Spring Commencement 2026

Commencement

Congratulations, Graduates!  

Information about the Spring ceremony will be sent to students via Central email in March 2026.  

Spring 2026 Commencement will be held on May 16.

9 a.m. Ceremony

Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

School of Business

Gates open at 7:30 am (line up at 8:30 am)  

Watch the ceremony remotely

2:30 p.m. Ceremony

College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Education

School of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Gates open at 1:00 pm (line up at 2:00 pm)  

Watch the ceremony remotely

The ceremonies will last approximately two hours. The inclement weather date Sunday, May 17.

Where

  • Students must park in the Copernicus Parking Garage.  
  • Line-up on the soccer field, located next to the football field.  
  • If you are getting dropped off, the best location is the rotary next to Copernicus Parking Garage off Wells Street.
  • The ceremony takes place on the football field.  
  • Only guests with disabilities are permitted to park in the Kaiser Lot at Arute Stadium. The stadium is accessible, and the Kaiser Lot will have additional space.

Commencement Parking

All directions open in Google Maps.

  • Guests

    Student Center
    Student Center Garage
    Welte Garage

    Shuttle bus will be available from Welte Lot and Garage

  • Students

    Copernicus Garage

  • Student Drop Off Information

    Copernicus Garage

    Please note that after Drop Off you will need to relocate to Guest Parking.

  • Handicap Permits

    Kaiser Lot
    Vance Residential Hall Lot

Parking Map

parking map of campus

What to Bring

  • Dress according to the weather. If sunny, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.  
  • Please wear appropriate footwear. You will be walking on grass, turf, asphalt, and staging.  
  • Water stations will be on site for graduates. Water for purchase will be available for guests.  
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted.  
Student holding diploma at graduation
Dr. Toro at commencement with graduate students
two graduates hugging
Students sitting outside at commencement

Commencement Ceremony - Lightning Safety Plan

In the event of lightning in the area of the stadium, an announcement will be made and everyone in attendance must seek shelter outside the stadium until they are notified that it is safe to return.

  • Family and friends should return to their vehicles or seek shelter in a parking garage.
  • Graduating students should seek shelter in the Gymnasium in Kaiser Hall.
  • Faculty and staff should seek shelter in Hilltop Café or the Rec Center.

Once our staff receives the “All Clear” notification, a horn will sound, and our staff will make announcements that it is safe to return to the stadium and continue the commencement celebration.