We are excited to welcome the guests of the graduates to Dean College's Commencement Ceremony. The questions below are meant to answer the many frequently asked questions about the Commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO GUESTS NEED TO HAVE TICKETS TO ATTEND COMMENCEMENT?
No. Tickets are not required for Commencement.
WHERE DO GUESTS GO AND WHAT TIME SHOULD THEY ARRIVE?
Ceremony guests should go straight to Dean Hall. Seating becomes available at 9:00 a.m. Guests should plan to be in their seats by 10:40 a.m. as the processional will begin at 10:45 a.m. After the ceremony, please have your graduate meet you at a prearranged location.
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING A BAG TO GRADUATION?
To enhance the safe and quick entrance of all guests, the only bags permitted are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (not to exceed 12"x 12" x 6"). All clear bags will be checked upon entrance to ensure there are no prohibited items.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT COMMENCEMENT?
Below is a list of prohibited items at Dean's commencement. Any item deemed inappropriate by Dean College Campus Police and Safety will not be allowed on the grounds of Dean College, including but not limited to:
- Umbrellas
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Large Bags
- Wrapped gifts
- Any alcoholic beverages
- Weapons of any kinds (including knives)
- Segways/Hoverboards/Skateboards/Scooters
- Illegal drugs or substances [no vape pens allowed]
- Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles.
- Fireworks or pyrotechnics
- Folding and/or standalone chairs
- Noisemakers, bullhorns or air horns
- Drones, unmanned aircraft
- Selfie sticks
No prohibited items will be accepted at the entry points for safekeeping. Please leave all prohibited items secured in your vehicle.
MAY MY FAMILY BRING THEIR PET TO COMMENCEMENT?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets during the Commencement Exercises. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
ARE THERE AREAS TO SMOKE DURING THE CEREMONY?
Smoking on the Dean College campus is only permitted in the designated smoking huts located throughout campus. None of these huts are in sight of the Commencement ceremony. Thank you for not smoking at the ceremony.
WHAT DISABILITY RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
Disability Resources
Headsets are available for those guests with hearing impairments. Requests must be made to Nancy McIntyre, nmcintyre@dean.edu by April 18, 2025. A formal request is needed to provide this service.
Special Accommodations
Accessible seating will be available for guests with mobility difficulties or physical disabilities in a reserved seating section. A formal request is needed in advance to reserve special seating for guests with physical challenges. Please contact Nancy McIntyre by Friday, April 18.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking will be allowed for all cars with a handicap placard or license plate. Please go to the Dean Hall Parking Lot where you will be directed where to park. ONLY cars with handicap placards or license plates will be allowed to park in this designated parking lot. All other cars should park in the Campus Center or Jones Parking Lots.
WILL COMMENCEMENT BE LIVE STREAMED?
Yes, a link to the live stream of the ceremony can be found here: 159th Commencement Livestream
WHAT IS THE POLICY REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF CAMERAS AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
Professional photographers will take a picture of each graduate when the graduate shakes hands with the president on stage. We ask guests to remain in their seats or to use the photography area set-up for families.
Gradimages is the official photographer for Commencement. GradImages® is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime. Finding your graduate’s photos after the ceremony is easy. Visit www.gradimages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.
You can also pre-register your contact information using the link below. Upon completion, you will receive a coupon code for 20% off an order of $50 or more: https://www.gradimages.com/Registration
If have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. We have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.
WILL THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE BE OPEN DURING COMMENCEMENT?
The bookstore will not be open but will have a tent near the Commencement stage the morning of Commencement.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON DIRECTIONS, PARKING, AREA RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS?
Please visit the Area Information page for details.