Information for Graduates

Arrival & Check-in

Please arrive early to allow time for check-in, photos, and processional lineup. Commencement is a meaningful celebration, and being on time ensures everything runs smoothly.

What time should I arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before the start of your ceremony. This allows time to check in, visit the photo room, and relax or refresh before lining up.

Line-up begins 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Where do I check-in?

Graduates will check-in in the Henry West room in the Barnes Student Center.

The Henry West room is located at the far end of the banquet room hallway, which is perpendicular to the main student center mallway.

When will we begin to line up?

You will begin lining up 30 minutes before the start of your ceremony. All graduates will line up in the banquet room hallway, which is perpendicular to the main student center mallway.

What happens after I check-in?

After checking in, you will visit the Bedford and Leedy rooms, located right beside the check-in room, for a quick photo opportunity in front of an ��̽̽App backdrop.

You'll then be able to hang out and relax for a bit in the Student Center before beginning to line up 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Ceremony Details

This is the fun part! Take a few minutes to understand your role in the ceremony so you can feel relaxed, confident, and fully present. 🎓

How will we walk in?

Graduates will line up in the Student Center and then be led to the Chapel Auditorium for seating.

Once inside the Chapel Auditorium, graduates will process in from the lobby and walk down the aisle to their reserved seating area.

Where do I sit?

Graduates will fill the reserved rows on the main level of the Chapel Auditorium, located directly in front of the stage.

When you arrive at your seat, please remain standing until the entire group is instructed to sit.

What do I do when called to the stage?

You will be dismissed by rows and led to the stage. As you enter the stage, you will receive your diploma cover.

Take your name card with you to the stage. You will hand your name card to the person announcing your name.

After your name is announced, you will walk across the stage and pause briefly for a photo with an ��̽̽App representative before returning to your seat. 🎓

Post-Ceremony

Following the ceremony dismissal, you can rejoin your family and friends outdoors or in the Student Center for photos and congratulations. Also, be sure to stop by the Post-ceremony Reception for graduates and families in the Student Center Piazza.

What are the good photo spots?

Chapel Auditorium Steps
Capture photos in front of the Chapel Auditorium, one of the most recognizable buildings on campus and the site of many commencement ceremonies.

Barnes Student Center Outdoor Plaza
The outdoor plaza near the Barnes Student Center are perfect for group photos with family and friends.

The ��̽̽App Arched & Entrance Signs
Take a classic graduation photo by the ��̽̽App campus signs on Washington Street.

Jackson Library
The library provides a timeless academic backdrop—great for portraits in your cap and gown.

Campus Lawn (Near Barnes Student Center)
The open green spaces are ideal for larger family photos and fun moments like cap toss pictures.

Is there a Post-ceremony Reception?

Yes! Graduates and their families are invited to stop by the Piazza in the Barnes Student Center for an informal reception.

*Complimentary t-shirts are available in the Piazza, exclusively for attending graduates

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