MSB & ARCOM Graduation Banquet

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
- Optional cocktail hour beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Physical Therapy Graduation Banquet

Date & Time: Friday, May 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- Optional cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Occupational Therapy Graduation Banquet

Date & Time: Friday, May 16, 2025 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Family Picnic

Date and time: Saturday, May 17^th, 2025, following the end of the commencement proceedings
Come enjoy lunch on the front lawn of the ARCOM building. Students are invited to bring their family and friends.

Graduation Gear-Up

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
- Time: See Chart Below
Location:
- DO/PT: ARCOM Building (Lecture Hall)
- OT/MSB: COHS, Seminar Room
During this event graduates will pick up their regalia, receive ceremony instructions, take a final class picture together, and receive financial aid information from a professional in the industry. This event is considered mandatory. If you are not able to attend, then arrangements will need to be made in advance. Please email achestudentactivities@achehealth.edu to request excused absences.

ACHE Commencement Ceremony

Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: UAFS Stubblefield Center
Address: 532 N. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72903
Graduates, please arrive at the Stubblefield Center wearing your cap and gown. There will be Ambassadors awaiting your arrival at the front door and can point you in the right direction. Seating will be first come, first serve for guests with doors opening at 9:00am. It is anticipated that the ACHE Commencement Ceremony will last approximately 1 ½ hours.

Live Stream Link: https://tinyurl.com/ACHE-Commencement-2025

Commencement FAQs

How do students order their cap & gowns?

The cost of all regalia is covered by ACHE, but we ask all graduates to order their own regalia.

Where can graduates pick-up their cap & gown?

Regalia will be available for pick-up at the Graduation Gear-Up event on Friday.

May I wear special cords?

Cords will be provided for students graduating with honors and active or former military experience. All other adornments including pins, flowers or broaches will not be allowed. Graduates will be asked to remove any adornments that have not been approved prior to entering the arena floor.

What should I bring with me to line-up before the ceremony?

Personal items are not allowed in the student line up areas or on the arena floor during the ceremony. It is recommended that students make arrangements with their guests or family members to take care of their personal items such as coats, purses, cameras, flowers, etc., as they cannot be left behind at the check-in tables.

Where should I park for the Commencement Ceremony?

Free parking will be available at the Stubblefield Center on commencement day. If the front parking lots fill up, there will be additional parking behind the Stubblefield Center that is next to the baseball field.

Parking Accessibility Map

How will I get my actual diploma?

The Registrar will provide diplomas as soon as all graduation requirements are met.

Are there seating accommodations for guests with disabilities?

Yes, to request accommodations please email studentactivities@achehealth.edu.

What is the best way for family and friends to take photos?

While guests are welcome to take pictures from their seats, they will not be permitted on the floor once the ceremony begins. Professional photography services are provided by Grad Images,and the graduate will receive information for ordering via email.

I have a special needs request, who should I contact?

Students with special needs who will require accommodations during the ceremony should contact studentservices@acheedu.org, so that necessary arrangements can be made.

Will tickets be required to attend the commencement ceremony?

Tickets will not be required to attend the commencement ceremony at the Stubblefield Center. This event is free and open to the public.

How long will my ACHE email remain active after graduation?

ACHE graduates will retain their college email access for one calendar year after graduation. Alumni are strongly advised to begin transitioning important contacts and information to their personal email addresses after graduation. It is the responsibility of ACHE graduates to ensure that they retain any information deemed important. The failure to do so may result in this information being unrecoverable.

Family & Friends

The Stubblefield Center’s main doors will open no more than one hour before the ceremony for family members and guests.

I am unable to make the trip to Fort Smith, how can I still watch the commencement ceremony?
The commencement ceremony will be live streamed via the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education YouTube channel.
Live Stream can be found here: *Link will be added when available*

I am coming to commencement from out of town. Where can I make lodging arrangements for my stay?
We have four local hotels that have set up blocks so that your friends and family can get a discounted rate. They are welcome to stay anywhere, of course, but the links below will get you the discounted rates.

Homewood Suites: ACHE Commencement
Home2: ACHE Commencement
Hampton Inn: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/arkcollegehealtheducation2025/
Courtyard: Book your group rate for ACHE Commencement

What is the weather like in Fort Smith?
Arkansas weather can vary a lot, but here’s a link to the most up-to-date weather information: Fort Smith Arkansas Weather