Public Seating and Safety

For the safety of all guests, public seating on the Main and South malls for the university-wide Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 19, will not open until 5 p.m. when all work in the event arena is complete and event personnel are in place for the ceremony. At 5 p.m., admission to the Main and South malls will be on a first come, first served basis so everyone planning to attend the ceremony will have an equal opportunity for seating. For this reason, it is not possible to save seats. No tickets are required for Commencement guests. Standing in aisles will not be allowed.

PLEASE NOTE: In the interest of public safety, aisles and sidewalks leading to and inside the seating area must be kept clear of obstacles. Guests attending the university-wide ceremony on Saturday evening will not be allowed to bring the following items into the seating area:

pets (except service animals)
alcoholic beverages
coolers
picnic baskets
lawn chairs
large strollers or other items that cannot fit beneath a folding chair

These items should not be brought or should be left in vehicles. Thank you for your cooperation in observing these public safety guidelines to help ensure a safe event for all participants.

Beginning at 6 p.m., guest seating will also be available in adjacent indoor air-conditioned locations where a live video telecast can be viewed in comfort.

Guests attending Commencement activities are asked to assist in maintaining a Tobacco-Free environment on campus. Please ask event staff for directions to the nearest designated tobacco-use area.