Commencement Ceremony Details

Each eligible participant was allotted six guest tickets. Additional tickets will NOT be distributed, and are not available upon request. Please note that physical tickets will NOT be available for pick up anywhere on campus.

Commencement ceremony ticket distribution began on Friday, March 13 at 9 a.m. The deadline to claim guest tickets is Friday, May 1.

Please visit the ceremony tickets webpage for details on how to claim tickets, adjust the number requested, and send or print guest tickets.

Graduates are asked to arrive in regalia at the Hollis Center, Rinker Field House one hour prior to their ceremony for check-in. Graduates will be assigned seats alphabetically by last name within each degree group in preparation of the processional. Graduates will be leaving from check-in in the processional and entering the ceremony directly.

As all necessary instructions for the ceremony will be given prior to the processional departing for Edmunds Center, there will be no formal rehearsal of each ceremony.

Graduates are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring, as all items brought to check-in must also be taken to the Edmunds Center.

All graduates must adhere to the bag policy. No bags are permitted inside the venue with the following exceptions:

We encourage all students to review the FAQ page to ensure a smooth ceremony experience.

Faculty play an important role in the success of each commencement ceremony. It permits the community to recognize those who have contributed so greatly to the academic development and achievements of our graduates. All faculty are invited and encouraged to participate.

Participating faculty should arrive in academic regalia at the Hollis Center one hour prior to the start of their assigned ceremony. From there, faculty will lead the processional, exiting the Hollis Center and entering the Edmunds Center to begin the ceremony.

Please note that parking is not assigned for participating faculty. Faculty may park in any designated Stetson parking lot, with the exception of lots that are reserved or marked as “No Parking.” Please refer to the Commencement Parking Map for a complete overview of approved parking locations and traffic flow.

All faculty members must adhere to the bag policy. No bags are permitted inside the venue with the following exceptions:

Additionally, the following items are not permitted:

• Weapons of any kind, including those carried with a permit or license
• Fireworks and open flames
• Tobacco products, vapes, and e-cigarettes
• Food and beverages
• Noisemakers (blow horns, whistles, etc.)
• Signs, flags, and posters
• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks
• Balloons
• Beach balls
• Strollers
• Pets and Emotional Support Animals (please review our Community Standards for additional information)

Please note all permitted bags and items are subject to security screening.

Faculty and graduates will depart the Hollis Center, Rinker Field House to begin their procession approximately ten minutes prior to the start of each ceremony. The procession will walk down Bert Fish Ave to the Edmunds Center, where the platform party will join them. 

*Please note that access to the arena will pause for 10-15 minutes to allow for the procession to enter. Graduates will be announced on stage in alphabetical order for the degree they are receiving.

Friends and Family

Parking for guests with restricted mobility will be available in the Rinker Parking Lot, located directly across the street from the Edmunds Center. Accessible seating for guests with restricted mobility will be available on the arena floor. Please note that both parking and seating are available on a first come, first served basis.

Stetson University does not have the capacity to provide personal assistive devices such as wheelchairs or electric scooters to attendees; this is the responsibility of each individual/family. There are several local businesses in the surrounding area that offer wheelchairs, electric scooters and other assistive device rentals. Stetson University does not endorse any of these businesses.

Each ceremony will be live-captioned and displayed on large screens located on either side of the stage.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Office of University Events ([email protected]) for assistance.

Graduates and Faculty

If you foresee barriers or challenges regarding your participation in the Commencement ceremonies, please contact the Office of University Events ([email protected]) for assistance.