As the class of 2022 embarks on their last semester of undergrad, UP has launched an updated website to help them navigate their in-person graduation — the first in-person commencement in three years.
In October, UP announced that there would be three different ceremonies to de-densify the Chiles Center. The ceremonies will take place from April 30-May 1.
Here’s what seniors — and their guests — should know before the big day(s).
Preparation
The University will send a link to a Commencement checklist via email where students can order their cap and gown, order tickets, fill out their name pronunciation and confirm other details for their ceremony. The form will be due on March 7, according to the website.
Students should also make sure to clear holds on their accounts, and settle financial accounts before graduation.
There will be a grad fair on Feb. 8 providing additional details on ordering caps and gowns, announcements, rings, tickets and other grad-related information. Seniors will also have the chance to have their portrait taken for the yearbook, and have a professional photographer take pictures in the Pop-Up Portrait Studio. It will be from 1-7 p.m. in the Quiet Side of the Commons.
Seniors can pick up their cap and gown on April 28 from 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or on April 29 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Guests can find information on parking and directions here. UP has also provided a page of hotels and places to stay, but cautions that these hotels may be temporarily closed, have safety modifications or updated cancellation policies because of COVID-19.
Many of the hotels listed are offering discounts for UP guests, according to the website.
Tickets and Seating
Graduates can order up to nine tickets, according to the website. Students will order the free tickets for their guests through the Commencement checklist form. All tickets will be emailed to students at their UP email the week of April 25.
Students can order special accommodation tickets through the form as well. There are wheelchair-access, limited mobility, communication access and Spanish language access tickets available to those who need them. Other accommodations not under these categories can be discussed at commencement@up.edu.
There will be general admission seating for the School of Nursing commencement and pinning ceremony on April 30. Seating will be assigned at the other commencement ceremonies.
Picture courtesy of the Commencement 2022 webpage.
Commencement Schedule
On April 30, the ROTC ceremony will be held in the Chiles Center at 10 a.m. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. This is the only ceremony where tickets are not required.
Later that day, at 1 p.m., the School of Nursing will have its commencement and pinning ceremony in Chiles. The doors will open at 12 p.m.
At 5 p.m., there will be a baccalaureate mass in Chiles open to everyone.
On May 1, the Pamplin School of Business and Shiley School of Engineering will have their commencement at 10 a.m. The doors will open at 9 a.m.
The College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education commencement will be at 2 p.m. later that day. The doors open at 1 p.m.
All events will also be livestreamed for those who cannot make it in-person. Diplomas will be mailed to each graduate after the ceremony, the website said.
Austin De Dios is the Editor-in-Chief of The Beacon. He can be reached at dedios22@up.edu.
