We look forward to the arrival of families and guests in May to celebrate our graduates upon their Commencement! Read on for information to assist you with your planning.
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Stay Up to Date
Families may sign-up to receive email updates leading up to Commencement Weekend. We will use that information to also keep you updated on any changes or severe weather during Commencement weekend.
Class of 2024 graduates will have an opportunity to request tickets during the Commencement registration period (February 23 - March 22). Graduating students received an email in February with the link to register and request tickets. Only graduating students may request tickets. Each graduate may initially request up to 6 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 confirm via email with all students who registered how many tickets they will receive.
Outdoor-Only vs. All-Weather Tickets
In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Kaplan Arena. Due to limited seating capacity inside Kaplan, graduates will receive fewer guest tickets for the inside location. Only guests presenting all-weather tickets (valid in both Zable & Kaplan) will be permitted to enter Kaplan Arena. Guests with "outdoor only (Zable)" tickets will not be permitted to enter Kaplan Arena and are encouraged to view the ceremony via livestream.
Tickets are Electronic & Distributed to Graduates
Tickets are electronic and will be emailed to graduating students in mid-May.Graduates are responsible for sharing tickets with their guests. Guests may display tickets on their phone or print out their tickets to be scanned at the entry gate. If using a phone, please have the tickets open and ready for scanning when you reach the entry gate. Each ticket scans only once, so electronic tickets may not be duplicated. Children 2 and younger do not require a ticket.
Parking
Parking is on a first come, first served basis. Allow plenty of time and please be very aware of pedestrians.
The following parking lots are recommended for the main ceremonies:
Recommended parking for department ceremonies will be provided.
For those without limited mobility, we recommend parking as close to your final ceremony location for the day as possible, in order to avoid traffic delays immediately following each ceremony.
Guests with limited mobility who display either an ADA tag or limited mobility access pass (provided electronically to the graduating student) will be permitted to drop off at the limited mobility entrance to Zable Stadium (good weather) or Kaplan Arena (weather plan).
The driver will then be directed to park as close as possible to the stadium or arena.
Due to high traffic volume, there may not be enough spaces to park immediately adjacent to the stadium or Arena.
Our Parking Services staff will do their best to direct you to the most convenient lot.
For additional convenience, there will also be limited mobility shuttles available from certain parking areas throughout campus.
Stadium Drive Parking Lot will be closed to general parking beginning at noon on Friday for main ceremony low mobility parking. Non handicap tagged vehicles are expected to clear the lot by 2:00 p.m.
Inclement Weather Only: If the main ceremony is moved indoors to Kaplan Arena, but the studentWalk Across Campus(pdf) is able to safely take place, traffic along Ukrop Way will be significantly slowed for up to 30 minutes beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. Friday.
Prohibited Items for Zable Stadium and Kaplan Arena
The prohibited items list is for the enjoyment and safety of Commencement guests. This list is subject to change as conditions warrant. The prohibited items list for Commencement is derived primarily from the "Fan Code of Conduct" for athletic events.
Due to the expected number of guests, we are implementing a clear-bag protocol for the Main Commencement Ceremony that regulates the size and type of bag that may be brought into the ceremony venue.
Bags that are approved include:
Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags
Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 6.5″ x 4.5"
Medical or diaper bags – diaper bags must be accompanied by a child
Bags that are not permitted include:
Backpacks
Printed or tinted plastic bags
Cinch or drawstring bags
Fanny packs
Camera or binocular cases
Large purses or bags
Additional items that are prohibited include:
Outside food & drink (except for factory sealed non-alcoholic beverages, no larger than one liter; juice boxes, factory sealed infant snacks, and baby food).
Camera tripods / monopods / selfie-sticks
Signs larger than 24" x 36"
Firearms and other weapons
Use of drones
Laptop computers
Alcohol, use of any tobacco products, or illegal substances
Only guests presenting all-weather tickets (valid in both Zable & Kaplan) will be permitted to enter Kaplan Arena in the event of severe weather. Due to limited seating capacity in Kaplan Arena, guests presenting an "outdoor only (Zable)" ticket will not be allowed entry inside Kaplan Arena and are encouraged to view the ceremony via livestream.
Graduates will be seated on the stadium or arena floor
Graduates participating in the ceremony do not require a ticket.
Accessibility Accommodations
Wheelchair/limited mobility guests with a vehicle access pass or ADA tags will be able to drop-off at an access point (pdf) adjacent to the ceremony location
Guests who can climb some steps will be ushered to lower rows of seating we have reserved and may sit with one companion.
Guests who cannot climb stairs will be ushered to the limited mobility seating area on the floor and may sit with one companion.
Guests in wheelchairs or scooters will be ushered to the limited mobility seating area on the floor and may sit with one companion.
We will have American Sign Language interpreters at each ceremony. Guests requiring live ASL interpretation will receive a vehicle access pass in order to drop off at the access point.
Live closed captioning will be available on the ceremony livestream.
Diagrams showing locations of wheelchair and limited mobility seating areas:
Personalized announcement packages prices TBD (2022 packages started at $83.10)
Merchandise
Diploma frames, class rings, and other graduation merchandise are available for purchase through the Spirit Shop & Bookstore
Flowers and Mementos for Your Grad
Flowers are available for pre-purchase online. All online orders will be available for pickup inside the stadium after the gates open for the main ceremony. To retrieve your order on Friday evening, please stop by the flower vendor booth next to the Tribe Spirit Store concession stand. The flower vendor booth will be located on the Richmond Road & Alumni House corner inside the stadium. Flowers will be available for pick up Friday from 5:30 pm through the end of the ceremony.
To retrieve your orders on Saturday, please stop by the flower vendor booth located next to theTribeTrailer Stand at the Sadler Terrace. Flowers will be available for pick up from 8am - 7pm on Saturday.
Questions?
Graduating students will automatically receive email announcements/instructions beginning in the fall and continuing to the days before Commencement. All emails are sent to the student's W&M account.
Commencement Schedule and General Information
Office of University Events 757-221-1338 [[commencement, Commencement Planning Team]]
