Undergraduate FAQ

Yes! All high ceremonies will be recorded for livestreaming purposes. Livestream links will be posted on the Commencement homepage as we get closer to the event. You will be able to watch recordings of the livestreams later on our livestreaming page, but the links may not be available until a week or so after the ceremonies. Note: No other videographers are allowed on the arena floor or in any aisle in the stands.

Graduate Hooding ceremonies will not be livestreamed or recorded. 

SPU will continue to use the regalia designed new for last year for Commencement 2024. As part of every undergraduate’s regalia package, a specially designed SPU stole will be part of your regalia package. Additionally, Josten's has a broad selection of affinity stoles available for purchase.

Have questions about tassel colors? Visit our Degree Types and Tassel Colors page.

There are many hotels in the area, in close proximity to SPU.

Will there be any retail options open on Friday, June 7?

The SPU Bookstore will also be open 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. on Friday.. 

Ivy Cutting is an outdoor ceremony. What happens if it rains that day?

We have a rain plan in place. It will go into effect if there is a forecast for severe weather, including heavy rain and/or thunder and lightning. Students will receive a notification if the rain plan is put into action.

Ivy Cutting

Is there ADA seating available in Tiffany Loop, for Ivy Cutting?

If you have a guest in a wheelchair or who needs a seat close to the sidewalk, please contact graduationinfo@spu.edu. We can make arrangements for a few companion seats as well.

ADA Drop-Off

We recommend pulling into the Ross parking lot, directly across 3^rd Ave. W. from Tiffany Loop, to drop off your guests before parking your car.

Commencement at T-Mobile Park

I have guests who have difficulty with mobility. Where is the best place to drop them off in front of the T-Mobile Park?

There will be limited availability for ADA guests only to be dropped off on the east side of 1st Ave. S. right in front of the Home Plate Entrance. Volunteers will be on hand to direct and assist ADA guests to special elevators and ADA seats. Guest Parking is available in the Mariners Parking Garage and at numerous surrounding locations near the ballpark. The Mariners Parking Garage can accommodate vehicles height of 7' or less.

Parking spaces - Only vehicles with state-issued disabled parking plates or permits are allowed in these areas. For more information, visit Mariners.com/Parking. 

Is there ADA seating available at T-Mobile Park?

For guests using a wheelchair or walker, ADA seating (with one companion seat) is available. Graduates must make requests for accessible guest seating by contacting graduationinfo@spu.edu.Please ask one of our volunteers for assistance upon arrival. 

Please ask a staff member for direction upon arrival at Commencement.

I have a guest with a hearing impairment. Will there be sign language interpretation or captioning?

Yes. There will be sign language interpretation at both Ivy Cutting and the Commencement ceremony. If you have a guest that needs to be seated close to an interpreter, please contact graduationinfo@spu.edu. For the ceremony at T-Mobile Park, assisted listening devices that transmit ballpark audio are available for guests with hearing or visual impairments for complimentary use during games. Please stop by the Main Guest Service Center at Section 128 to pick up the devices or for more information.

Will outside food be permitted in T-Mobile Park?

Outside food is permitted in single-serving sizes. Sealed, clear plastic water bottles up to 32oz, baby bottles, beverages related to medical needs, and unopened, soft-sided single serve containers like juice boxes are permitted. Soda, coffee or other beverages are not allowed. Guests may also bring in one empty plastic reusable bottle 32 ounces or smaller. These items will be subject to a security check. Only clear bags can be brought into T-Mobile Park. 

Is there a place to buy flowers or leis?

There is no official flower vendor, but frequently there is someone selling flowers and leis outside of the arena. To be safe, we recommend purchasing flowers in advance, before you come to the arena.

Are balloons allowed in T-Mobile Park?

Unfortunately, no. All guests entering the arena will be subject to a security check at the main entrances. Balloons, beach balls, inflatable items, and wrapped packages are not allowed inside the arena.

What shall I do with my purse or personal belongings during the ceremonies?

There is no place to lock up, secure, or leave personal items and purses during either of the ceremonies. You must either leave items with one of your guests or carry them with you. Cell phones are handy, so you can let your guests know where to find you in the processional. T-Mobile Park has implemented a clear bag policy for all events.

• Clear plastic or vinyl bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. One gallon clear plastic zip-top bags are also allowed.
• Security must be able to see inside and identify items to the bottom of the bag. Items may not be used to obscure the view of bag contents, including but not limited to non-clear bags, pouches, etc. Bags with interior contents obscured from view are not allowed.
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted. (Bags do not have to be clear plastic or vinyl.)
• Backpacks, multi-compartment bags, duffle bags and purses larger than 4.5"x6.5" are not permitted. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items or single compartment diaper bags (child must be present).

Grad Images is the official photography company for Commencement. They will take a photograph of each graduate receiving a diploma, and graduates will receive a proof in the mail shortly after the ceremony. You can contact the company at 1-800-628-4509, or by visiting gradimages.com. No other photographers are allowed on the arena floor or in any aisle in the stands.

Yes! 2024 Commencement is for all students who are completing their degree in 2024, including in Summer and Autumn of 2024.

Diploma covers, without diplomas, are distributed at Commencement. You will receive your diploma once all requirements are completed, your grades have been posted for your degree, and all financial obligations to the University (i.e. fines) are met. Spring Quarter graduates should receive diplomas by mid-September and summer graduates by mid-December.

SPU plans to follow applicable legal requirements for COVID-19 during Commencement weekend. It is our understanding that the applicable rules do not require masks, proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test at this time. However, people are welcome to wear a mask if they wish. Also, if the rules change, or if T-Mobile Park adds any requirements that are specific for the venue, we will follow those updated requirements.