Commencement Home
Schedule of Events
Undergraduate Commencement Instructions
Graduate Commencement Instructions
Faculty & Board of Trustees Instructions
Map and Directions
Commencement FAQ
2008 Commencement
Frequently Asked Questions
Caps and GownsTickets and Availability
General Questions
Stadium 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.
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 stadium. 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 will receive their tickets at the stadium.
Do small children need tickets?
You will need a ticket for a child if you want the youngster to have his or her own seat. If you plan to hold the child (or baby) on your lap, the child does not need a ticket.
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 whenever you leave the stadium and plan to reenter.
General Questions
How long will Commencement last?Commencement will start at 12:30 p.m. and is typically finished by 4 p.m.
Who is the Commencement speaker this year?
The 2008 Commencement speaker is Rev. Earl Palmer. Reverand Palmer has been the senior pastor at Seattle’s University Presbyterian Church since 1991. Prior to that, he was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, California, from 1970 to 1991. A prolific author, his books include Trusting God; The Humor of Jesus; Integrity, Commentary on the Book of Philippians; and many more.
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?
Gates open for guests at 11:15 a.m. Students must arrive no later than 11:30 a.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 in the North Plaza (entry courtyard).
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. On windy days, the stadium can amplify the wind, so bring a jacket. 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 2 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.
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 in Qwest Stadium, contact the stadium as directed on its page about lost and found items.
Stadium Questions
Why is Commencement held outside in Seattle?
Large venues in Seattle are very limited. We choose Qwest Stadium 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.
What happens if it rains?
Commencement proceeds as planned, rain or shine. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather on that day. The upper seats of the stadium are covered, but the lower ones are not. If the skies are cloudy and rain is forecast, you may want to consider bringing an umbrella. If rain is expected, graduates will be provided with rain ponchos.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes. Please come prepared for rain, shine, or wind. Seating at the stadium is partially covered, but the best seats are not.
Are the concession stands open during the ceremony?
Yes. The concession stands will be open in the stadium, 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.
Disabled/Elderly Access
My grandmother is coming. Where is the best place to park?There will be some parking reserved for elderly and mobility impaired in the North Lot of the stadium. These spaces are limited so please plan to arrive early. The stadium gates open at 11:15 a.m. Once this parking is full there will be a drop-off zone in front of the main gate.
My grandmother is in a wheel chair. What kind of seating is available to her and our party?
Wheelchair seating is available along the main walkway of the stadium, which is about halfway up the stands. There is one seat next to each wheelchair space. Many families are able to sit in the row directly in front of or behind the wheelchair spaces. If you need special seating, please plan to arrive to arrive early. The stadium gate will open at 11:15 a.m.
My father has a hard time walking distances or doing stairs. How far will he have to walk?
You will be able to drop off your father close to stadium entrance, but he will have to walk across the courtyard to the elevator. Once on the main level of the stadium, he will have a short walk to the seats. The earlier your party arrives, the closer you can sit to the elevator. With the exception of wheelchair seating, all seats require at least a few stairs.
Where the elevators are located?
As you come in the North Gate proceed left across foyer. Staff will be on hand to direct you. In past years, viewers have waited in line for the elevator. For that reason, its use will be limited to those who have difficulty with stairs.
Thank you, and we'll see you there!