Parking and Day-of Instructions for Guests and Graduates

Parking

Parking can be found on-campus in the Main Parking Structure. Follow signs and safety/traffic personnel to the best available parking upon arrival. ADA placards should be clearly visible for officers to provide direction to the appropriate parking area. Tram services and carts will be available at designated locations to move guests efficiently to the guest entrance for the event. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located in the Vistas Lot which is west of the Main Entrance on Linda Vista Road.

Campus Mobility Map Commencement 2022

Day-of Instructions for Guests

  • The Jenny Craig Pavilion opens for guests 90 minutes before the ceremony start time.
  • After parking, proceed to the Guest Entrance at Eagan Plaza. All seating is general admission.
  • Guests, children, and animals are not permitted in the graduate seating area at any time.
  • The estimated length of each ceremony is 2-2.5 hours.

Prohibited Items

  • Aerosols, mace, or pepper spray
  • Animals, or assistance animals, except for service dogs, specifically trained to assist a person with a disability
  • Bags or backpacks larger than 12" x 12" x 20"
  • Banners, signs, or placards
  • Coolers
  • Drones
  • Explosives
  • Fireworks
  • Knives (regardless of size)
  • Laser lights and laser pointers
  • Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, or drums
  • Plastic replica of weapons
  • Portable or folding chairs
  • Sharp, and/or pointed objects, scissors, or knitting needles
  • Tripods for cameras
  • Umbrellas and long pole objects, balloons and other floating items, or other items that block the view of other guests
  • Voice-enhancement devices such as bullhorns
  • Weapons

Information for Guests with Varying Mobility

Accessible seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is available at the entrance level on sections 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 21, 23, 24 and 26. Accessible seating is intended for a guest in need and one companion, however the full row of seats immediately below the ADA row, will be reserved at a first-come, first-served basis, for additional family members of those who use the ADA seats. 

ASL Interpreter

An ASL interpreter will be available at the corner of the stage during each ceremony. Graduates should notify their candidate marshal upon arrival to be seated in proximity of the interpreter. In addition, guests requiring an ASL interpreter should be seated in the front rows of Section #8.

Day-of Instructions for Graduates

  • GRADUATES should arrive 60-90 minutes before the ceremony. Please bring a printed copy of your graduate ticket. This ticket is also your name card and needs to be with you at all times during the ceremony.
  • Commencement ceremonies are approximately two hours in length. There is no rehearsal for commencement ceremonies.
  • Graduates should leave valuables such as purses and keys with family members or guests.
  • Graduates should arrive in cap and gown and proceed to the Graduate Entrance located behind the Jenny Craig Pavilion, by the loading dock and entrance to Fowler Park. Upon arrival, your ticket will be scanned before being directed to line-up for the processional.
  • A candidate marshal will direct graduates to the platform when it is time to proceed across the stage. 
  • Grad Images will take a photo of each graduate on stage and email a photo proof to you. You can view your proof online within two business days at GradImages.com. You are not required to purchase photos and your personal information will not be sold.
  • Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, please remain in your seats until the platform party has exited the arena.