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Commencement FAQ

2009 Commencement

Frequently Asked Questions

Caps and Gowns
Tickets and Availability
General Questions
Ballpark Questions
Disabled/Elderly Access
Lodging and Restaurants
 

Caps and Gowns

Are caps and gowns required for me to participate in year-end celebrations?

Yes, caps and gowns (and hoods for master's and doctoral students), also known as regalia, are required to participate in Graduate Hooding Ceremony, Ivy Cutting, and Commencement. Regalia in not needed for Baccalaureate.

 

What color will my tassel be?

The color for tassels was standardized by the American Council for Education in early 20th century. The colors for the various disciplines from SPU are as follows:

 

  • Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
  • Business and Economics: Drab
  • Economics: Copper
  • Education*: Light Blue
  • Engineering: Orange
  • Family and Consumer Sciences: Maroon
  • Fine and Performing Arts: Brown
  • Humanities: White
  • Masters Degrees: Black
  • Music: Pink
  • Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Gold
  • Nursing: Apricot
  • Philosophy: Dark Blue
  • Physical Education: Sage Green
  • Religion: Scarlet
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences: Citron

*Students receiving a teaching certificate may wear both an education tassel and a tassel for their major.



What color will my gown be?

Caps and gowns, regardless of degree level, are black.

Where do I order and pick up my cap and gown?

Information about caps, gowns, rings, and announcements can be found on the page for Undergraduate Commencement Instructions and Graduate Commencement Instructions.  


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Tickets and Availability

Do I really need a ticket to attend Commencement?
Yes! Every individual — including students, faculty, staff, and trustees — needs a ticket to enter the ballpark. Graduating students can order tickets in Banner when they sign up to walk in the ceremony. Parents: Your student is the only one who can request tickets for you. Faculty, staff, and trustees: You will receive your tickets at the ballpark.


Do small children need tickets?

Children age 3 and up are required to have a ticket for admittance to Safeco Field.


Am I limited in the number of tickets I can have for Commencement? Each student who requests tickets will be issued 10 tickets. If your family needs more, simply have your family’s graduating student request them when they register to walk for Commencement.

Why do you require tickets?
Tickets are required to help ensure the safety of all present, and to ensure that those in the stadium are there for the purpose of our Commencement.


My student didn’t give me a ticket. Can I get one from your office?
It is the policy of the University to deal only with students regarding tickets. You will need to work with your student to ensure you have tickets for the event.


Will I need a ticket if I go back to the car to get something?
Yes. Please take your ticket with you if you leave the ballpark and plan to reenter.  


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General Questions

Why is Commencement on Sunday this year?

This year, we had to change the day of Commencement Exercises or be without a venue. Seattle venues large enough for SPU's Commencement Exercises were unavailable on Saturday. Safeco Field was then chosen because it can provide unlimited seating, and can guarantee that we will stay dry if it rains. We set the time of Commencement at 2 p.m. so that students and families can worship in the morning.


How long will Commencement last?
Commencement will start at 2 p.m. and it should be finished by 5 p.m.

Who is the Commencement speaker this year?
The 2009 Commencement speaker is Dr. John Perkins.

What should I do with my purse/personal items during the ceremony?
There is no place to lock up, secure, or leave personal items and purses during the ceremony. You must either leave items with a family member or carry them onto the field with you.

What time will the gates open for my parents?
The Home Plate Gate, on the corner of First Ave. S. and Edgar Martinez Dr. S., opens for guests at 12:45 p.m. Students must arrive no later than 1 p.m.

Where should I meet my parents after Commencement?
Family and friends will not be allowed onto the field. Please plan to meet your guests in the stands or at the Main Concourse.

What should I wear to Commencement? What should my parents wear?
What you wear to Commencement is a personal decision. People will be dressed in everything from three-piece suits to jeans and sweatshirts.

 

Please dress as you feel comfortable, but be mindful of the weather. In case of rain, the ballpark roof will be closed, but the ballpark is an outdoor space, so dress according to the weather. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for graduates.

Will I get my diploma at Commencement?
Diplomas are not distributed during Commencement. Instead, you will receive yours in the mail once all requirements are completed and your grades have been posted for your degree. During the ceremony, you’ll receive a diploma cover.

 

Spring Quarter graduates should receive diplomas by mid-September; Summer Session graduates by mid-December. Diplomas will be released when all financial obligations to the University — fines, etc. — are met.

When can my parents expect to see me walk across the stage?
The awarding of degrees usually begins around 3:30 p.m., BUT this is subject to the length of the preceding speeches. Doctoral degree candidates will have their degrees awarded first followed by master’s degree candidates and then bachelor’s degree candidates. Within each degree category, students will walk in alphabetical order, by last name, within their school:

  • School of Business and Economics
  • School of Education
  • School of Health Sciences (Nursing)
  • School of Psychology, Family, and Community
  • School of Theology
  • College of Arts and Sciences
 

Note: As the largest school, College of Arts and Sciences will have more than half of all bachelor’s degree candidates.

 

Can I purchase a DVD of the Commencement ceremony?
Commencement DVDs will be available for purchase for $13 each. To order a DVD, send a check, payable to SPU, to the Office of Academic Affairs, 3307 Third Ave. W., Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98119.

Be sure to include your name, address, and the number of DVDs you wish to purchase. DVDs will be mailed out in July. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 206-281-2125 or graduationinfo@spu.edu.



What about lost and found?
If you have lost an item at an on-campus event, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 206-281-2125 or graduationinfo@spu.edu.


If you have lost an item at Commencement while in Safeco Field, go to the main Guest Service Center in Section 128, or call 206-346-4444.

 

H1N1 Flu Precautions

We continue to monitor Public Health-Seattle and King County and Center for Disease Control (CDC) information regarding the H1N1 Flu outbreak. Given this information, we will be holding all of our graduation-related events.

Following CDC advice, we ask that anyone in your party exhibiting flulike symptoms stay home. Persons who are sick should limit their contact with other people as much as possible and stay home for seven days after their symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours. In addition, all persons are reminded to use appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene.

We know this is a very special time in the lives of our graduates, and their family and friends and appreciate your cooperation in these health matters for the well-being of all.


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Ballpark Questions

Why is Commencement held outside in Seattle?
Large venues in Seattle are very limited. We choose Safeco Field because it meets our needs and allows graduates to invite as many guests as they choose. All the major universities in Seattle hold outdoor ceremonies.

 

Where is parking for graduation?
Parking is available in several areas around and on campus for the on-campus events. Safeco Field has space for 2,000 cars in its Safeco Field Parking Garage, and area parking lots are also within walking distance of the ballpark. Due to construction near the ballpark on Royal Brougham Way, we encourage graduates and guests to carpool.

What happens if it rains?
Safeco Field has a retractable roof, which will be closed if it rains. However, the ballpark is an outdoor space, so dress appropriately for the weather on that day.

Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes, but you won't need it during the ceremony. You may need one, however, when returning to your vehicle.


Are the concession stands open during the ceremony?
Yes. The concession stands will be open in the ballpark, but there will be no roaming concession sellers. No alcohol will be available.


Are we allowed to bring balloons or wrapped packages into the stadium?
Due to security concerns, balloons or wrapped packages are not allowed in the stadium. If you bring balloons or wrapped packages, you will be asked to return them to your car.  

 

Can we rent a space for a party at the ballpark after the Commencement Exercises?

Yes. Safeco Field can host family gatherings immediately following the Commencement Exercises, and a 10 percent discount would apply to the room rental fee. Food and beverage service is extra. Direct all inquiries to Safeco Field Events at 206-346-4228 or events@mariners.com.

 


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Wheelchair Users/Elderly Access

 

One of my family members has difficulty walking long distances. Where is the best place to park?
Vehicles displaying state-issued disabled parking permits will be allowed to drop-off and pick-up passengers in front of the ballpark on the east side of First Avenue, north of the Metro bus zone. This is a no parking zone. Drivers must stay with the vehicle, unattended vehicles may be ticketed and towed away. Please limit your use of this zone to five minutes so others can also use it.

 

Guests who need assistance will be helped by ballpark staff from this location; staff will take them to ADA seating, if necessary, or direct them to elevators.

 

A family member is in a wheelchair. What kind of seating is available to her and our party?
After a wheelchair user is let out in the drop-off area described above, ballpark staff will accompany the guest to the ADA seating. Companion seats are available for those accompanying them. The ballpark gate will open at 12:45 p.m.

Where the elevators are located?
Safeco Field has elevators throughout the facility for wheelchair access. Ballpark staff will be onhand to direct you.

The ballpark also has four sets of escalators. The escalators on the Main Concourse, behind Section 142, provide access to the Club and Suite Levels and the Upper Concourse. The escalator at Section 125 on the Main Concourse serves the Upper Concourse only.


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Lodging and Resturants

The Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union is offering a special price to graduates’ families and friends over Commencement weekend. To make a reservation, visit the website or call 1-800-321-2211, and mention the SPU group code "SSPSSB."

 

Numerous lodging and dining options are near both the Seattle Pacific campus and Safeco Field.

 


Thank you, and we'll see you there!


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