Frequently Asked
Questions
Some of our most asked questions are displayed below. If your question isn't covered here, please email commencement@udel.edu.
Commencement and Convocation
Commencement is the university-wide ceremony where the current graduating class is commemorated as a whole. The ceremony is presided over by President Assanis, and includes a keynote speaker and the presentation of honorary degrees.
Convocations at the University of Delaware are hosted by colleges or schools within the University. Student are individually recognized by having their name announced as they cross the stage during the ceremony. A full list of Convocations can be found HERE.
Commencement and Convocation programs are digital only and will be available online. Links to each program will be made available before each ceremony.
Yes, the digital program will be updated after the Commencement ceremony to include Latin Honors. Please note the Commencement ceremony takes place before final grades are due; therefore, Latin honors will not be available until final grades have been calculated.
Because ceremonies are taking place before final grades are due, we are unable to calculate honors to be read at the ceremonies. Honors will be listed in the updated digital Commencement Program after final grades have been calculated.
Arrival
Graduates should plan to arrive when gates/doors open for their ceremony and go directly to the designated graduate check-in area for each event location. Please check the scheduled times for gates to open for the ceremony you are attending. Schedule and details can be found here.
Please plan to arrive early. There may be delays with traffic or due to social distancing and health and safety protocols.
Graduates will enter through the general admission gates, pass through security check, show their ticket, and enter the field to take their seat. There will not be a processional of graduates into the stadium at Commencement.
Please plan to arrive early. There may be delays with traffic or due to social distancing and health and safety protocols.
Yes, there will be a live webcast of the Commencement ceremony. If you have family or friends unable to attend this year’s Commencement, they can view the ceremony live on the UD Live Website.
Delaware Stadium’s address is 625 South College Avenue, Newark DE. In case your GPS does not recognize that address, you can also use the latitude and longitude, which is 39.66, -75.75.
The Delaware Stadium and Bob Carpenter Center's newly updated Evolv Security System allows guests to enter the stadium and the BCC quickly and efficiently. Additional information about the entry process can be found HERE.
Tickets and Seating
Yes, graduates need tickets to enter the stadium.
Yes, all guests aged 3 and over need tickets. We offer complimentary admission to children two years of age or younger, provided they are accompanied by an adult. These children must sit in the lap of the accompanying adult and not occupy an additional seat. Children must be supervised at all times.
Unless otherwise noted, seating is general admission.
No, all tickets are free of charge.
The schedule to register tickets is forthcoming. A link will be provided on the Commencement website.
Yes, each eligible graduate is allotted 4 guest tickets for the Commencement ceremony on the morning of Saturday, May 25. The amount of guest tickets available for Convocations varies based on the venue capacity. Please check the convocation ceremony schedule.
No. Graduating students must reserve their guest tickets using their University of Delaware ID number and email.
All venues are ADA accessible. A regular ticket is required. Accessible seating may be requested when reserving tickets.
Parking
Parking is available for all Convocation and Commencement venues on campus. For additional information on parking, please refer to the Directions & Parking web page for information. There are several privately owned parking lots close to the stadium that are not UD property. Please do not park in these lots as the owners may tow you at your expense.
Tailgating is not permitted in any parking lot during commencement.
Health and Safety
The University of Delaware continues to take the necessary steps to help protect the health and safety of everyone in our community. For the latest information related to health and safety, please refer to the University of Delaware's COVID-19 Guidelines.
The Delaware Stadium and Bob Carpenter Center's newly updated Evolv Security System allows guests to enter the stadium and the BCC quickly and efficiently. Additional information about the entry process can be found HERE.
Security for Commencement
Security will be in place for the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Security personnel will be at each venue entrance and conduct a security screening. We reserve the right to deny admittance to any individual.
The following items are prohibited:
Bags/Backpacks
All bags smaller than 16" x 16" x 8" are permitted into the stadium. Backpacks are prohibited in Delaware Stadium. Bags and containers are subject to inspection by gate security prior to entering the facilities. Hard-sided coolers and bags with metal frames are not allowed.Umbrellas
Signs or banners of any size
Pets (except service animals)
Noisemaking devices (e.g., compressed air horns)
Mace or similar substances
Glitter or confetti
Pocket knives/multi-tools
Fireworks
Can openers
Weapons of any type
Disruptive behavior
Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by security staff
Guests are permitted to bring cameras; however, graduates are not. Cell phones are permitted for both groups.
The following items are permitted at Delaware Stadium:
ALL ATTENDEES
- Cameras
- Video recorders
- Uncased binoculars
- Seat cushions
- Cell phones and electronic mobile devices
GRADUATING STUDENTS
- Cell phones
- Photo ID
- Cap & gown
- Sunglasses
Concessions and free water will be available inside the stadium.
Security for College Convocations
For the comfort and safety of all, the following items are not permitted in Delaware Stadium:
- Noisemakers
- Bags/Backpacks
All bags smaller than 16" x 16" x 8" are permitted into the stadium. Backpacks are prohibited in Delaware Stadium. Bags and containers are subject to inspection by gate security prior to entering the facilities. Hard-sided coolers and bags with metal frames are not allowed. - Alcoholic Beverages
- Animals (except service animals)
- Coolers / ice chests / thermoses
- Footballs / Athletic Equipment
- Strollers
- Outside food or drink
- Open Containers
- Bottles / cans
- Weapons / firearms
- Umbrellas
- Backpacks
- Banner / Signs
Security personnel reserve the right to deny admittance to any individual and to prohibit items that may not be included on the above list.
Please note that smoking is not permitted anywhere on the University of Delaware campus.
There may be additional restrictions on the non-UD venues. Information is forthcoming.
Other Information
Each ceremony will last between 90-150 minutes.
Graduation ceremonies (Convocations and Commencement) are rain or shine events. In the event of extreme inclement weather (i.e. lightning, thunderstorms, etc.) the ceremonies will be truncated, or in extreme cases, canceled.
If a weather decision needs to be made, Graduates will be notified as soon as possible.
Each ceremony will be live streamed at udel.edu/udlive. However, an indoor location on campus will not be provided.
Volunteers and staff in and around each ceremony location will assist you with any questions.
Certified service animals or service animals in training are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.
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