Tickets: Tickets are not required. PLU encourages friends & family of graduation candidates to attend the Commencement Ceremony.
When to Arrive: The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:30 PM. The Tacoma Dome opens at 1:30 PM for seating (graduates are to arrive at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall at 1:30 PM for instructions & to form the academic processional).
Commencement Protocol: Commencement is a special event for all involved. In order to create a memorable occasion for guests & graduates please make sure cellular phones & electronic devices are turned off during the ceremony. In order to allow every guest the opportunity to see each graduation candidate, the audience is asked to remain seated during the ceremony. No one is permitted on the arena floor during the ceremony.
Academic Regalia Protocol: PLU follows the Academic Costume Code as outlined by the American Council on Education (ACE). Graduation candidates wear black caps, gowns & tassels. All candidates, both Bachelors & Masters, wear hoods lined with gold to represent PLU & trimmed with the color indicative of the degree the student is earning. In keeping with ACE’s guidelines, candidates may not decorate their caps, gowns or hoods. Honorifics awarded by PLU (ex. honors cords, Wang Center pins, etc) may be worn. Floral accents (corsages, boutonnieres, leis, etc) should be worn after the commencement ceremony.
Ordering Academic Regalia for Graduation Candidates: Caps, gowns & hoods MUST be picked up at the GRAD FAIR: Cap/Gown Pick-Up, (May 21 & 22 from 4:00-6:30pm each day) at the Garfield Book Company. Candidates have until April 13th to place their cap/gown order with Royal-T (a representative of Herff Jones). Announcements may also be purchased through Royal-T, announcement orders are accepted after the cap/gown order deadline.
Ceremony Photography: For those graduation candidates, families & friends looking to capture the momentous occasion of commencement, GradImages.com will be at the ceremony to photograph each candidate. A quick photo will be taken as each candidate approaches the stage, a candid photo as they are individually congratulated & a ceremony portrait as they exit the stage. This service is complimentary; there is no obligation to purchase.
Shortly after the ceremony candidates will receive proofs of their photos via mail & email. Candidates may then choose from different packages or order individual photographs. Orders may be placed online, by mail & by phone. For more information call 1.800.261.2576 or visit GradImages.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. In addition, the bookstore will be on site at the Tacoma Dome with PLU merchandise & graduation gift ideas for your convenience. The bookstore is also available online at GarfieldBookCompany.com.
Ceremony DVD: PLU Instructional Technologies is pleased to offer graduates & guests a copy of the 2013 Commencement Ceremony. To order, contact PLU Instructional Technologies at 253.535.7509.
