Your Guide to Spring 2019 Commencement

Spring 2019 commencement is almost here! Whether you have a loved one graduating or simply want to be a part of this special Southeastern tradition, there are a few things to keep in mind to help the day go smoothly. A few changes have been made within the past year, including alterations to the list of allowed items, the addition of bag checks, an increased number of attendants to assist guests, and live streaming of the big event on The Southeastern Channel. Please continue reading below for further information, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Time & Place
Doctoral, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s Degree Ceremony
Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
University Center, 800 West University Avenue
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
The commencement ceremony is anticipated to last until 12:30 p.m.

Live Stream
Watch the ceremony online on the Southeastern Channel’s live stream.

Parking & Seating
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in all campus parking lots to guests attending the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Guests walking from South Campus to the University Center should utilize the tunnel for the safest route.

Accessible parking at the University Center is limited and is on a first-come basis. Please note that disabled plates and/or hang tags are required to secure space in lots reserved for accessible commencement parking.

Shuttle
A complimentary commencement shuttle will be available on Saturday, May 18, to transport guests from (the Gen Pershing and Univ/Oak Street parking lots) to the University Center. The shuttle will operate before and following the ceremony. One (1) bus will have wheelchair accessibility.

Seating
The doors to the University Center will be opened for guests at least one hour before the start of the ceremony. We kindly ask that you refrain from saving seats out of consideration for other guests. Seating is available on a first-come basis so groups should plan to arrive early to find seats together.

Maps
For suggested parking lots and a layout of the University Center, please refer to the below maps.

Etiquette & Prohibited Items
Etiquette
Commencement is a ceremonious occasion honoring your student’s accomplishments. Decorum and courtesy are important to you, as well as to all degree candidates and their families. Guests and graduates are encouraged to remain for the duration of the ceremony.

Once seated, all participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced.
Candidates should plan to meet their guests outside the University Center as guests are not allowed on the arena floor or stage.
Southeastern maintains the historic tradition of each degree candidate shaking hands with the President as his / her name is called. The last degree candidate is as important as the first so we ask guests to be considerate and keep celebratory applause to a minimum so that each graduate’s name can be heard.

Prohibited Items
For security purposes, all commencement attendees are asked to limit the handbags, camera bags, and tote bags they bring with them to only those that are absolutely necessary. All articles brought into the facility will be subject to search, and this may delay attendees from entering the University Center.

To ensure a safe and comfortable Commencement, the following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into the University Center:

Containers of any kind (including but not limited to coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks)
Aerosol and spray cans
Animals (except for service animals for persons with a disability)
Balloons and beach balls
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons
Signs, banners, and flags
Laser pointers
Noisemakers (including but not limited to whistles, air horns, bull horns, sirens, thunder sticks, etc.)
Strollers
Drones
Confetti, glitter, streamers, and silly string
Fireworks, party poppers, and sparklers

Inclement Weather Policy
We are hopeful that Mother Nature will cooperate in the celebration, but inclement weather is possible. To ensure a safe commencement, the following plans are in place:

The ceremony is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Given the size of the gathering, it’s not feasible to move the ceremony to an alternate date.
1. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony may be delayed, paused, or canceled. The safety of our guests is our highest priority.
2. If a schedule adjustment is required prior to your arrival, information will be shared via email, social media (facebook.com/southeastern, Instagram.com/oursoutheastern, twitter.com/oursoutheastern), website, and local news media.
At the venue, instructions will be given via the stage announcer. Graduates and guests are asked to listen for announcements and remain seated until otherwise instructed.

Accessibility
The commencement ceremony will be fully accessible. Accessible seating will be available for individuals with disabilities or guests with limited mobility. ASL interpreters will be on site. Guests who utilize sign language interpreting services should sit in sections 114 and 115.

Seating Accommodations
If you or anyone in your party is in need of accessible seating or assistance, we recommend arriving early as the seating will be determined on a first-come basis. Accessible seating is limited to only those guests who require it. The seats will be for the person with accessible needs and for one companion. No pre-ticketing will occur for accessible seating.

Wheelchair Seating Locations
Wheelchair and wheelchair companion locations are scattered throughout the main level concourse 100 level at sections 104, 109 and 110.

Entrances
Street-level entry to the building is through gate 4 on the north side of facility. Passenger elevators with priority for persons with disabilities are available at gate 5, near section 111 / 112.

Restrooms
The public restrooms are accessible and all contain diaper-changing stations.

Concessions
The concession stand is accessible.

Messages and Emergency Information
In case of an emergency, the ASL interpreter will alert the deaf and those hard of hearing. Emergency messages will be announced from the stage via the announcer.

Additional Activities
Lion4Life Launch Party
Thursday, May 16 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Alumni Center
Register Online