Commencement

Guests 

Parking
Traffic may be congested on commencement day; therefore, we recommend that you plan to be in the vicinity of the Bryce Jordan Center by 3:30 p.m. to find parking. Please do not arrive any earlier than this as you may disrupt an earlier ceremony already in progress. Parking is available in Lot 44, Stadium West, and Porter North. Drivers will be directed to the appropriate lot by University Police and event parking staff based on the traffic and parking conditions at the time of their arrival. Please use caution while traveling through this area of campus and allow extra time to reach your destination. There is no fee for parking. ADA parking is available in the section of Lot 44 near Gate B, just across from the All-Sports Museum, and in the first row of spaces along Curtin Road at Stadium West, across from the Bryce Jordan Center’s ticket office. View the Bryce Jordan Center Commencement Parking Interactive Map. Get directions to the Bryce Jordan Center. 

Bag Policy
The Bryce Jordan Center utilizes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates and restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the arena for all events.

Permitted bags include:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” x 1”.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection. Backpacks are not allowed.

Guests will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to arena entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items at the Bryce Jordan Center.

All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment must enter the Bryce Jordan Center at the media entrance to have each item inspected and tagged prior to entering the Bryce Jordan Center.

Limit one bag per guest.

View the Bryce Jordan Center’s bag policy for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.                

Seating for guests with disabilities
Reserved seat tickets will not be needed, but guests with disabilities should arrive by 3:30 p.m. to avoid the last-minute rush. Inside the Founders Lounge entrance, ushers will be available to assist in taking individuals via elevator to the appropriate seating located on the concourse level. Due to space limitations, only one person may accompany the guest with a disability in the accessible seating area. The chairs in this seating area are plastic, armless, and portable to allow for the movement of wheelchairs. Other family members may sit in the regular seating located throughout the arena. 

Students 

Enter the Bryce Jordan Center through Gate B or C. (Your guests may enter through any gate.) Ushers will direct you to your seat on the event floor. Look for signs for your college on the back of the first chair in each row. You may sit in any chair in the appropriate section unless it is marked “reserved.” 

A seating chart is included in the digital program for the event. It is very important to sit in the section designated for your college. Failure to do so will result in your name being called with the incorrect college. 

Remain seated in your college area until staff members usher you to the stage platform during the ceremony. Students will walk to the stage platform within their college groups. (Students with majors in multiple colleges will cross the stage platform once, each in the college with which they are seated.)

Remain seated after the ceremony until your row is called. When called, you will recess single file down the main center aisle. Prior to the ceremony, please arrange to meet your family and guests outside the Bryce Jordan Center after the ceremony. You will not be permitted to re-enter the main event area. Additionally, remember that you are expected to remain in attendance for the duration of the ceremony. It is disrespectful to the college, to the families in attendance, and to your fellow graduates to leave early.  

Cell phone use is not permitted during the formal academic ceremony. If you must bring your phone to the ceremony, please turn it off before the ceremony begins.

For graduates with disabilities
We encourage all graduates with disabilities to participate in our commencement ceremonies. If you anticipate needing any type of special accommodation or have questions about accessibility, please email Liberal Arts Student Records.