Commencement information for guests

Saturday, May 11, 2013
2 p.m.
Marcus Pavilion

Tickets
Tickets are required for entry into the commencement ceremony. We regret that we cannot make exceptions for entry to individuals without tickets. Each graduate receives seven tickets to distribute to friends and family. Graduates needing more than seven tickets are encouraged to make arrangements with fellow students who have spare tickets, or check the ticket exchange table at the Graduation Fair.

Entrance
All guests must enter through the south (main) entrance of the Norman Worthington Conference Center. Strollers are not permitted in Marcus Pavilion.

Seating
The doors to Marcus Pavilion will be opened for guests one hour before the start of commencement. No guests will be permitted to enter Marcus Pavilion before 1 p.m. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Saving seats is not permitted. Large groups are advised to arrive closer to 1 p.m. to find seats together.

Once the faculty is ready to begin entering Marcus Pavilion, the doors to the Pavilion will be closed. No guests will be permitted to enter the Pavilion until all faculty, graduates and stage party members have processed into the ceremony. Guests may wait in the foyer until the procession is complete.

Ceremony length
Although the length of the ceremony varies from year to year, depending on the number of graduates, it is best to plan for a duration of at least two hours. Graduating students are requested to respect the other graduates by remaining through the entire ceremony.

Other viewing options
The ceremony will be streamed online in real time. TCTV will also broadcast the event.

Photography
A professional photographer will be on stage, photographing each graduate as they receive their diploma. Free proofs will be mailed to the graduate's permanent home address and purchase is optional. Please be aware that we are unable to accommodate guests wishing to take photographs of graduates as they exit the stage. Ushers will be stationed around the stage to keep aisles and exits free; individuals will not be permitted to stand near the stage or the stage exit to take photographs.