General Commencement Questions (FAQ) - Page

General Commencement Questions

All guests must follow the CLEAR BAG policy. Bags must be CLEAR plastic and cannot exceed 12" X 6" X 12". Small clutch purse is allowed (which does not need to be clear) no larger than 4 1/2" x 6 1/2". Logo size on the clear bag cannot be larger than 4.5" X 3.4".

The following list of prohibited items was established to protect the safety and best interests of Auburn University students, employees, and guests.

  • Weapons (including pocket knives)

  • Pets (registered service animals are permitted)

  • Artificial noisemakers

  • Non-clear bags that exceed 4.5" x 6.5"

  • Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12"

  • Open food/beverages (water bottles must be sealed)

  • Camera bags

  • Cameras with lenses over 4 inches

  • Selfie Sticks

  • Shakers

  • Signs, posters, and fat heads

  • Any items that inhibit the view of other guests

  • Hover boards, scooters and skateboards

  • Balloons

Please see the schedule for commencement ceremony times.

Doors open 90 minutes before the ceremonies start. See schedule for times.

Yes, visit our Ticketing Guidelines.

Yes, it varies by semester.

The duration of each ceremony is dependent on the number of graduates who participate.

No, tailgating is not permitted.

Yes, concessions are available for purchase.

Yes, programs and buttons are provided at the main entrances to Neville Arena.

Yes, professional photographers take photos of graduates as they cross the stage. Photos are available for download two weeks following commencement at GradImages.com.

No, guests are not permitted to reserve seating prior to or during ceremonies. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, a limited number of accessible seating is available in Neville Arena on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are asked to ensure accessible seats are available to those who need them.

Flash photography is permitted. Phones and cameras are allowed.

Yes, students with family members who cannot attend the commencement ceremony can live stream video of the ceremony at https://www.auburn.edu/graduationlive. The stream begins approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony begins.

Only students currently enrolled may submit a request to participate in the commencement ceremony during the summer or fall semester following the conferral of their degree. No students graduating in the summer or fall semesters are permitted to participate in spring commencement. Graduates from prior years are not permitted to participate in current or future commencement ceremonies.