All SU locations will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Classes scheduled to begin before that time will be held virtually. Child Care Center opens at 9 a.m. Faculty/staff are permitted to bring their children to work if necessary. Supervisors/faculty should provide flexibility for those who may have difficulty getting to work/class.

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Guest Information

Parking & Directions

  • Location: James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center (Wilkins AEC).
  • Time: Doors open at 8:00 am. The ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 am. Shuttles begin at 7:45 am.
  • General Guest Parking (FREE):
    • Location: Main campus (1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601).
    • Access: Enter via Millwood Avenue.
    • Shuttle Service: Strongly encouraged due to expected traffic and a 20-minute walk time.
  • ADA Accessible Parking:
    • Location: Wilkins AEC.
    • Access: Enter at Tulane Drive and Route 50 (across from Delco Plaza).
    • Requirement: Must have a DMV-issued accessible license plate or placard.

Traffic Alert: Expect delays; plan to arrive early. Thru traffic is prohibited on Tulane Drive and Ralph Shockey Drive. Parking in adjacent residential areas is strictly prohibited (vehicles will be towed).

General Admission & Seating

  • Tickets: Required for all guests. Tickets are free and distributed to the graduating students. Tickets are not sold.
  • Special Accommodations Seating:
    • Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Inform the ticket-scanning staff member that you require accommodation seating.
    • Your party is allowed to sit with you.
    • Guests requiring wheelchairs are encouraged to bring their own, as SU has a limited number available for loan.

Security & Prohibited Items

  • Security Screening: All persons (guests, graduates, etc.) are subject to bag checks and screening with a handheld metal detector. Remove all pocket items before screening.
  • Clear Bag Policy:Only clear bags are permitted to expedite entry.
    • Size limit: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag).

Exception: Small clutch-style bags (max 10″ x 6″). Medical exceptions require prior contact with Campus Safety (safety@su.edu).

  • Prohibited Items:
    • Aerosols to include silly string
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Animals other than service/ guide dogs
    • Bicycles
    • Balloons
    • Coolers or containers
    • Drinks or bottles (water will be available for free in the building)
    • Outside Food (refreshments will be available for sale at the concession stand)
    • Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
    • Fireworks or explosives
    • Folding chairs
    • Glass, thermal, or metal containers
    • Hoverboards/skateboards
    • Illegal drugs
    • Illegal weapons including concealed weapons are prohibited on the campus
    • Laser pointers
    • Packages
    • Structures
    • Supports for signs, placards, balloons
    • Toy guns
    • Any other item determined to be a potential hazard by the University
  • Allowable Items*:
    • Binoculars
    • Cameras
    • Cellphones
    • Seat cushions
    • Diaper Bags
    • Strollers/wheelchairs/mobility scooters
    • Baby bottles and other items that are needed for your child

*These items are allowable as long as they do not fall under our prohibited items list. Be prepared to have additional security checks on these items when proceeding through security.

Photography

  • Official Photographer: GradImages™ will take professional photos as graduates cross the stage.
  • Preregistration: Graduates are encouraged to preregister: http://www.gradimages.com/Register.cfm

Contact: www.gradimages.com or 1-800-628-4509.

Guest Etiquette

  • Mobile Devices: Silence all cell phones and devices upon entry. Refrain from usage during the ceremony.
  • Animals: Only service animals are permitted.
  • Smoking: Prohibited inside all university buildings and within 30 feet of any entrance/window (includes vaping).

Movement: Do not block aisles, entrances, or exits. Guests may take photos from their seats, but are not permitted to enter the graduate seating area or obstruct walking paths.

Lost & Found

  • During the Event: Notify a staff member on-site.
  • After the Event (Wilkins AEC): Submit a claim online via the Thanks Boomerang page: visit our Thanks Boomerang page.

Claiming Items: Must present a photo ID and provide a valid email/full name. Unclaimed items will be donated or destroyed after 30 days.