Guest Information

Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Location: ��ý Convocation Center

Wednesday, May 14

10 a.m. | Undergraduate Ceremony

College of Arts & Letters
University College

3 p.m. | Undergraduate Ceremony

Mike Cottrell College of Business
College of Science & Mathematics
Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental & Spatial Analysis (IESA)

Thursday, May 15

10 a.m. | Undergraduate Ceremony

College of Education
College of Health Sciences & Professions

7 p.m. | Graduate Ceremony

Ceremony & Ticket Information

Commencement ceremonies takes place at the Convocation Center on the Dahlonega Campus.
Doors will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
You may sit anywhere in the Convocation Center that is not reserved.
Ceremonies will be livestreamed so any guest can also view virtually.
Designated dropoff and pick up area is available for guests with accessibility needs.

Once graduates receive their tickets electronically, they can share them with guests.
Tickets can be presented as printed document or on a mobile device.
Any guest over the age of two is required to have a ticket.
Tickets are allocated based on number of graduates and fire marshall code.
- Graduates may request additional tickets on a first come, first served basis.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Accessibility is a top priority at ��ý. We have a team of individuals dedicated to serving those with accessibility needs. We are here to help ensure that everyone experiences the Best Day Ever!

Guest Drop Off and Handicap Parking

Guests with accessibility concerns are strongly encouraged to arrive early to the ceremony, as space for individuals using wheelchairs and individuals with mobility issues is limited.
All guests with accessibility needs can be dropped off and picked up in front of the Convocation Center.
Guests in need of accessible parking can view the online map for

Guests in a Wheelchair

Due to high demand, this area is strictly reserved for guests in a wheelchair plus one companion. Reservations are not required, and seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Guests Requiring ADA Seats but Not in a Wheelchair

ADA seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Due to high demand, we block additional seats in the Convocation Center for ADA and limited mobility guests. ADA seating will be in the top two rows of seating throughout the Convocation Center and only require guests to be able to step down one six-inch step to access the seating.

Hearing Impaired Guests

For guests who are deaf or hearing impaired, closed captioning is provided throughout the ceremony.

Wheelchairs will not be available at the venue.

If you require a wheelchair, we suggest a private rental from one of these companies:

Prohibited Items

Bag checks will be conducted at the door for commencement ceremonies. Items that are prohibited at Commencement and those in possession will be asked to return it to a car or leave it at the door before entry.

Note: If you are asked to leave after you have entered the building, you will not be allowed to reenter the building.

Outside food or beverages of any kind
Glass or plastic bottles, cans, coolers, or containers
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco, vaping products, illegal drugs or chemicals
Weapons of any kind (concealed weapons, firearms, knives, etc.)

Fireworks of any kind
Laser pointers
Helium balloons
Signs, flags, and banners
Seat cushions with backs or hardback seats
Noise makers, air horns, or whistles

Animals (excluding service animals)
Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, roller shoes, etc.
Other items determined by arena security or staff

Parking

Guest parking is reserved in these following areas. Use the .

Convocation Center Surface Lot (L52)
South Parking Deck (L51)
Owen Hall Surface Lot (L53)
Library Technology Center (LTC) Bridge Lot (L48)
Radar Ridge Rec Fields Lot (L64) - A shuttle will be provided.
Any available space on campus (may require a longer walk than the reserved parking areas)

Note: Allow ample time for your travel, parking, and arrival due to the high volume of visitors.

Guest FAQs

When will the doors open for the ceremony?

Doors will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Can family and friends view the Commencement ceremony online?

Yes, all ceremonies will be live-streamed! Watch on the website or the university's official .

Which way does my graduate walk across the stage?

Typically, graduates will cross the stage in order of degree starting with Associate degree candidates, and ending with Doctoral degree candidates. They will enter the stage from the left side and recess off stage to the right after receiving their diploma folder.

Do the commencement ceremonies require tickets?

Yes, each graduate is allotted a certain number of tickets based upon the number of graduates participating in the ceremony. We are required by Fire Marshall Code to ensure that the capacity of the Convocation Center is not exceeded to protect our graduates, their families and friends, and our staff.

Tickets are distributed to qualifying graduates electronically via their ��ý student email accounts.

How can I get extra tickets for the ceremony?

Additional tickets can be requested through on a first come first serve basis

Do I have to print my tickets?

You can present your ticket as a printed document or on your mobile device. Guest tickets will be available in and can be printed or shared with family or friends.

Do children need tickets?

Yes, any child over the age of two (2) is required to have a ticket.

Am I allowed to bring food or drinks into the Convocation Center?

No outside food or drink will be permitted into the Convocation Center; however, there will be concessions available throughout the ceremony.

Where should guests park?

Parking will be available across the Dahlonega campus. Some designated lots will have a shuttle that can provide transportation from the lot to the Convocation Center. Visit our event parking page for a detailed map.

Is there a drop off area for guests with a need for disability accommodations?

Yes, there will be a designated drop off and pick up area at the front of the Convocation Center for guests with accessibility needs.

Learn more about Commencement Accessibility and Special Accommodations.

Are balloons or noise makers allowed in the Convocation Center?

No balloons or noise makers of any kind are allowed inside the Convocation center.

Please review the list of items that are prohibited at the ��ý Convocation Center.

How long does the ceremony last?

The length of the ceremony depends on the amount of graduates in the ceremony. Typically, ceremonies last between one and a half (1.5) to two (2) hours.

A guest that is attending the commencement ceremony requires special accommodations, what do we need to do?

Please refer to our Commencement Accessibility and Special Accommodations webpage.

Is there assigned seating?

Seating is open and general admission. You may sit anywhere in the Convocation Center that is not reserved.

Will there be restrooms available while we are waiting to enter the venue?

There will be limited restrooms available at a different building on campus until the Convocation Center is opened. Doors will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.

Is there a list of local hotels for out of town guests to stay at?

Yes! A list of places to stay in Dahlonega can be found on .

Can I pre-order flowers and/or gifts for my graduate?

Yes, flowers and other gifts can be pre-purchased and picked up on-site at the Convocation Center on the day of your graduate’s ceremony. and enjoy a contact-free experience when picking up your pre-purchased and reserved gifts.

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