Prepare

Seating

University-wide Commencement and Undergraduate Ceremony

• Guests do not need tickets for the University-wide or Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies.
• Limited first-come, first-served guest seating is available under the tent, but most guest seating is outside on the Campus Green. (rain or shine).
• Once seats are filled, guests will have to stand to watch the ceremony or take advantage of indoor seating in Academic Commons at Goddard Library (first floor), where they will be able to watch a live broadcast of the University-wide and Undergraduate ceremonies.

Graduate Ceremony (Master’s and Ph.D.)

• Guests will be able to enter the Kneller after the University-wide procession to the Campus Green at noon. The Graduate Ceremony in the Kneller Athletic Center will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.
• Seating is limited for the Graduate Ceremony in the Kneller Athletic Center; we kindly request that graduates limit their guests to 4 family members. Wristbands will be issued to graduates at regalia pickup on May 16 and 17 from 12 noon-6p.m. in Atwood’ Blue Room.
  
• Additional/overflow seating for guests of graduate students is available in Johnson Auditorium (Room 120 of Arthur M. Sackler Sciences Center). Both the University-wide and Graduate ceremonies will be broadcast live in Johnson Auditorium.

Accessible Seating

For guests attending the University-wide and Undergraduate ceremonies:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at the back of the tent, on the right side; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. In this area, one person may accompany a guest who is in a wheelchair or mobility-impaired.
• If the accessible seating under the tent is full, more accessible seating is available in Academic Commons at Goddard Library (first floor), where you can view the ceremonies via a live feed. Academic Commons features accessible bathrooms, food and beverage options, a view of the Campus Green, and protection from inclement weather.
• The accessible entrance for Goddard Library is on the right side of the building; there is also elevator access from the front of the building.

For guests attending the Graduate Ceremony:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Kneller Athletic Center; ushers will direct you to this area. Guests who use wheelchairs or who are mobility-impaired may be accompanied by one other guest.
• After the procession to the Campus Green, guests with mobility issues who wish to attend the Graduate Ceremony should proceed directly to the Kneller Athletic Center lobby.
• Once seated in the Kneller Athletic Center, guests may watch the University-wide ceremony via a live feed. Graduate students will process back to the Kneller between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m., and the diploma-awarding ceremony will begin.

Passenger Drop-off
If you plan to drop off guests with mobility challenges before you park, we suggest doing so on Woodland Street, next to Atwood Hall.

Etiquette

To ensure that all guests have a pleasant and enjoyable experience, please do not bring these items to Commencement:

• Umbrellas (we encourage rain ponchos instead)
• Backpacks
• Balloons
• Coolers
• Food
• Alcohol
• Pets with the exception of certified service animals.
• Bullhorns
• Airhorns
• Noisemakers
• Signs or banners