If you requested Guest Assistance, be sure to check your e-mail for a confirmation and further instructions regarding parking and/or seating.
Make a plan with your graduate about where to meet after the ceremony.
Wear comfortable shoes. The ceremony is held in Alumni Arena (ice arena). Half of the seating available is in bleachers and moving up and down the bleachers may be necessary.
Graduate Ceremony GUESTS DO NOT NEED tickets.
Arriving on Campus at the Park Center
Parking is available in the lots surrounding the Park Center. University Police will be on site to direct traffic and assist with parking.
There will be two entrances for the ceremony, one located on the main level of the Park Center and one upstairs near Poolside. Elderly guests and others who should not be going down bleacher steps should avoid the upstairs entrance. Students will report to the Gymnasium upstairs. Ushers will be available throughout the Park Center to direct guests to the appropriate locations.
Programs will be distributed at the entrance to the ceremony.
Seating in Park Center Alumni Arena
All seating is general admission; available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is available in chairs on the floor and in bleachers around the Arena. All guests must be seated for the ceremony.
There are some reserved seating areas. In general, any seat that has a program on it is reserved for faculty, staff or students. Mobility impaired seating is in a designated area. Guests will receive a special pass for these seats.
Overflow Seating in Park Center Alumni Arena
No tickets are needed to sit in these rooms. The commencement ceremony will be shown on a large-screen projector in our overflow rooms in Park Center. Overflow rooms include the following: Room 1118, The Hall of Fame Room, (suitable for grandparents, or guests that need more comfortable seating, is air-conditioned and readily available to restrooms; this room is first-come first serve), Room 1101 and Room 2213.
Ceremony
The processional will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Students will enter the Arena through the main floor entrance and up through the center aisle. Please stand when the processional begins and keep all aisles clear of people and belongings.
Each student will have his/her name read and photographs will be taken of them crossing the stage.
After the Ceremony
Please remain standing for the recessional. The platform party, faculty and students will all exit the Arena.
Meet your graduate in the designated locations. Generally, students will be escorted by the Student Line Marshals to the Gymnasium.
A photography backdrop will be available in the Gymnasium during the Reception. There are several locations around campus that make for great photograph backdrops as well. Our Physical Plant staff does a tremendous job preparing the campus for Commencement Weekend.
