Commencement

TICKETS: Graduates will be issued up to 13 guest tickets – admission is for the graduate, plus twelve guests. In order to redeem these tickets, graduates will need to confirm their participation in the ceremony using the web form provided on this page. Forms must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. Graduates will receive their tickets via email to their TigerMail account, once grades have been finalized, and their eligibility for participation has been confirmed.  

APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR GRADUATES: Students will need to be sure they have the appropriate ETBU-issued navy blue regalia for the ceremony, and should come dressed in business casual attire underneath. Men will be required to wear slacks with white button-down dress shirts; no jeans or shorts will be allowed. The dress code also includes dress shoes, so no tennis shoes, boat shoes, converse, crocs, or flip flops will be permitted. For students wishing to decorate their cap, all decorations must be flat and only cover the flat top part of the cap. Nothing should be protruding from or hanging off of anyone’s cap. Students will be asked to remove any decorations that are deemed inappropriate or do not follow these guidelines. Also, only ETBU-issued cords and stoles will be permitted to be worn during the ceremony. Participants will be able to pick up graduate and honors hoods and honors medallions in Jenna Guest Music Building prior to the ceremony.

HEALTH SCREENING:  Graduates and guests should self-screen for any new or worsening symptoms of possible COVID-19.  

• Cough
• Shortness or breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills or repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle Pain
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
• Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19

ARRIVAL & PHOTOGRAPHS: Upon arrival, graduates will enter Jenna Guest Music Building for an opportunity to take their graduation photo prior to the ceremony. They will remain in the Mabee Recital Hall in Jenna Guest until it is time to line up for the processional.

ENTERING ROGERS SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER:  While graduates gather in Mabee, their guests can begin entering Rogers Spiritual Life Center and taking their seats. At the door, guests will be asked to display either a printed or electronic copy of their ticket. Tickets will allow entry into Rogers Spiritual Life Center one time. Should a guest need to exit the building, please see event staff for instructions. Seating will be open, and available on a first come first serve basis. There will be more than enough room to accommodate graduates and their ticketed guests. 

OVERFLOW SEATING: Guests without tickets are welcome to watch the ceremony from one of our overflow rooms, located in the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Standard guest seating will be available in Edwards Conference Room. Anderson will be set up to accommodate families with babies or young children. A live video and audio feed of the ceremony will be streamed in both rooms. 

WATCHING VIRTUALLY: Any family member or friend unable to attend the ceremony can watch streamed commencement services from the link on this webpage.

Will there be overflow rooms? Yes, any non-ticketed guests will be allowed admission into Edwards or Anderson overflow rooms to view the commencement ceremony via live stream. Any family member or friend unable to attend the ceremony can watch streamed commencement services from the link on this webpage.

What about handicapped access?  Individuals who need wheelchair-accessible seating should contact graduation@etbu.edu to make arrangements before May 1. A limited number of wheelchair-accessible seating locations are available.

Can we bring children to sit in our laps without a ticket? No. Everyone will require a ticket for entry.

Will there be a rehearsal? Yes, rehearsal will take place on Friday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Baker Chapel. Graduates will receive additional instructions about rehearsal via TigerMail.  

What If I plan to participate virtually, when will I get my diploma? Students who elect to participate virtually will receive their diploma by mail. Diplomas will be mailed the week following the ceremonies. The diplomas will be mailed in a shipping tube for their protection. If you would like one of the ETBU diploma covers, you will need to pick one up in the Registrar’s office.