Commencement Parents and Guests

Important Reminders

Commencement will be held outdoors, regardless of weather. Please come prepared to be outdoors, rain or shine.
No tickets are required; and there are no limits on number of guests.
Please come prepared to walk up and down steep hills on campus.
Ride share services are not a reliable mode of transportation when leaving Waynesburg University. While these services are accessible in other areas such as Allegheny County and can transport you to Waynesburg University, there are not local drivers in Greene County for your return trip. If you are not planning to bring your own vehicle to Commencement, a rental may be the best option to ensure your departure from Waynesburg goes smoothly.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

10 A.M. - Graduates and faculty arrive at Marsh Center in Roberts Chapel for Baccalaureate Service; Guest seating opens at remote locations (GPAC, Alumni Hall)
10:30 a.m. - Doors open for limited guest seating in Roberts Chapel
11 A.M. - Baccalaureate Service in Roberts Chapel
11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. - Optional lunch available in Benedum Dining Hall; more information coming soon
12:30 P.M. - Guest seating begins for Commencement Service, Miller Hall Lawn
1 P.M. - Graduates report to the auxiliary gym for commencement procession line-up
2 P.M. - Commencement Service, Miller Hall Lawn

We know that watching your loved one graduate is an exciting time for both you and them. We hope the Q&A's below will help ensure this important milestone is celebrated with ease!

Do I need a ticket to attend Commencement?

Where are the alternate viewing sites?

guest Viewing Locations for the Baccalaureate Service

Limited guest seating in Roberts Chapel will be available. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

The Baccalaureate Service will be livestreamed, and these locations will be available for remote viewing and overflow seating:

Goodwin Performing Arts Center
Alumni Hall, located on the third floor of Miller Hall

Alternate viewing location for commencement

Seating is available in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse if guests prefer to watch the ceremony out of the weather on a screen.

We want to eat lunch on campus. What are our options?

All graduates, guests, and faculty/staff participants are welcome to celebrate at the Graduate’s Luncheon on the day of Commencement.

Location: Benedum Dining Hall

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Luncheon tickets must be presented at the door. Both paper and digital tickets will be accepted.

Please refer to the Commencement schedule, as these times do overlap slightly with other activities. There are a limited number of seats; tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional tickets may be available for purchase at the door for $12.

Pre-Sell Cost: $11

Buffet Menu:

Italian wrap
Turkey bacon club
Pasta salad
Homemade chips
Assorted cookies and brownies

Purchase tickets

What time should we arrive?

We recommend allowing additional time in your arrival schedule to allow for potential delays due to parking. Parking lots on campus are limited and fill up quickly.

The Baccalaureate service begins at 11 a.m. Limited guest seating in Roberts Chapel will be available. Doors to Roberts Chapel will open for guest seating at 10:30 a.m.

Doors to the alternate viewing sites will open for guest seating at 10 a.m.; guests will not be able to enter the viewing sites before this time.

Please plan to arrive early, as parking on campus is limited.

The Commencement service begins at 2 p.m. All guests should be seated before this time. Graduates are to arrive no later than 1 p.m. for procession line-up. Please plan to arrive early, as parking on campus is limited. Seating on the lawn will be available beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Where can we park?

The Commencement Map reflects the parking areas on and around the campus area which are available for Commencement Day parking. Please take special note of any lots which have restricted use. University staff and security members will be available both on campus and off campus to answer questions and give directions. Please feel free to stop and speak with these representatives for help.

We recommend allowing additional time in your arrival schedule to allow for potential delays due to parking. Parking lots on campus are limited and fill up quickly.

I need handicapped accessible parking and/or seating. What kind of accommodations are available?

Ushers will direct guests to the areas reserved for wheelchairs. The recommended wheelchair seating is located in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Limited handicap seating is available at other sites.

Security officers and staff will direct guests to the special handicapped visitor parking areas. Handicapped vehicle placards will be required in these lots.

Handicapped accessible restroom facilities are located in Hanna and Miller Halls, the Gymnasium, Benedum Dining Hall, Goodwin Performing Arts Center, Roberts Chapel and Stover Campus Center.