Class of 2025

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Registration & Tickets

Ticket Registration Process: 

Class of 2025 graduates will have an opportunity to request tickets during the Commencement registration period (February 21 - March 21). Graduating students will receive an email in February with the registration link. Each graduate may initially request up to five (5) guest tickets for the ceremony in Zable Stadium. Graduates will also be able to indicate if they would like to request any additional tickets that may be available after registration has ended. We will notify requestors in mid-April if they will receive extra tickets. 

IMPORTANT Inclement Weather Statement:

In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Kaplan Arena. Due to limited seating capacity inside Kaplan, graduates will only receive three (3) guest tickets to the ceremony, regardless of requests for additional tickets. These three (3) are considered "All Weather Access." If a student requested three (3) or less guest tickets during the registration period, whatever number they requested will be considered "All Weather Access." If a student requested four (4) or more guest tickets during the registration period, only the first three (3) will be considered "All Weather Access."

During an Inclement Weather Plan, guests/supporters must present a ticket reading "All Weather Access" in order to be admitted into the Arena. No exceptions will be made.

Inclement Weather Plan will be announced as early as can be determined by Ceremony Staff, but no later than the Thursday evening before the ceremony. Families/Supporters unable to attend the ceremony in Kaplan due to this restriction will be able to watch the ceremony via livestream here.

Ticket Distribution:

Tickets are electronic and will be emailed to graduates in mid-May. Students must then forward the tickets to their guests so that they may either print them out or display them on their phone when entering the stadium/arena. If using a phone everyone should have the tickets open and ready for scanning when they reach the entry gate. Each ticket will on scan once, so that electronic tickets may not be duplicated. Children aged 2 and younger do not require a ticket.

Main Ceremony Run-of-Events

•  Friday, May 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Approx. two (2) hours)
  • Keynote speaker, student speaker, honorary degree recipients, awards, degree conferral
  • Degrees conferred in groups, by major
  • Students do not cross the stage at the main ceremony
  • Each graduate will be recognized individually at their departmental ceremony on Saturday, at which time they will have their name read aloud and receive their ceremonial diploma
  • See ceremony instructions for additional information for grads
• See the weekend schedule of events for details.

Commencement Traditions

• Senior Class Dance: Wednesday, May 14 (9:00 p.m. - midnight)
• Candlelight Ceremony: Thursday, May 15 (9:30 p.m.) - Wren Yard
• Walk Across Campus: Friday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. (gather at 4:30 p.m.)
  • 4:30 p.m. — Students gather at Wren Building to begin the Walk Across Campus
  • 5:00 p.m. — Walk Across Campus begins (leaving from Wren Building)
  • 5:15-5:30 p.m. — Students finish the walk and are directed to line up locations (Sadler Terrace)
• See the weekend schedule of events for details.

Departmental Ceremonies & Receptions 

Each department will host their own smaller ceremony and/or reception during Commencement Weekend. At these events, students will walk across stage to receive a ceremonial diploma and be recognized for their accomplishment. Students and guests will then have an opportunity to meet and connect with faculty and peers. Departments will send specific instructions to graduates about these plans. A schedule of these events can be found by clicking the link above. 

Livestream

We will offer an official Livestream of the Main Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025.