Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets

Additional ticket information will be emailed to graduating students in early November.

Do children need a ticket to attend commencement?
  • Children two years of age and younger, and who will sit on a person’s lap, do not need a ticket. All other children will need a ticket to enter the arena.

Day of Information

When does the arena open?
  • Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony for both graduates and guests.
How long will the ceremony take?
  • The ceremonies will take approximately 2 hours. Please keep in mind that traffic may be heavy while exiting campus. The arena has a clear bag policy. Backpacks, umbrellas and balloons are not permitted.
Will the ceremonies be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person?
  • Yes, the ceremonies will be livestreamed for remote viewing. The link to the livestream will become available on the commencement website the day of the ceremony.
Are strollers permitted in the arena?
  • Strollers are not allowed in the arena. However, they can be checked at guest services in the SAC food court.
If I am a double major with both of my degrees in the same ceremony, will both of my degrees be acknowledged?
  • Students only cross the stage once. The commencement program will list both of your degrees.
Where can guests park on campus for the ceremonies?
  • Parking on campus is free; guests will be directed to the closest available parking by parking attendants when they arrive on campus.

ADA Seating

I have family that needs ADA seating.
  • ADA guest seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive 90 minutes prior to the ceremony. If ADA seating is needed, guests must pick up an ADA pass located in the Student Activity Center (SAC) food court. One companion seat to accompany each ADA pass is available if needed. Staff will be available at the information tables to assist with securing an ADA pass. Once you enter the SAC, the information tables will be at each entrance.
Where is the closest parking for guests needing assistance?
  • A drop-off area is available at the West Entrance of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center (Dale F. Halton Arena) for graduates and guests with limited mobility. Once on campus, follow the signs and tell traffic personnel that you wish to use the arena’s drop-off area. Staff will be available to assist.
  • After guests are dropped off at the drop-off area, vehicles will be directed to the closest available parking area by parking attendants.
  • Niner Paratransit van service will be provided at the East Deck, Student Union, and Light Rail as needed. Guests will be transported to the SAC West Entrance.

miscellaneous

I will not be attending, will my diploma be mailed to me? / When will I receive my diploma?
  • All diplomas will be mailed to graduating students. Once final grades have been posted, your degree audit is reviewed to ensure all requirements for your degree are met and your degree percentage is equal to 100%. This can take two to six weeks after the end of the term.
  • Once the review is complete, your diploma is ordered and mailed to the address you specified on your graduation application. You will receive an email notification once it has shipped. Please visit Niner Central diploma FAQs for additional information.
Can I get a physical copy of the commencement program?
  • A link to request that a printed copy of the commencement program will be added to commencement home page the week of the ceremonies.