When is graduation?

2013 Commencement exercises are scheduled for Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18.

1.      The Baccalaureate, a non-denominational religious service, will be held on Friday, May 17, at 4:30 p.m. in the Elba L. & Gene Portteus Branigin Room of the James & Sandra Napolitan Student Center. Graduates and their families are encouraged to attend, but it is not a required event.
 

2.      The Graduates' Buffet Dinner will be held on Friday, May 17, immediately following the Baccalaureate service (about 5:30 p.m.) in the William & Anne Scherer Student Dining Hall in the James & Sandra Napolitan Student Center. All graduates and their guests along with Baccalaureate guests are invited to attend this special complimentary dinner.
 

3.      The Commencement program will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. in the Spurlock Center. (doors open at 9:00 a.m.)

Are tickets required and how many do I get?

Tickets are required for Commencement only. Graduates should receive six tickets at the Destination Graduation event in February. Please contact Shelia Rosario at 738-8017 with questions.

What if I need more than six tickets?

There are a very limited number of extra tickets. Please contact Shelia Rosario 738-8017 for requesting extra tickets. Many institutions guarantee only two tickets. Please remember that not everyone you send an invitation to will attend the ceremony. Due to limited space in Spurlock, we suggest you invite only close relatives and friends to the ceremony on campus, and everyone else to your home graduation party.

I haven’t ordered my cap and gown; what do I do?

These can be ordered through the campus bookstore at 738-8100.  You may also want to ask the bookstore staff about ordering announcements and other graduation items.

What time do I have to be there on graduation day?

Graduates are required to meet in the Branigin Room at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, for robing and class photo shoot.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony is usually finished by noon if not sooner.

Is reserved seating available?

Unfortunately, we do not have any reserved seating. All seats are on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.

What about handicapped seating and parking?

Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot on the south side of Spurlock Center. The entrance will be manned by security and they will allow cars with handicapped stickers to park in this lot. A number of wheelchair spaces and handicapped seating will be available on the gym floor and on the first row of bleachers. They will be marked with handicapped signs. It is also possible to use the elevator in Spurlock Center to gain access to seating around the track and this may allow better visibility for wheelchair guests.