College Events

What should I know?

Make sure everyone in your party knows the student’s college and department.  You need that information in order to find your student’s college event date, time, location, bus stop, or ask for directions.  You’d be surprised how easily family members, especially grandparents without a phone, get separated from the group and need to know where to meet their family.  Some parents give every family member a card that has the student’s college & department written down in case phone batteries deplete, WiFi signal is difficult, or cell towers are overloaded.  This is especially helpful for lost family members who do not speak fluent English, as they can show the card for help.

Will my graduate escort me to the college event?

For college events on Friday or Saturday, check with your student about arriving together, since some events might instruct students to arrive earlier than guests.  If the college event follows Sunday’s Commencement, plan to meet your graduate at the college event, as graduates exit the stadium differently than guests.

Getting to college events from the stadium on Sunday?

You will receive a Commencement Program when you arrive at the stadium on Sunday morning.  The Program will include a list of college events taking place after the university ceremony, along with a Sunday bus map showing the locations and nearest bus stop for each event.  Guests may walk or ride a bus to their next event.  For some event locations, the stadium’s Crescent Lot is the closest bus stop, so walking from the stadium may be required.

Mobility-impaired guests getting to college events from the stadium?

Detailed instructions are explained on the accessibility planning page.

What if a college doesn’t have a Sunday event?

Some colleges and departments have events on Friday or Saturday, rather than Sunday.  Students and families who do not have a college event to attend on Sunday afternoon will be finished with weekend events when the Commencement Ceremony ends at noon.  Buses transport guests from the stadium’s Crescent Lot to college events and campus parking lots.  (Note:  Students must return cap & gown by 5:00pm at a return location on campus.)