What to Expect at Commencement
Here is a sneak peek of what you can expect during commencement weekend. Whether you’re starting your academic journey, you’re a seasoned student working hard toward the finish line, or if you’re about to take that walk across the stage, the details below will be sure to get you pumped for commencement.
What to Expect as a Graduate
On the day of the ceremony, university volunteers and staff will be positioned throughout the resort to direct you and your guests to the ceremony and check-in locations. Graduates should arrive to their ceremony at least 30 minutes prior to the start time. You will be given a name card that will be used to recognize you during the ceremony. Please verify your name pronunciation, degree, and state before you leave the check-in area.
What to Expect as a Guest
The significance of this day and the recognition of academic achievements of our graduates should be observed with utmost respect. Please:
- Silence cellular phones and other communication devices while inside the ballroom.
- Refrain from bringing food and beverages into the ceremony. These items, along with smoking, are prohibited inside the ballroom.
- Remain seated for the entire ceremony and recession until the all graduates have exited the ballroom.
All guests and children above the age of two must have a ticket to enter the ceremony. During the ceremony, if you need to exit, you will be given a hand stamp for re-entry. Graduates will be able to request up to four guest tickets. You will retrieve your guest tickets online during the registration process.
For safety purposes, no exceptions will be made to this policy. It is important to notify your guests of this policy so there is no confusion on the day of the ceremony.
Guests may take photographs during the ceremony from their seats. Tripod or camera stands are prohibited. Please do not block aisles during the ceremony.
The ceremony will be professionally photographed and recorded and will be available from the commencement website after the ceremony at no cost to you.