Commencement

Day of Instructions - Guests

Commencement is the live ceremony in which graduates celebrate the completion of a degree. There is no fee to participate in commencement ceremonies.

Dates and Times

For a full list of dates and times visit Event Schedules.

• Graduates participate in the ceremony that is listed for their college/school, degree (graduate vs. undergraduate) and major (if applicable). 
• Doors open one hour prior to ceremony start times. 
  • There is no seating in the lobbies. 

Location and Parking

• Guests should enter through the east entrance and park in Lot A.  
• Guests with accessibility needs should enter through the west entrance and park in Lot F. 

See map for directions

Guest Seating

• Commencement is not a ticketed event. 
  • Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Accessible seating is labeled on the lower level of the gym.
    • Guests requiring accessible seating may be accompanied by one guest.
• We ask that graduates limit their group size to six guests so that all guests may be accommodated comfortably and at a safe distance. 
  • We encourage social distancing when choosing seats. 

Livestream

All live in-person ceremonies will be livestreamed. Only graduates in attendance will be recognized as they cross the stage. Friends and family members who cannot attend the ceremonies are encouraged to watch the livestream online. 

Photography

GradImages is the official photographer of SIUE commencement. 

• Photographs will be taken of each graduate during each ceremony as they cross the stage and after crossing the stage with their diploma cover. 

Proofs will be provided by GradImages to graduates after each commencement ceremony for the opportunity to purchase photos. You can also find proofs at gradimages.com.

Accessibility Needs

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.  

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are provided for all commencement ceremonies. Guests will be escorted to specific seating for optimum use of this service. Each guest needing this service may have only one additional family member/friend sit with them. Live captioning of the ceremonies is provided on the Arena video board.

Seating Accommodations for Guests with Limited Mobility

Accessible seating is available for individuals with disabilities and mobility limitations on the floor level in front of the remaining bleachers.

• Arrival 60 minutes prior to the ceremony is recommended. 
• Each guest requiring accessible seating may have only one additional family member/friend seated with them. All other family members/guests may sit in the surrounding areas of the general assembly.
• All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required. We cannot guarantee specific sitting location requests.
• Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices - SIUE has a limited number of manual wheelchairs which can be loaned out to individual guests specifically for Commencement. These wheelchairs are first come/first serve and cannot be reserved. If you borrow a wheelchair, please know that you are responsible for returning it. 
• Commencement staff will be available to assist guests to their seats if needed. Please contact the commencement staff if you have any questions.
• Drop-Off/Pick-up: For Guests with Disabilities ONLY - We encourage guests with limited mobility to be dropped off at the west the entrance of the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on Lot F.  All transfers to and from the vehicle will be the responsibility of the people in the car.

Disability Access Parking -There are limited marked handicapped parking spaces in the Vadalabene Center Parking lot. Once allotted marked handicapped spaces have been filled, guests will need to park in the identified surrounding lots. Please note:

• Disability parking permits are not issued for this event.
• Those with state issued placards or tags may park in any accessible parking spot. 

Pets/Animals

No animals are permitted in University buildings or facilities, with the exception of the following: service animals for persons with disabilities; animals used by law enforcement or emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties.

• Service Animals - Trained service animals that assist individuals with disabilities are welcome at Commencement. Service animals and their handlers must comply with the University Animal Policy.
• Emotional Support Animals- Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted at Commencement. Learn more about emotional support animal and service animal requirements in the University Animal Policy.

Questions?

If you have questions or concerns about the ADA Accommodation process for commencement, please contact the Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) at myaccess@siue.edu.