The University holds two spring commencement ceremonies: one for advanced degree recipients and one for baccalaureate degree recipients.
The ceremony for master’s, doctoral and other advanced degrees will be held Friday, May 16. The procession begins at 4:30 p.m., with the national anthem at the conclusion of the processional. The approximately one-hour-long ceremony concludes with the recession.
The baccalaureate ceremony will be held Saturday, May 17. The procession begins at 8:30 a.m., with the national anthem at the conclusion of the processional. The ceremony will conclude with the recession at about 12 noon.
Both ceremonies will be held on the University’s historic quadrangle, located on the southern part of campus. (See Virtual Tour or Campus Map for more information.)
Graduates will march in from different directions based on their college. See the seating charts for information on each college’s entry point.
Typically, the weather during the spring commencement ceremony is sunny and warm, with highs traditionally in the low 70s. Dress for a range of temperatures, as the weather can be cool in the early morning, and 90 degrees by noon.
The ceremony has occasionally been moved indoors because of inclement weather — three times in the past 16 years. Should weather move the ceremony, the decision will be made the morning of the event and University staff will direct guests to Lawlor Events Center.
The University expects 12,000 people for the Baccalaureate Commencement. Those who arrive by 7:30 a.m. usually have first pick of the 6,000 general seating chairs. Additional chairs are not available.
Lawn chairs – The University will provide 6,000 general seating chairs surrounding the commencement platform. However, lawn chairs may also be set up on any of the grassy areas west of the quadrangle as long as they do not obstruct walkways.
Sunscreen and hats – Typically, the weather during the commencement ceremony is sunny and warm. Sunscreen and hats are recommended to prevent sunburn during the almost three-hour ceremony.
Snack and drinks – Bottled water and a limited selection of food and beverages will be available from vendors near the ceremony. Guests are also invited to bring their own snacks and drinks.
Cameras – Guests are welcome to take photographs of their graduates and the ceremony.
As a service to students and their parents, a professional photographer will take a color photograph of each graduate as the scroll is received from the President. Order forms will be available prior to, during, and after Commencement. Proofs can also be viewed online.
Finding graduates following the ceremony can be difficult in the large crowd of people. It is recommended that guests agree on a place to meet following the recessional.
Parking is available in the Whalen and West Stadium parking garages, as well as north and south of Lawlor Events Center (see PDF map). Public parking areas are designated for use by faculty, graduates, families and their friends.
Another option is to park downtown and ride the free Sierra Spirit (PDF) bus to campus. Sierra Spirit will be running its regular route Saturday, with the closest stops being North Virginia street at either 10th or 11th streets.
Morrill Hall is available as a drop-off location for handicapped guests. To access the drop-off, notify the parking officials stationed at the Center Street entrance. Wheelchairs will be available at the drop-off.
Parking Services (Student Ambassadors) will be manning golf carts for those needing assistance from north campus. Those needing a ride can flag down any golf cart or student ambassador.
The shuttle service will also be operating on campus.
Be flexible – Times given for the recession are approximate. If graduation parties are planned following the commencement, be aware that the recession could be (earlier or) later than the scheduled time.
Special Accommodations – Interpreters for the deaf will be present at the ceremony. Please follow the signs or ask a student ambassador for the location of the designated seating. If you require additional accommodations, please contact Angie Flores at (775) 682-5922 or by email.
Prohibited items – Alcohol is prohibited on campus during the commencement ceremony.
All bags are subject to search – For safety purposes, all bags are subject to search by University Police.
Several hotels are within one to two miles of campus, including the El Dorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus. More information regarding the area’s lodging and entertainment can be found at Visit Reno Tahoe.
Visit the ASUN Bookstore for more gift ideas. Many items can be purchased online.