What To Expect When You Walk | August Commencement

Inviting Guests

Tickets for August Commencement are required, but free. The ceremony also will be broadcast live online with captions at pacificu.edu/AugustGrad for guests who cannot attend in person.

Get Tickets

Weather

August Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine. There is limited shade under the trees, but no roof or cover. Please dress accordingly for weather. Check the weather on campus.

Rehearsals

There is no rehearsal for August Commencement. Check with your program for an opportunity to check with your college's reader to confirm pronunciation of your name.

Pre-Ceremony 

Graduating students, please arrive by 8 a.m. in your cap and gown to line up for the processional. Please carry your hoods; do not wear them. Graduating students will line up in the fire lane on the south side of the Washburne University Center. Map

What to Bring (or Leave Home)

There is not a secure location for graduating students to store personal effects during the ceremony. Please carry as little as possible. Students are encouraged to bring water bottles and their sunglasses. 

Photos 

A professional photographer will take a photo of each graduate after you receive your diploma cover. These portraits will be available for free download about a week following the ceremony. Guests may also take photos or video from their seats but will not be allowed to approach the stage or stand in aisles for photos during the ceremony. A university photographer also will be on site taking candid photos throughout the day. If you do not wish to be in these images, please step out of any shots when possible or contact marcom@contact.pacificu.edu after Commencement.

Hometown News

In the weeks following Commencement, news releases are sent to graduating students’ hometown newspapers announcing your graduation. If you do not wish to have a news release issued on your behalf, please contact Marketing & Communications at marcom@contact.pacificu.edu.