If the weather is threatening and compromising safety, the undergraduate ceremony will be moved indoors to the Athletic Complex. Your safety is our highest priority. Updates on the Severe Weather Plan will be posted on this website by 7 a.m. on the morning of Commencement.
In the event of rain, the university-wide Commencement Ceremony will still be held in Brookings Quadrangle. All guests and students will be provided with rain ponchos. Guests can also watch the ceremony from alternate viewing locations listed below or online.
The instructions below apply only if the Commencement Committee activates the Severe Weather Plan.
Undergraduate Ceremony
All students receiving undergraduate degrees must report by 8 a.m. to the Athletic Complex. The procession will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp.
Graduates
Enter through the main entrance of the Athletic Complex and immediately find a seat in the chairs on the floor of the Field House.
Guests
Guests will enter via the main entrance to the Athletic Complex. Seating in the Athletic Complex is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note, the majority of seating in the Athletic Complex is limited to bleachers and requires the ability to climb stairs. Additional viewing locations with a live televised broadcast of the ceremony are available. The ceremony will also be streamed on the Commencement homepage. Guests with small children or with mobility limitations requiring the use of wheelchairs or chairs with back support, may want to consider these additional viewing areas.
Volunteers will be assigned to help direct guests and answer questions.
Graduate Ceremonies
Because the Athletic Complex offers very limited seating, the ceremonies for all graduate and professional degrees will be held at the times and places listed for their individual recognition ceremonies.