2008 Commencement

Schedule of Events

Graduate Hooding Ceremony

June 6, 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.

Ivy Cutting

June 6, 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.

Baccalaureate

June 6, 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

June 7, 12:30–4 p.m., Qwest Field, 800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle
Commencement is a time-honored ceremony that recognizes the scholarship, service, and Christian growth of graduating students. This 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 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.

Qwest Field is an outdoor arena. Graduates will be given ponchos in the case of inclement weather. Guests, however, are encouraged to come prepared for sun or rain. Stadium doors will open at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for a fee is available in the North Lot (King Street) at Qwest Field, and at various area parking lots. The ceremony will conclude at about 4 p.m. (Directions to Qwest Field.)

 

DVDs of the 2008 Commencement exercises will be available for $13 each by mid-July. To order yours, email graduationinfo@spu.edu.

Special Considerations

Qwest Field has ADA seating for those in wheelchairs. Note: Only one guest may accompany the person in the ADA section. Also, elevators are available from the main entrance to the seating. If you are concerned about walking longer distances, please consider bringing a wheelchair to use while going from the parking lot to the elevator. Very limited wheelchair seating is available on the second level.

If you need ADA seating for the on-campus Commencement events or hearing interpretation for any of the events, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs by May 9, 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 Qwest Field. Visit this Web site 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.