FAQs

Doors will open for guests 2 hours prior to each ceremony.

Please refer to the Commencement Ceremony Schedule for more information on when ceremonies being.

Tickets are not required to attend the Commencement ceremonies. To ensure compliance with fire safety codes and to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees, we kindly ask that each graduate limit their guest count to no more than 12 guests, based on the venue’s maximum capacity of 7,000.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early!

Families are welcome to celebrate and bring supportive items for Commencement, but we do ask that all guests help us maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

Permitted Items

• Small signs or posters that do not obstruct the view of other guests
• Flowers and leis
• Small personal items for celebration photos
• Water Bottles
• Personal mobility/ADA support items
• Cameras and phones for photos

Items Not Permitted

• Air horns, whistles, megaphones, or other noise-makers
• Confetti, glitter, poppers, balloons, or streamers
• Large signs, banners, umbrellas, or decorations that obstruct views
• Open flames, candles, or sparklers
• Outside large coolers or excessive food setups inside ceremony seating areas
• Drones or unauthorized professional photography equipment
• Alcohol or illegal substances
• Weapons of any kind
• Pets (Registered service animals are welcome)
• Anything that may create a safety hazard or disrupt the ceremony

We kindly ask all guests to be mindful of those around them so every graduate and family can fully enjoy the ceremony. Excessive disruptions or items blocking views may be asked to be removed by event staff.

Please know that parking is very limited on campus and is first-come, first-served. Carpooling is highly encouraged when driving to campus.

Saint Mary’s will have parking management staff on campus to assist with parking ; please follow the signs and their guidance. Guests will enter campus and be directed to the right; parking lots in the front of campus will be filled first, moving to the back of campus. Overflow parking will be in the fields at the front of campus.

Accessible parking is available, with designated spaces for guests with mobility needs. For those who may have difficulty walking longer distances, golf carts will be available to transport guests from parking areas to the Commencement ceremony in SMC Stadium. 

Accessible Parking is available to any vehicle with an ADA placard; please have it ready when entering designated ADA lots. There are additional parking lots designated for ADA parking, in addition to the existing ADA parking spaces on campus. 

• Soda Activity Center Upper and Lower lots, St. Joseph’s Hall lot, Museum lot and Benilde/Gravel Lot

Please visit the Commencement Map for details.

Yes, commencement will be live-streamed! Visit the Saint Mary's College of California YouTube on the day of the event, and you’ll see it on the "Live" page.

Yes. Guests who need an ASL interpreter should email commencement@stmarys-ca.edu at least 5-7 days before the ceremony. Real-time closed captions will also be available on your phone via QR code.

Closed captions in will be available in both English and Spanish.

No. Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted on campus during Commencement. For the safety of your pet and all guests, please leave your pet at home.

Reference the Ceremony schedule for timing. Each ceremony lasts approximately 90 – 120 minutes. Out of respect for all graduates and their guests, attendees are kindly asked to remain for the duration of the event. Please allow for 60 minutes to exit campus.

Yes, Campus Concessions will be setup in the Vendor Zone at the Arnaudon Family Courtyard, in front of the University Credit Union Pavilion. 
Thursday: 4:00 - 7:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Times are subject to change.