Day of Ceremony Instructions for Graduates

On the day of your commencement ceremony, please follow the important instructions below. This will help you and all other graduates have a positive, safe, and stress-free commencement experience.

Arrive at Least One Hour before Your Ceremony Begins

• Allow plenty of extra time for parking.
• Arrive dressed in your regalia.
• Bring very little with you. Leave most items in the car or with family members. Bartow Arena enforces a clear bag policy.
• If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to enter the arena and participate.

Check In and Receive Your Name Card When You Arrive

• Enter Bartow Arena at the 13th Street South lower entrance.
• Check in to receive your individual name card. You must have this name card – only available at check-in – to cross the stage.
• You will also receive honors cords at the check-in table

Sit in Your School’s Section with Your Fellow Classmates

• After check-in, proceed to the arena floor as directed.
• Student Ambassadors and Faculty Marshals will direct you to your seat.
• Students are seated in the order they arrive.

Enjoy the Celebratory Atmosphere and Take Pictures before the Ceremony Begins

• Once your seat has been assigned, you can get up, take pictures with family, friends, and maybe even Blaze, and enjoy your special day.
• All graduates will be directed to return to their assigned seats 10 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Cross the Stage and Be Recognized

• During the ceremony, Faculty Marshals will line you up to cross the stage.
• Bring your name card but leave all other belongings in your seat.
• Make sure your official robe is zipped up all the way – no unauthorized clothing, stoles, robes, or flags are permitted.
• When your name is called, cross the stage and shake hands with your Academic Dean and President Watts.
• No running, stomping, dancing or doing anything that distracts from the importance of the ceremony as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.
• Be respectful and smile. This is your big moment.

Exit the Stage, Pose for Your Official Picture, and Respectfully Return to Your Original Seat

• Faculty marshals will guide you as you exit the stage.
• Smile for your official graduation portrait.
• Return to your seat as directed.

Stay Until the End of the Ceremony

• As this is a formal event, like a wedding, you are asked to be respectful of your fellow classmates by remaining in your seat until the conclusion of the ceremony.
• The ceremony will last less than 90 minutes.
• Students who attempt to leave early will be stopped by Faculty Marshals and asked to return to their seats.

Look Forward to Receiving Your Photos and Diploma in the Coming Weeks

• A proof of your photos will be emailed to you a few weeks after commencement from GradImages.
• Your diploma will be mailed to you 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted.