes, group photos will be taken at Affinity Graduation. The university reserves the right to publish photos taken at the event online.

We recommend business casual. Your cap and gown can be worn if you have them, but this is not required.

Yes! We hope you will proudly wear your Affinity Stole at commencement.

  • If you are a faculty, staff, or student, you may volunteer at Affinity Graduation. Please sign up for the ceremony you wish to volunteer at here: .

If you have questions about Affinity Graduations or Affinity Stoles, please contact studentaffairs@american.edu.ÌýPlease note: The Commencement Office does not oversee the Affinity Graduations or distribution of Affinity Stoles.

A view of students at commencement from above, showing their graduation caps.

Commencement

Learn more about Commencement, held every year in Bender Arena. Ceremonies include both undergraduate and graduate students for each school.

AU Commencement

Students help each other put on affinity stoles at AU's Winter Affinity Graduation.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI)

Learn more about CDI and how they support LGBTQ, multicultural, first generation, and women's experiences.

Learn more at CDI

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