When and where is Commencement?
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 4 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.
What items are prohibited in the Stadium?
-
Balloons are not permitted within the stadium.
-
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 stadium.
-
Guests will be asked to return non-permitted items to their vehicle before entering the stadium.
Will I need tickets for Commencement?
No. Seating is first-come-first-served and there is usually ample seating for all guests.
What happens if it rains?
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 stadium. 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.
What time do I need to be there?
The academic procession of graduating students, faculty, College officers, and members of the Board of Trustees will begin promptly at 3:55 p.m. Students should plan to be on the baseball field no later than 2:30 p.m. Guests are advised to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. as well, and earlier is better.
How can I get a picture of my graduate?
Guests are not allowed onto the field or in the aisles during the ceremony to take photos of graduates. Professional photographers will be on hand to photograph every graduate.
Where can I park?
General Commencement Day parking will be available in the Campus Center, Science & Learning Center, and Amphitheater parking lots. Parking in the Athletic Center and Memorial Stadium will be reserved for individuals with mobility issues and will not be open to the general public. 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.
How do I request ADA Accommodations for myself or my guest(s)?
Reserved parking for graduates and guests who have impaired mobility will be available in the paved lot adjacent to the stadium. In addition, seating will be available on the track floor near the graduates for guests in wheelchairs and reserved seating in the first few rows of the stadium for guests with impaired mobility. 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 Friday, April 18.
