The University of Nevada, Reno will hold five in-person ceremonies on the University Quad from Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17, to confer 3,002 degrees, including 2,297 bachelor’s degrees and 705 master’s and doctoral degrees.

Ceremony details

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

• May 15
  • 8:30 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 16
  • 8:30 a.m. ceremony: College of Business
  • 3 p.m. ceremony: College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and College of Engineering
• May 17
  • 8:30 a.m. ceremony: College of Education and Human Development, School of Public Health and School of Medicine (Speech Pathology)

Parking

Free parking will be available on the day of the ceremonies in all three parking complexes. A shuttle service will run 2 hours before and after each ceremony from the West Stadium Parking Complex to the Quad and back. Limited mobility guests may use the ADA drop-off area, located near Morrill Hall, on the south side of the Quad. Ushers will be available to provide a wheelchair escort upon request from the ADA drop-off location only.

• West Stadium Parking Complex: General parking. Shuttle stop will be on level 3 by the stadium.
• Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex: Limited general parking available on levels 1-3. No shuttle service from this location.
• Gateway Parking Complex: Limited mobility and ADA parking will be on level 4, limited general parking on all other levels. No shuttle service from this location.

Those traveling by car are urged to check Nevada Department of Transportation road conditions for information related to road construction and closures. Please be aware that there will be heavy traffic in the area around campus. Allow plenty of time to arrive and find seating.

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.

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.

Seating for individuals with disabilities is also available. Reservations are not required; the disabled seating area is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate as many individuals with disabilities as possible, guests that require seating in this area may only have one attendant sit with them.

Security and Prohibited Items

For safety reasons, all bags are subject to search by University Police. A list of all prohibited items can be found under Family & Guests section. Please do not leave bags and personal belongings unattended at the ceremonies.
 
Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in accordance with University policy, are allowed at the commencement ceremonies. All other animals are prohibited from University ommencement ceremonies.

Amenities

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at concession stands located near the Quad. The University Wolf Shop will be selling flowers, t-shirts and other university gear. Outdoor restrooms will also be available nearby. View the University map for all amenity locations.

Livestream

All ceremonies will be streamed live, beginning 30 minutes prior to each ceremony for those not able to attend in person.

Join us on social

University graduates and their families are encouraged to join the Commencement conversation online by using the hashtags #NVGrad2025, #GradsOfThePack and #PackPride.

Find out more about the University of Nevada, Reno’s 2025 Spring Commencement.