University Commencement

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Fall Commencement RSVP
October 28, 2009 - 11:06am

Graduating this semester? RSVP for graduation ceremonies online. Students who have completed their graduation application and are eligible for fall or winter graduation may now make a reservation online to attend graduation ceremonies.

Go to the “My Programs” box, then to the Graduation tab in My ASU. Click on the “RSVP for Graduation Ceremonies” link to make your reservations.

The fall schedule of ceremonies is posted at http://graduation.asu.edu/ceremonies/fall2009. Check back often for updates and additional information. 

 

Vital Information for Spring Commencement Attendees
May 12, 2009 - 10:24am

Please print a PDF of this information with you to prepare for this memorable event. Graduates should share these details with their guests. Visit the University Commencement Web site for more information and to subscribe to RSS updates.

Arrival at the stadium at the time indicated on your ticket is vital. This will allow the thousands of guests attending this event time to clear security and enter the stadium before the 7 p.m. start of the ceremony. The pre-ceremony celebration will begin at 5 p.m. All guests will access the stadium through the North and Northeast sides of Sun Devil Stadium. Staggered arrival times are designed to keep everyone as comfortable as possible and are critical to managing the 71,000 people who plan to attend. Please prepare to wait up to 90 minutes to clear the security check points.

Getting to Sun Devil Stadium

Carpooling and public transportation is strongly encouraged.

  • Light rail: The light rail system will be adding extra cars for this event. They offer free parking in their park and ride lots. The closest light rail stop to the security check points is at University Drive and Rural Road. Visit the Valley Metro light rail site for fare information and a map of the light rail system.
  • Campus shuttles: Free shuttles for graduates, their guests, faculty and staff will run from the ASU West, Downtown Phoenix and Polytechnic campuses directly to Sun Devil Stadium. Guests will be dropped off by shuttles at a location close to both areas where security check points will queue.
  • Carpooling: If you plan to drive to campus, please plan to carpool. Parking on and near the Tempe campus is extremely limited. Public transportation is an excellent alternative. Free parking is available in lots around the stadium and in most parking areas on campus. Parking will be restricted in residence halls and where special permits are required. Regular fees will be collected at meters and visitor lots.
  • Please check the Parking and Transit Web site for new information.

Disabled parking will be available in the portion of Lot 59 located on the east side of Packard Drive and north of the Packard Drive South Structure. Vehicles must display a disabled placard or license plate. Commencement attendees who need disabled parking may look for posted signs, which will be monitored by university staff assisting with this event.

Street Closures:

  • Veteran’s Way will be closed from Mill Avenue to University Drive, beginning at noon on May 13. The street will re-open at the end of the event. Surrounding streets will be closed for more limited periods.
  • The most current information about street closures can be found on the Parking and Transit Web site.

Once You Arrive at Sun Devil Stadium

  • Everyone must present a ticket in order to enter the stadium, regardless of their role in the ceremony.
  • Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are strongly encouraged for everyone in your party.
  • Water for everyone in your party is also strongly encouraged. Water bottles must be discarded when arriving at security check points. Complimentary water stations, along with concessions and restroom facilities, will be available outside and inside the stadium.
  • There will be tenting outside the stadium in several locations as well as “cool zones” outside and inside the stadium. Complimentary fans will be handed out to all graduates and guests.
  • Be prepared for temperatures in the low 100’s. Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. Arizona native tip: Bring a small wet towel or handkerchief to keep on your neck and head to help keep your body temperature down.

Prepare to Clear Security

  • In order to expedite everyone through security, please prepare to open your bags and empty your pockets.
  • Please do not bring in any items if you are uncertain whether they are allowed. Confiscated items cannot be retrieved later as there is no secure location to hold items.
  • Graduates must carry their caps and gowns with them to enter the stadium.
  • Cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, binoculars, small tubes of sunscreen and other small comfort items will be allowed through security. Please check the list of prohibited items.
Prohibited Items List for Attendees
May 11, 2009 - 1:45pm
  • Unopened packages.
  • Seat cushions and seats with back rests.
  • Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to guns, ammunition or knives (regardless of size).
  • Leatherman or similar tools.
  • Sharp and/or pointed objects (scissors, knitting needles, box cutters, etc.).
  • Mace or pepper spray.
  • Spray containers, aerosols, flammable liquids.
  • Air horns.
  • Explosives or fireworks.
  • Laser lights or pointers.
  • Containers of any type—glass bottles (perfume, drink bottles, etc.), cans or thermoses.
  • Foods that can be used as projectiles (oranges, apples, pears, etc.).
  • Alcohol of any kind.
  • Signs, banners or posters.
  • Balloons.
  • Coolers, grocery bags, tote bags or duffel bags.
  • Backpacks purses larger than 12”x12”x12”.
  • Poles or tripods.
  • Laptops.
  • Umbrellas.
  • Metal objects.

 

Commencement Parking
May 7, 2009 - 4:54pm

ASU expects a high volume of traffic on the day of commencement and strongly encourages graduates, guests and the general public attending to consider using light rail or other public transportation to travel to Sun Devil Stadium. 

Light Rail

If you are arriving by light rail and your commencement ticket is marked "North Gate," you should exit light rail at the Rural Road stop for the shortest path to the North and Northeast gates of the stadium. Light rail use is strongly encouraged. The METRO light rail park-and-ride lots are conveniently located and will eliminate the need to find an open parking space close to the stadium the day of commencement.

If you are arriving by light rail and your commencement ticket is marked "South Gate," you should exit light rail at the Rural Road stop for the shortest path to the Southeast and Southwest gates of the stadium. The Mill Avenue stop may seem closer, but the walk from the Mill Avenue station and around the stadium measures longer than the walk from the Rural Road stop.

Public Transportation

The use of public transportation is also strongly encouraged. Visit http://www.valleymetro.org or http://uabf.asu.edu/parking_commuter for neighborhood shuttles and Valley Metro public transportation options and
directions on how to arrive at Sun Devil Stadium.

Parking

Free parking is available in lots around the stadium and in most parking areas on campus the day of commencement and convocations. Parking will be restricted in residence halls and locations where special permits are required. Regular fees will be collected at meters and visitor lots. Disabled parking and a drop-off site for elderly guests will be available. You can view all ASU parking maps here. The most up-to-date commencement day parking information will be posted on the ASU Parking and Transportation University Commencement & Graduation site.

Please note: Be sure to review this important information regarding traffic delays and road closures in Tempe.

For information about parking for convocation ceremonies, please visit the Commencement Parking and the ASU Parking and Transportation University Commencement & Graduation sites.

Schedule of Arrival and Stadium Map
May 6, 2009 - 9:35pm

Schedule of Arrival for Ticket-holders

Please review the information below to prepare yourself for entry into Sun Devil Stadium. The times listed are when graduates and guests should be in line to clear security, not arrival times at the stadium. You should plan your schedule accordingly to allow plenty of time for travel to the stadium, parking and walking to the security check points.  Anyone arriving at the stadium later than the recommended time may face longer wait times at security check points.  Gates at the South end of the stadium are subject to close at 5 pm. All other gates will remain open for the duration of the event. 

2:30 p.m. Gates open

2:30 p.m. Sections 4-14 arrive

3:00 p.m. Bachelor's graduates enter through north gate to field along with Sections 201-220 of the upper deck

3:30 p.m. Master's graduates arrive on field along with Sections 23-33 along with the loge

4:00 p.m. J.D. and doctorates arrive on field along with Sections 221-247

4:30 p.m. Other ticket-holders arrive

Sun Devil Stadium Map

Download Sun Devil Stadium map (PDF)

Stadium Map

Weather

Check here for detailed local weather updates at the ASU Tempe campus. You can also quickly check the current weather by visiting the "Attending" page of this site.

Public Transportation

The use of public transportation is strongly 
encouraged. Visit http://www.valleymetro.org or 
http://uabf.asu.edu/parking_commuter for public transportation options and 
directions on how to arrive at Sun Devil Stadium.

Reminder about ticket distribution - times and locations
May 6, 2009 - 10:40am

If you have reserved commencement tickets, you have through Friday, May 8 to pick them up. Please go to the ticket distribution location for your campus:

Downtown Phoenix

Enrollment Services
University Center 166
411 N. Central
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: 602-496-4372
Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Polytechnic

Student Services Quad 2 #350
7001 E. Williams Rd
Mesa, AZ 85212

Phone: 480-727-1142
Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tempe

ICA Ticket Office
Carson Student-Athlete Center
500 E. Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ
 
Phone: 480-727-0000
Hours: M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

West

University Center Building 120
13590 N. 47th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85032

Phone: 602-543-8203
Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

Important information for those attending Commencement
May 6, 2009 - 10:39am
  • You are responsible for the safe-keeping of your tickets once they are in your 
possession. Tickets that are lost or stolen cannot be replaced. TICKETS ARE HEAT SENSITIVE. Do not leave them in your car or in any location where they will be exposed to heat or direct sunlight (examples: car dashboard, window 
sill, do not laminate).
  • Graduates will be instructed as to entry times and gate locations here. It is your responsibility to check this site 
regularly for information and updates and to share this information 
with guests attending the event.
  • Graduates must have their cap and gown with them when entering Sun 
Devil Stadium.
  • Graduates and guests should arrive at Sun Devil Stadium early and prepare to wait 
to clear security points and gain entry into Sun Devil Stadium. Details  about wait 
times and arrival times will be posted. It is your responsibility to check this 
site regularly for information and updates and to share this information 
with guests attending the event.
  • The Commencement Ceremony is scheduled to last two and half hours. Graduates 
and guests should remain in stadium for the duration of the ceremony.
  • Everyone entering Sun Devil Stadium ages three years and older must present a ticket 
for entry into the venue, regardless of their role in the ceremony.
  • Guests will not be allowed onto the field in Sun Devil Stadium. Graduates should 
arrange to meet guests at a specified location, outside of Sun Devil Stadium, after 
the ceremony concludes.
  • Prepare for heavy traffic coming to and around the venue. Plan your travel to the 
stadium accordingly. The use of public transportation is strongly 
encouraged. Visit http://www.valleymetro.org or 
http://uabf.asu.edu/parking_commuter for public transportation options and 
directions on how to arrive at Sun Devil Stadium.
  • There are no secure locations to store or hold personal items. Bring only the 
items you need and can carry with you into the stadium.
  • Graduates and guests should come prepared for temperatures in the upper 90's when arriving at the stadium. Sunscreen, hats, sun glasses and bottled water for everyone in your party is strongly encouraged. Bottles must be discarded upon arrival at security check points. Once guests enter the stadium water stations will be available throughout Sun Devil Stadium as well as concession sales.
  • Concessions will be available in and around Sun Devil Stadium. Concession sales 
are cash only at locations outside of Sun Devil Stadium and at some locations 
inside the stadium. Credit cards may be used for concession sales at other 
locations inside Sun Devil Stadium.
  • Graduates and guests should check back regularly here 
for information about the commencement ceremony.
  • Anyone exiting the stadium after clearing security will not be allowed to 
re-enter.
  • Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be 
removed from the event with no right of re-entry.
Ticket distribution will be delayed: important information
April 30, 2009 - 12:30pm

For those that have reserved a ticket(s) for the Spring 2009 University Commencement Ceremony, Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. in Sun Devil Stadium:

Due to continuing discussions and planning regarding security and the welfare of all guests entering Sun Devil Stadium, as well as entry times and gates that guests will be able to access, ticket distribution is being delayed.

All ticket distribution will begin on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Please review your e-mail confirmation to determine the location and time for picking up your tickets from Friday, May 1 through Friday, May 8.

Please note: As a ticket holder you are responsible for reviewing updated information at http://graduation.asu.edu. Detailed information about arrival times, gate entry, wait times to clear security, permitted and prohibited items, etc., will be posted on this site. Information will also be distributed through your colleges and through Marching Order. Please review this information frequently.

Tickets can be picked up from the ICA Ticket office located at Sun Devil Stadium.

ICA Ticket Office
500 E Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ 85281

Phone: 480-727-0000
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ASU Faculty, Staff and Continuing Students
April 24, 2009 - 9:11am

Single tickets are now available for reservation for the University Commencement Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at Sun Devil Stadium.

The reservation link can be obtained beginning, Monday, April 20. Go to My ASU (http://my.asu.edu) and click on the image in the bottom right of the page titled "Commencement Tickets." This link will allow you to access the reservation page for a ceremony ticket. Ticket reservation will close when all available tickets are reserved. The reservation link can be accessed again in the event more tickets become available. Please check back between now and April 24. If a limited number of additional tickets become available, you will have another opportunity to access the reservations page again. Each eligible faculty, staff or continuing student will be able to reserve a single ticket one time. If tickets are still available through April 24, the reservations site will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24.

Tickets will be available for pickup beginning on Wednesday, April 30 at your home campus. Update: Tickets will be available after May 1. After you reserve your ticket, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with specific information about where you will pick up your ticket. Tickets must be picked up by Wednesday, May 6.

For detailed information about arrival times at Sun Devil Stadium, gate entry locations and security procedures, please check this University Ceremonies site regularly, http://graduation.asu.edu.

Ticket Policy: Tickets May Not be Sold, Duplicated
April 24, 2009 - 9:08am

The Arizona State University Commencement Ceremony recognizes the academic achievements of graduating students. Accordingly, Commencement is not an event where tickets are sold to the public.

Tickets cannot be copied, duplicated or altered in any manner. In addition, tickets may not be sold, traded, bartered or assigned or transferred in any manner for any consideration whatsoever. Any violation of these rules will result in a forfeiture or seizure of the ticket(s). In addition, the ABOR Student Code of Conduct prohibits, among other matters, the intentional furnishing of false information to the university and unauthorized alteration or use of any university document.

Upon receiving your tickets, you agree to the following: I have read these statements and agree to comply strictly with the rule. I agree, understand, represent and acknowledge that I (or anyone on my behalf) have not taken, will not take, and cannot take, any action to copy, duplicate or alter the ticket. In addition, I further agree, understand and acknowledge that I (or anyone on my behalf) have not taken, will not take, and cannot take, any action to sell, trade or barter the ticket or to assign or transfer the ticket for any consideration whatsoever. I further agree that no person listed on my reservation form provided anything of value or any consideration whatsoever for the ticket. I understand that any violation or breach of this agreement, understanding, representation or acknowledgment will result in a forfeiture or seizure of the ticket from any ticketholder and will subject me to any and all sanctions that ASU may impose, including any sanctions for violation of the ABOR Student Code of Conduct.

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