Banquets
MSB & ARCOM Graduation Banquet
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 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 22, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
- Optional mimosa’s beginning at 10 a.m.
- Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Occupational Therapy Graduation Banquet
- Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
- Optional cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas
MPH Graduation Banquet
- Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, 2 p.m.
- Location: ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Family Picnic
Gear Up
Graduation Gear-Up
- Date: PT/OT – Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Time: See Chart Below
- Date: ARCOM/MSB/MPH – Friday, May 22, 2026
- Time: See Chart Below
- Locations:
- PT/OT: CoHS
- DO/MSB: ARCOM
- MPH: RIHWC
- During Graduation Gear Up, students will pick up their regalia, receive important information about commencement, and take a final class photo. Students should refer to their email for more information about Graduation Gear-Up, or email StudentServices@achehealth.edu with questions.
Order Announcements
Order Diploma Frames
Order Regalia
Commencement Ceremony
ACHE Commencement Ceremony
- Date & Time: Saturday May 22, 2027 at 10:00
- 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 9:00 a.m. It is anticipated that the ACHE Commencement Ceremony will last approximately 1 ½ hours.
A Live Stream Link will be provided ahead of the event date.
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.
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.
Friends & Family
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 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.
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