7 things your family needs to know about Commencement Weekend
Are you planning to graduate? If so, here’s some information you’ll want to share with your family members as they plan their trip to Stanford.
Stanford’s 128th Commencement will take place Sunday, June 16, at Stanford Stadium. Thousands of guests are expected to visit campus to celebrate their graduates. Here are a few things they need to know as they plan their trip.
Only clear bags are allowed in the stadium.
Your family and friends can only bring approved clear bags into Commencement on Sunday. There will be a bag check station at Cobb Track/Angell Field for bags that don’t pass the clear bag policy. Also, clear bags will be distributed at Guest Services tents near the parking lots and outside of the gates at the stadium. The Stanford Bookstore and Athletics Shop will also sell clear bags before and during Commencement Weekend. Or, guests can use a one-gallon clear Ziploc bag.
They don’t need a ticket to enter the stadium.
There is plenty of room for everyone in Stanford Stadium for the Commencement ceremonies, so no one needs a ticket. There may be a need for tickets, however, for your diploma ceremony, which is held right after Commencement. Check with your department about whether your ceremony requires a ticket.
Parking is available, but challenging during Commencement Weekend.
Parking for the Baccalaureate ceremony on Saturday will be available on the streets that intersect Palm Drive and in many visitor lots throughout campus. Parking for Commencement on Sunday will be available in the parking lots surrounding the stadium.
Diploma ceremony sites may be located some distance from the stadium. After Commencement, there will be limited shuttle service between the Commencement parking area and locations along Serra Mall that are likely closer to the diploma ceremonies.
If your family includes someone with mobility issues, plan in advance.
As you know, our campus is big. Commencement Weekend events are spread out and driving to and from events will be very difficult. Walking is the best way to get around. So, if a member of your family has mobility concerns, we strongly, strongly encourage your family to plan in advance by visiting the Disability Resources page. The deadline to submit requests for disability-related accommodations is May 31. Even if they don’t have mobility issues, encourage your family members to wear comfortable shoes.
It can get hot at Commencement, but there is an air-conditioned, indoor alternative.
The Commencement audience will be seated facing the sun. Temperatures can climb into the 80s and 90s, so please urge your family to dress in comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Bottled water, as well as multiple water refill stations, will be available at the stadium. Unfortunately, umbrellas are not allowed. Maples Pavilion will be used as an indoor, air-conditioned location with live streaming of the event so that those having difficulties with the sun and heat can find relief. No tickets are required there. The space will be available on a first-come/first-served basis, but there will be plenty of seats, including for guests with disabilities.
If your family hasn’t made travel arrangements, they should do so soon.
They should especially consider making hotel reservations as soon as possible. There are limited hotel accommodations in and around Palo Alto. They can visit the lodging page for ideas about where to stay. The Commencement web pages include suggestions for how to get to campus, where to eat on campus and where to park.
What if it rains?
Commencement is scheduled to occur rain or shine. In the unlikely event of severe inclement weather, Stanford will post information on the Commencement Weekend homepage. Information will also be available on the university homepage and via KZSU (90.1 FM).