Commencement Details

Graduates:

Parking will be free in Tacoma Dome parking lots A, D, F, or G.

The Tacoma Dome has a clear bag policy. We ask that students bring minimal belongings and we highly recommend that nothing is left in the Exhibition Hall since it will be unattended and unlocked during the ceremony. When possible, please leave your belongings with your guests.

Exhibition Hall Doors will open to graduates starting at 1:00 p.m. and we ask that all graduates arrive by 1:30 p.m.

Once you arrive at the Exhibition Hall, graduates will fill out a name card at a name card table. There will be staff available to assist with any questions.

After you have filled out your name card, you will then stand with your degree group. The names of the degree groups will be posted in the Exhibition Hall. Once you have found your degree group, we ask that you stay with your group as this is how the Academic Processional line will be formed which will also be your seat order.

Promptly at 2:10 p.m., there will be a brief announcement to graduates followed by the graduates starting to form the Academic Processional line.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m.

Guests:

Parking will be free in Tacoma Dome parking lots A, D, F, or G.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. The Tacoma Dome opens at 1:30 p.m. for seating.

Before entering, everyone must pass through security. Security screening includes walking through a metal detector and bag inspection. The Tacoma Dome has a clear bag policy and backpacks of any size are not permitted. To avoid having to return to your car, leave prohibited items such as noise makers, balloons, and laser pointers at home. View the complete list of prohibited items here, and remember that the more items there are to inspect, the slower the process will be.

Commencement is a special event for all involved. In order to create a memorable occasion for guests and graduates please make sure cellular phones and electronic devices are switched to silent 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. Guests are not permitted on the arena floor or in the Exhibition Hall.