Commencement Information - Guests

The ceremony will be held in the O'Neill Arena of the Ryder Center.  The following times are important.

• 5:30 p.m. - Ryder Center doors open
• 6 p.m. - Graduates arrive at the Ryder Center, entering at the northwest corner on the first level (user entrance).  Please go immediately to the East end of O’Neill Arena for instructions and to line up for the processional.
• 6 -7:25 p.m. - Family and friends may be seated by entering at the north ramp to the second level
• 7:30 p.m. - Processional
• 9:00 p.m. - Deans' reception for you and your guests in the east end of the arena

There are no reserved seats.  Members of the audience should arrive early for the best seating locations.  Seating should be completed before the processional begins.  General seating in the O'Neill Arena is bleacher seating with no back support. Please limit yourself to six (6) guests so there will be room for the guests of all graduates.

The University requests that all attendees at the Commencement Ceremony observe common courtesy and safety standards and refrain from using artificial noisemakers (such as air horns) and laser pointers, or other devices which could cause physical damage to persons in attendance.

Special Seating: 
Chairs or wheelchair space may be reserved for individuals with disabilities. To reserve special seating for guests, contact the Office of Disability Services at minimum two weeks prior to commencement at (989) 964-7000 or stop by 112 Curtiss Hall.

Special Entrance: 
Guests with disabilities may be dropped off at the South entrance to Ryder Center, near the Fitness Center. Maps are available in 112 Curtiss Hall.

Special Parking: 
Parking passes for the R Lot are available to guests who are dropping off individuals at the South entrance. To obtain a pass, please contact The Office of Disability Services at minimum two weeks prior to commencement at (989) 964-7000 or stop by 112 Curtiss Hall.

Graduates: 
Graduates with special needs should contact The Office of Disability Services (989) 964-4168 no later than two weeks prior to commencement.

A professional photographer will take portraits as each graduate crosses the stage.  For more information on ordering prints, go to  http://gradimages.com.  You will be under no obligation.

Please advise your guests that pictures may not be taken from any area of the arena's floor during the ceremony.  Ask them not to cross the arena between the seating sections during the processional, the ceremony, or the recessional.  Guests may take pictures only while remaining in their seats.