Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Harris Amphitheatre.
Balloons are not permitted within the amphitheatre.
Guests can bring banners but cannot attach stakes, rods, or other sharp objects. Please ensure that banners do not obstruct the view of others.
Portable air horns, stadium horns and megaphones are not permitted in the amphitheatre.
Guests will be asked to return non-permitted items to their vehicle before entering the amphitheatre.
No. Seating is first-come-first-served and there is usually ample seating for all guests.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Graham Athletics Center, where seating is limited. Each graduate will receive four entrance tickets. These tickets are to be used only in case of inclement weather and are not needed for the ceremony in the amphitheatre. You may reserve tickets on the ceremony’s PurplePass page. The password to access your tickets is Commencement 2025. You will be required to use your student email (@poets.whittier.edu) and enter your Student ID when prompted. Your tickets will be delivered to your email. It is recommended that you print these tickets and distribute them to your guests, but your guests will also be able to present them electronically.
The academic procession of graduating students, faculty, College officers, and members of the Board of Trustees will begin promptly at 9:55 a.m. Students should plan to be in the Science & Learning Center lobby no later than 9:15 a.m. Guests are advised to arrive no later than 9:30 p.m. as well, and earlier is better.
Guests are not allowed onto the stage area or in the aisles during the ceremony to take photos of graduates. Professional photographers will be on hand to photograph every graduate.
General Commencement Day parking will be available in the Campus Center, Science & Learning Center, College Hall and designated areas in the Amphitheatre parking lots. Additionally parking lots on the north side of the campus on Philadelphia Street will also be available for parking. Campus Safety officers will direct guests and traffic before, during, and after the ceremony. Due to space limitations, motor homes and limousines will not be allowed to park on campus. Carpooling is strongly recommended.
Limited reserved parking for graduates and guests who have impaired mobility will be available in the paved lot adjacent to the Harris Amphitheatre. In addition, limited seating will be available for those guests in wheelchairs. For all guests requiring parking and/or seating accommodations, please contact Jessica Aparicio at japarici@whittier.edu or (562) 907-4211 (e-mail is preferred) to reserve seats and/or parking space by April 7. This date is firm; no exceptions. Seats must be reserved in advance.
