2024 Commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement

College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences 3: Majors in Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, and Management & Society

Sunday, May 12, 2024 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Carmichael Arena

You may also want to visit the spring commencement page  and the doctoral hooding ceremony page.

The University has made major changes to departmental commencement ceremonies. The Public Policy departmental ceremony is now combined with Political Science, Sociology, and Management & Society. You must RSVP to Meredith Albright’s email by March 29 to participate. 

Tickets will not be required for this year’s commencement ceremony! There is no limit on how many guests you may bring. However, you will need to indicate how many guests you plan to bring to the reception using the registration form. 

FAQ:

What time and where is the ceremony? Sunday, May 12th, at Carmichael Arena.  Commencement is at 11:00am. You must RSVP to Meredith Albright’s email.

When are we supposed to arrive for the ceremony? Graduates are to report to Woollen Gym at 10:00am. Guests can enter Carmichael Arena at 10:00am

How do I RSVP? Graduating Public Policy majors must RSVP by completing the form sent by Meredith Albright by March 29. An RSVP is necessary to be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

I am a double major with Political Science/Sociology, do I need to complete the registration form twice? No, you only need to complete the registration form once. Please email Meredith Albright if you would like to revise your entry once submitted.

How many guests can I bring? Will they need tickets? There is no limit to how many guests you may bring. Tickets are not required.

What security measures are in place for the ceremony? A clear bag policy is in place for all university commencement ceremonies.

The following items will be allowed into Commencement venues:

• Any clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, including gallon freezer bags.
• Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″.
• Necessary medical items following inspection at entry gates.
• Up to two unopened 20 ounce or smaller bottles of water per person and empty drink containers that can be filled up at drinking fountains.
  More Information: Kenan Stadium Policy

Prohibited Items:

• Alcoholic beverages, artificial noise makers, baby seats, large bags, balloons, banners, flags and signs (larger than 8 ½” x 11”), signs on sticks or other devices, beach balls, coolers or containers, explosives, fireworks, folding chairs, food and beverages (except sealed plastic water bottles), illegal drugs, laser pointers, pets (except service animals), strollers (non-collapsible), umbrellas, weapons of any kind, any other item that in the judgment of management staff poses a safety hazard or detracts from the ability of others to enjoy the event.

All permissible bags and containers are subject to search upon entry.

Do I need to wear my cap and gown? Yes! Please wear your full graduation regalia to the ceremony.

Will there be a photographer? Yes, there will be a photographer taking individual pictures of each graduate walking across the stage. You are not required to purchase the photograph.

I have accessibility concerns. Who should I speak to? Please list any accessibility accommodations that you or your guests may need (interpreters, mobility, etc.) in the registration form. Meredith Albright will assist you with logistics.

Handicapped parking:

Handicapped parking will be available at the School of Government parking lot.

•   You will need your own Handicapped parking card
• We do not provide wheelchairs
• There will be a golf cart shuttle to bring people to the front doors of Carmichael Arena
• There are no stairs to enter the lobby area

Accommodation Seating in Carmichael Arena:

Once in the lobby, someone will direct your guests to the seating area

• Please note, this is not 1:1 valet service 😊
• Once in the seating area, there will be wheelchair/scooter spaces  – signs will be visible
• One person can be seated with the wheelchair/scooter guest
• There are no steps to this area
• For additional mobility needs, there will reserved seating area in front of the Wheelchair area
• Reserved signs will be visible
• There will be a few short, low steps to this seating area

Where is general parking for the ceremony?

Cobb Deck, Bell Tower Deck, McCauley Deck

• • • All on first-come first serve basis
    • Note:  Baseball game that day so Boshamer Lot, Rams Head Deck, Stadium Drive and Navy Field Lots will fill quickly or be reserved for Baseball.
    • South Road meters and Carmichael driveway reserved for ceremony logistics/operations.

Will there be a reception? There will be a reception for all graduates and their guests on Hooker Field right after the ceremony (1:30pm – 3:30pm). Faculty will be in attendance. Please indicate the number of guests that you intend to bring to the reception via the registration form.

I have additional questions. Who should I ask? Please contact Meredith Albright.