Commencement is the start of a new chapter. Thinking about the future can be overwhelming, but commencement itself does not have to be. Whether you’re going to support a student or are a student, this guide has all the basic information you will need to be ready for commencement celebrations
When/where:
This year’s commencement will be on May 10. The ceremony itself will begin at 7:30 p.m. It will be the 155th commencement in UA’s history.
Students who are graduating are to meet at Fourth Street and Vine Avenue, which is behind the Main Library, at 5:30 p.m. to check in. Students have to be in the line by 6:30 p.m. to take part in commencement.
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Family and friends of graduating students are advised to arrive at the Arizona Stadium before 7:30 p.m. The stadium entrances open at 5:30 p.m.
The whole ceremony will take about 90 minutes. There are no assigned seats, nor do guests need tickets. Seating is first come, first served.
Those who cannot make it to the ceremony can still watch it on the Commencement website through Arizona Public Media.
What you need:
Students graduating should bring a CatCard for identification, their cap, gown and ticket. Students should should get their tickets through their UA email 24 hours after they complete their RSVP to commencement.
Students will not be allowed to have any large bags of any kind with them during the ceremony.
Family and friends of students graduating do not need tickets to get in to the event.
The stadium will be running under its usual clear bag policy during the event, which is a policy that only allows certain small, completely see-through bags to be used in the stadium such as a plastic Ziploc bag.
Parking/transportation:
All parking garages at the UA will be providing free parking for commencement, according to the UA Commencement website.
After 4:30 p.m., Sixth Street, south of Arizona Stadium, will be closed to traffic.
Cherry Avenue and Enke Drive will be open exclusively to provide parking for those with disabilities after 5:30 p.m.
There is a UA Cat Tran drop-off spot at the southern end of the stadium. The Cat Tran specifically for commencement will run from 5-10 p.m.
Disability Resources:
If any student or guest needs a sign language interpreter, they can request one on the Disability Resource Center website or email Catherine Mazzola at cmazzola@email.arizona.edu.
The Arizona Stadium’s venues have accessible seating, which includes seating for each disabled guest and one companion. Other members of the guest’s group will be seated nearby as space allows.
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Assistive listening systems can be requested at the ceremony.
Any questions about assistance for disabilities can be asked through the Disability Resource Center email: drc-info@email.arizona.edu.
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