IMPORTANT TRAFFIC ALERT: I-5 Mercer Street Exit and Mercer Street will be closed on Commencement day. Please plan for extra travel time to account for any travel delays. For detour maps, please click here.

 

2013 Commencement

Schedule of Events

 

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND TRAFFIC REVISION:

The I-5 ramps at Mercer Street will be closed beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7th through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10. During this time, Mercer Street will be closed between Westlake Avenue N and I-5. During the closure, we recommend that travelers on southbound I-5 use the Stewart Street exit to access Denny Way and travelers on northbound I-5 to use the Olive Way exit.  Click here for additional detour routes. 

Graduate Hooding Ceremony

Friday, June 7, 8:45–9:15 a.m., Martin Square

 

Graduating master’s degree students are invited to the Graduate Hooding Ceremony, during which their program director and dean will hood them. Master’s degree students are then invited to process with the faculty and participate in the Ivy Cutting ceremony. Doctoral students are also invited, but they will be formally hooded at Commencement. Tickets are not required, but graduates should wear caps and gowns. NOTE: This is an outdoor ceremony. If rain is in the forecast, please plan accordingly.

Ivy Cutting

Friday, June 7, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Tiffany Loop

 

Ivy Cutting has been part of graduation rites at Seattle Pacific University since 1922. Today, graduating undergraduate students and SPU faculty members don their academic garb and assemble in Tiffany Loop beneath towering elm trees, continuing this tradition. The ceremony represents both the students' tie to Seattle Pacific and the independence that comes with graduation. Light refreshments follow in Tiffany Loop. Tickets are not required, but graduates should wear caps and gowns. NOTE: This is an outdoor ceremony. If rain is in the forecast, please plan accordingly.

Baccalaureate

Friday, June 7, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Royal Brougham Pavilion

 

Baccalaureate is an informal worship service shared by graduates and their families, friends, and professors. There will be no processional nor will any special seating arrangement be followed. Tickets are not required, and caps and gowns are not needed.

                                              

Commencement Exercises

Sunday, June 9, 2:00–5:00 p.m., Key Arena, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle

Commencement is a time-honored ceremony that recognizes the scholarship, service, and Christian growth of graduating students. It is the celebratory service where students, faculty, friends, parents, relatives, and staff congratulate students for their new beginning.

Tickets (free) are required for admission for all guests (age 3 and over) and graduates. Note: Students are responsible to pick up their tickets and distribute them to their guests. See the Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement instructions for more information.

Key Arena is an indoor arena. Arena doors will open at 12:45 p.m. The ceremony will conclude at about 5:00 p.m.

 

Parking is available in several parking garages in close proximity to Key Arena. Fees vary by location. Cash only.

 

1st Avenue North Garage: between John and Thomas Street (located 1/2 block south of Key Arena; closest walk of the three garage options)

 

Mercer Garage: Third Avenue North & Roy Street (located two blocks northeast of Key Arena)

 

5th Avenue North Garage: Fifth Avenue North & Republican Street (located 2-3 blocks east of Key Arena, across Seattle Center, next to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

 

Key Arena Parking Lot Map

 

Special Considerations

Key Arena has ample ADA seating available on the main level of the building after entering via the east or west entrances. There is also seating in higher sections, accessible via elevator. Elevators are located throughout the facility for wheelchair access. There will be Key Arena staff on hand to direct you to the appropriate seating areas.

 

Designated parking is available for guests with disabilities in all Seattle Center parking garages. These spaces, include van-accessible spaces, are designated for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate. Disabled spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly.

 

Vehicles displaying state-issued disabled parking permits will be allowed to drop-off and pick-up passengers at the following ADA drop-off points:

• Thomas Street (between First and Second Avenue) at "Key Arena Suite Walkway." The walkway leads to the wheelchair ramp for entry on the west side of the arena. The walkway also leads to the Suite Entry (for those families that opt to rent a suite) and Disabled Entry for elevator use.

• First Avenue North at Key Arena West Plaza (First Avenue North and Harrison Street). This leads into the West Entry doors to Key Arena.

For those who have difficulty walking long distances, elevator access is available in many locations around the arena, and staff will be on hand to direct guests accordingly.

NOTE: If you need ADA seating for the on-campus Commencement events or hearing interpretation for any of the events, contact the Office of Academic Affairs, by May 17, by calling 206-281-2125 or emailing graduationinfo@spu.edu with the events attending and accommodations needed.

Due to security concerns, wrapped packages and balloons are not permitted inside Key Arena.

 

Visit this website regularly for any additional information and updates as they are available.

 

Commencement FAQ

If you have additional questions, please check the Commencement FAQ. If you don't find your answer there, call 206-281-2125 or email graduationinfo@spu.edu.