Check your email for guest assistance confirmation and further instructions regarding parking and/or seating.
Make a plan with your graduate about where to meet after the ceremony.
Graduate Ceremony guests do not need tickets.
Arriving on Campus at the Park Center
Parking is available in the lots surrounding Park Center. University Police will be on-site for assistance.
There will be two entrances for the ceremony:
Located on the main level of the Park Center (recommended for guests with accessibility needs)
Upstairs near the poolside lobby. Students will report to the Corey Gymnasium.
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-served 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. Accessible 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-served), 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 their 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 photo backgrounds as well. Our Facility Operations and Services staff does a tremendous job preparing the campus for Commencement Weekend.
