Office of the Registrar

Fall 2008 Ceremony Venue: Olson Auditorium, Lower Campus, Pacific Lutheran University

Driving Directions from Interstate-5 to Olson Auditorium:

• Take exit 127 off Interstate 5 and head east on Highway 512
• Continue on 512 for approximately two miles to Pacific Avenue S. (Parkland-Spanaway exit)
• Turn right (south) on Pacific Avenue S
• Turn right on 121st
• Turn left on Park Avenue (Parking in the lots along Park Ave and cutting across campus is available)
• Turn left on 125th
• Turn left at the stop sign in front of the University Gold Course Pro-Shop

Driving Time:  Given that Commencement is held on Memorial Day weekend it is recommended that graduates & guests allow ample time to get to the Tacoma Dome & park.  The Tacoma Dome is located just off Interstate-5 where congestion is frequent this time of year due to holiday travelers & summer construction projects.  Visit the Washington Department of Transportation website (click here) for current traffic conditions.

Parking:  Parking is available in all campus lots the day of the ceremony.  City parking regulations do apply (watch for fire lanes, time limits, etc.).  Handicapped parking is available but limited so please plan to arrive with enough time to find a spot at the seat in the Auditorium.

Seating:  Olson Auditorium will be open to Guests at 9:30am for seating.  Seating is available on a first basis; there is no assigned seating.  Reserving seats is not permitted.  Leraas Lecture Hall, in Rieke Science Building, will open to Graduation Candidates at 9:30am to form the Academic Processional.  Guests will not be allowed to join their candidate in the lecture hall.

Wheelchair Accessibility:  Olson Auditorium is wheelchair accessible; ask a volunteer to locate open wheelchair seating.  One companion is permitted to sit with the wheelchair user.

Tickets:  Tickets are not required.  PLU encourages friends & family of graduation candidates to attend the Commencement Ceremony.

Commencement Protocol:  Commencement is a special event for all involved.  In order to create a memorable occasion for all guests & graduates please make sure all cellular phones & electronic devices are turned off during the ceremony.  In order to allow all guests the opportunity to see each graduate the audience is asked to remain seated during the ceremony.  No one is permitted on the arena floor during the ceremony.

Ceremony Photography:  For those graduates, families & friends looking to capture the momentous occasion of commencement, Photograds.com will be at the ceremony to photography each graduation candidate.  A candid photo will be taken as each candidates is individually congratulated & a ceremony portrait as they exit the stage.  This service is complimentary; there is no obligation to purchase.

Within weeks of the ceremony candidates will receive proofs of their photos via mail, as well as the option to view their proofs online.  Candidates may then choose from different packages or order individual photographs.  Orders may be placed online, by mail, by phone & by fax.  For more information call 1.866.572.0199 or visit www.photograds.com.

Webcast Viewing:  Commencement may also be viewed via live broadcast on the internet & made available on-demand via Lutecast.

Bookstore:  The Garfield Book Company will be open on Commencement Day.  The bookstore is also available online at luteworld.plu.edu