Seating and Weather Details
No-Ticket Policy
- No tickets are required for the commencement ceremony in Gesling Stadium.
- Seating in Gesling Stadium is first-come, first-served.
- Seating for guests with disabilities and their families will be available in special sections on the field surface, indicated with signage. Up to three guests are permitted to sit with a disabled guest. Volunteers will also be stationed in this area to assist guests with seating. Gesling Stadium and the field surface are wheelchair accessible. No prior arrangements need to be made to secure seating. Please visit the special needs page for more information.
- Complimentary bottles of water will be available for all guests.
In the Event of Inclement Weather
- The ceremony will take place in Gesling Stadium, rain or shine. Please plan your clothing and footwear accordingly.
- In the event of a heavy downpour, the ceremony will be shortened and complimentary ponchos will be available.
- The ceremony will be simulcast in McConomy Auditorium, first floor, University Center, for guests who wish to view the event indoors.
- You may also want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a sun hat or visor in the event of hot, direct sunshine. The stadium is not covered.
Timing and Other Guidelines
- The procession of graduating students will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Families and guests are asked to be seated in the stadium by that time.
- During the procession and ceremony, we ask that guests remain in their seats to keep the aisles clear.
- At the conclusion of the ceremony, families and guests should remain in their seats until the recession of ceremony participants is complete.
- Be sure to agree before the ceremony where you will meet your graduate at the conclusion and adjourn quickly to a diploma ceremony, if appropriate.
- Please do not wear spiked heels in the stadium.
- No food or chewing gum is permitted in the stadium.
