The University of Nevada will confer more than 3,000 degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies on the University’s historic Quad. The University will hold five in-person ceremonies from Thursday through Saturday, May 16-18, to confer 3,027 degrees, including 2,340 bachelor’s degrees and 687 advanced degrees (master’s and doctoral degrees).

Learn more below about what you need to know to attend the ceremonies.

Five ceremonies

The University will offer five separate ceremonies to accommodate graduates and their families. Processional times are as follows:

• • May 16
    • 9 a.m. ceremony: College of Science and School of Social Work
    • 3 p.m. ceremony: College of Liberal Arts, Orvis School of Nursing and Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism
  • May 17
    • 9 a.m. ceremony: College of Business
    • 3 p.m. ceremony: College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and College of Engineering
  • May 18
    • 9 a.m. ceremony: College of Education and Human Development, School of Medicine (Speech Pathology) and School of Public Health

Parking

Graduates are asked to park in either the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex or the West Stadium Parking Complex in an effort to provide close parking for family and friends attending the Commencement.

Event parking will be available in the Gateway Parking Complex (limited parking), the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex and the West Stadium Parking Complex. Parking permits are not required during commencement. A shuttle service will be available between the West Stadium Complex and the Quad. Shuttles will begin running two hours before the start of each ceremony and for two hours after the ceremony ends. There is no shuttle service from the Whalen Complex or the Gateway Complex.

Limited mobility and ADA parking will be available on level 4 of the Gateway Parking Complex, providing close access to the pedestrian bridge. Additionally, there is a designated drop-off area for limited mobility guests near Morrill Hall, on the south side of the Quad.

For further questions, see Parking Services or review the commencement parking map.

Guest seating

Tickets are not required and seating is on a first come, first served basis and generally fills up quickly. All seating will open 90 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Tickets are not required to attend the ceremonies and there is no limit to the number of guests who can attend. One person must always remain with any saved seats. Seats cannot be reserved between ceremonies and any unattended taping off of chairs will be removed.

Prohibited items

Coolers, containers, signage of any kind, balloons, packages (i.e. gifts and boxes), large umbrellas, tobacco products, alcohol, weapons, fireworks and noisemakers.

Inclement weather

In case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved to Lawlor Event Center. The University website will be updated with any changes.

Graduation attire

Graduates who still need a cap and gown should visit the Nevada Wolf Shop in the Joe Crowley Student Union. The Wolf Shop also will be open before every commencement ceremony.

Livestream and photography

For those not able to attend the ceremony, a livestream of the event will be available once the ceremony begins on the University's livestream webpage.

Photos of the graduates crossing the stage, as well as individual portraits on multiple backgrounds, will be available for purchase from Pro Pics following the ceremony. To receive your proofs, please visit propics.com/unr to fill out your contact information before the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase.

Join us on social

University graduates and their families are encouraged to join the commencement conversation online by using the hashtags #NVGrad2024, #GradsOfThePack and #PackPride. 

Find out more about the University of Nevada, Reno’s 2024 Spring Commencement.