Ceremony Details for GuestsCommencement
Time and Length
The Commencement Ceremony starts at 2 p.m. and is about 2 hours long.
Venue
Lund Center Arena (ice arena)
Tickets
- Each graduate receives five (5) guest tickets for watching the ceremony in Lund Arena.
- Tickets will be distributed to each senior during graduation rehearsal the day before Commencement by the Office of Marketing and Communication for admittance to Lund Center Arena.
- There are no additional tickets available for Lund Arena for additional guests.
- Additional unlimited seating is available for those without tickets in Lund Center Forum (basketball court). The ceremony will be broadcast on large screens (and will be livestreamed).
When to Arrive
Doors to Lund Arena open at 12:30 p.m. It is recommended to arrive on campus no later than 1:30 p.m. to allow time for parking and securing a seat before the academic procession of graduates begins at 2 p.m.
Parking
Signs will direct guests to “Event Parking” locations. All lots are open for public parking. Yellow curb fire lanes will be enforced.
Handicap parking is available in the Lund Center lot with valid permit. Please let the parking attendant know if you would like to park or drop off a guest.
Ceremony Etiquette
Commencement is a special event for all involved. In order to create a memorable occasion for guests and graduates we ask guests to adhere to the following requests:
- Cellular phones and electronic devices are turned to silent during the ceremony.
- Out of respect for all graduates and families, so all names being read are heard, please refrain from using whistles, blow horns, or making any noise during the reading of the names.
- In order to allow every guest the opportunity to see each graduate, the audience is asked to remain seated during the ceremony.
- No guests are permitted into the graduate seating area during the ceremony.
Where should I sit to see my graduate?
The graduates line up and sit in alphabetical order. Last names starting with A through the beginning of the Ls are on the left side (when looking at the stage) with the remaining graduates on the right half of the seats. Graduates walk across the stage from right to left (when looking at the stage).
Special Needs Assistance
The campus is large for those with limited mobility. The college does not have wheelchairs to lend to all guests in need. You must provide your own wheelchair for those with limited mobility, this may mean renting a wheelchair. People with limited mobility should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the start of their activity to allow time for parking and walking to their destination. Any guest coming with limited mobility should have a person with them to help as needed.
The Commencement program is linked to the website the day before the event.
Parking: Special needs parking (with a valid handicap permit) is available in the Lund Center lot. Drop-off areas are located near Christ Chapel and Lund Center.
Honor Awards Ceremony: Wheelchair seating will be on the main floor of Lund Arena
Baccalaureate: Wheelchair seating is located on the main level of Christ Chapel for Baccalaureate services. There is one handicap restroom on the main level of Christ Chapel.
Commencement in Lund Arena: Wheelchair seating will be on the main floor of Lund Arena or in the overflow seating in the Lund Forum.
For a specific accessibility request for an event, please complete this form or to reserve handicap seating for Commencement, you may contact the Office of Marketing and Communication via email or phone in advance.
Photography
In cooperation with Gustavus Adolphus College, GradImages will be photographing all graduates during the Commencement ceremonies. Graduates will receive a digital proof of the photos within two weeks following Commencement. Then graduates or family member may order online at GradImages . Any questions, please contact GradImages.com customer service at 800-261-2576.
Video
The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live and archived for your enjoyment.
WATCH COMMENCEMENT