Commencement is a time to celebrate your hard work, determination, and achievements with the people who supported you along the way. As we prepare to honor this moment, we ask for your help in ensuring that every ceremony remains safe, smooth, and respectful for all in attendance. Please review the following important reminders and share them with your guests ahead of time.
Arrival Information
- Graduates should arrive at Dods Gym one hour prior to the start of their ceremony for check-in. Be sure to bring your cap, gown, tassel, and hood (for Master’s candidates).
- Students are encouraged to park in Lot 9 (near University Stadium) parking lot map.
- All guests must have a ticket to enter Steele Hall Fieldhouse — this includes infants. Please coordinate with your guests to hand off tickets before the ceremony begins.
- The doors to the Steele Hall Fieldhouse open for guests at 8:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony, and open again at 1:30 p.m. for the 3 p.m. ceremony.
- Plan a designated meeting spot with your guests for after the ceremony (suggested: Dods Grove or another nearby location).
- The ceremonies will be livestreamed, so family and friends who cannot attend in person can still watch. The livestream link will be posted at the top of our website homepage the morning of May 17.
- Each ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
- Please dress for the weather and remind your guests to do the same. The fieldhouse is not air-conditioned and may become warm on sunny days.
Prohibited Items
To maintain a secure and uninterrupted environment, the following items are not permitted inside the venue. This list is not exhaustive —similar items may also be restricted. Please leave these items at home or in your vehicle:
- Coolers, thermoses, or outside drink containers/beverages (including alcohol). Bottled water IS permitted.
- Outside food
- Video cameras, tripods, large detachable lenses (over 6”), selfie sticks
- Weapons of any kind (displayed or concealed)
- Aerosol and spray cans, mace or pepper spray
- Laser pointers, strobe lights, artificial noisemakers, foam darts
- Fireworks, explosives, inflatables (e.g., beach balls)
- Banners or posters
- Rollerblades, skateboards
- Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Masks (excluding health/safety masks)
- Drones
- Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on site
NOTE: Please contact the Commencement Chair for any requests for a reasonable accommodation for students or guests, including, but not limited to, any request to bring an emotional support animal at Commencement@fredonia.edu or (716) 673-3143. The deadline for requests is Wednesday, May 14th at 3 p.m.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in observing these guidelines. Together, we can create a respectful and memorable Commencement for every graduate and guest. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!