Families & Guests

COMMENCEMENT LOCATIONS AND TIMES

Spring Commencement consists of two exercises:

• The School of Graduate Studies Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in the Murphy Fine Arts Center
• The Undergraduate Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the Talmadge J. Hughes Stadium

Processions for both commencement exercises will begin promptly at 9:30 am, with the ceremonies starting at 10:00 am.  Please arrive by 8:30 am to be seated.

GUEST TICKETS & TICKET SCANNING

All guests for the Thursday Graduate School Exercise must present their Guest Admit Ticket for scanning in order to be admitted to the ceremony.  Every person must have a ticket regardless of age (this includes infants & children).

All guest tickets are distributed evenly to Graduate School candidates before Commencement Day.

• There are no extra tickets.
• Tickets are not sold.
• Candidates needing additional tickets for their guests may ask their fellow graduates for any unused tickets.

For the Morgan commencement exercises, staffers will scan guest tickets upon entry. Ticket scanning provides the University with quick and accurate attendance figures and controls holders of fraudulent, duplicate, or invalid tickets from entering.

There are no guest tickets required for the Undergraduate Student Commencement Exercises.   If it rains that day, and if the ceremony moves indoors to Morgan’s Hill Field House, guest tickets will be required.  The number of guest tickets distributed per applicant will be announced at a later date.

COMMENCEMENT GUEST GUIDELINES

Please review the following guidelines to help us maintain a respectful and enjoyable ceremony for all attendees.

Arrival & Seating

Doors open 90 minutes before the ceremony.  Seating is first-come, first-served once guests have provided their guest tickets to enter the venue.  Aisles must remain clear at all times.

During the Ceremony

Guests are asked to remain seated, refrain from shouting, and avoid approaching the stage or graduate seating areas.

Children & Families

Children should be supervised at all times.  Strollers must be placed in designated areas.

First-Aid Services

For first-aid services, applicants should see the marshals, and guests should see the ushers.  An ambulance service will be available for emergencies.

Accommodations

Accessible wheelchair seating is available upon request.  Please notify event ushers for directions to this area.

After the Ceremony

Guests are asked to remain seated until the recessional concludes.  Celebration and photo areas will be located outside the venue.

PROHIBITED ITEMS AT COMMENCEMENT

The following items are prohibited for ALL individuals (faculty, administration, staff, graduates, other participants and patrons, etc.) attending the Commencement Ceremonies:

• alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs carried in by patrons
• glass bottles or metal containers
• ice chests or large coolers
• bota bags or wine skins
• sticks, bats, or clubs, including any attachments
• fireworks, firearms, or other weapons or simulated weapons
• bullhorns or other artificial noisemakers
• framed backpacks
• animals other than certified guide dogs for the disabled
• balloons, drones, or other airborne devices
• large signs
• banners
• confetti
• food and beverages
• cell phones that are not turned off or placed on vibrate
• large photography equipment