Commencement: Important reminders for graduates and guests
By Christopher Goodson, Emergency Management Coordinator, Guest Writer
Commencement at Governors State University (GovState) is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of academic achievement and a rite of passage. To help everything run smoothly, it is important for both graduates and attendees to understand the expectations and guidelines.
Do’s: How to make the most of the day
1. Arrive early
Graduates:
Saturday, May 17
- Morning ceremony (College of Education and Human Development & College of Health and Human Services):
- Arrival Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. | Ceremony Begins: 10:00 a.m.
- Afternoon ceremony (College of Arts and Sciences & College of Business):
- Arrival Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Ceremony Begins: 4:00 p.m.
Late arrivals will not be allowed to walk or participate in the procession.
Guests:
- Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for the morning ceremony and 3:00 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony.
- Seating is first-come, first-served.
- No reentry allowed.
2. Claim and bring your tickets
Graduates:
- You do not need a ticket to participate.
- You must register for the ceremony and claim your guest tickets through the Tassel platform.
- Each graduate may claim up to five guest tickets.
Guests:
- Every guest, including children 2 years and older, must have a ticket to be seated.
- Infants under 2 years may sit on a lap without a ticket.
- Each ticket has a unique barcode. Only the first scanned copy will be honored.
3. Dress for the occasion
Graduates:
- Make sure your regalia (cap and gown) is wrinkle-free and worn correctly.
- Remove your regalia from its packaging early and follow the wearing instructions.
- Approved cords and stoles may be worn, including those celebrating ethnic identity or country of origin.
Guests:
- Dress comfortably, but respectfully. Commencement is a formal event.
4. Know where to park
- Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged. Shuttle buses run to and from remote locations two and three below:
- Free shuttle service will run from:
- Tinley Park Convention Center — 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park
- Central Middle School — 18146 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
- 80th Ave Metra Station — 7760 Timber Dr., Tinley Park
Important: Do not park at LA Fitness. Towing and ticketing will be enforced.
5. Use family-friendly services
- Stroller check-in is available in the West Lobby (strollers are not allowed inside the seating area).
- A family-friendly seating area with monitors is available for guests with small children.
6. Keep your items safe
Graduates:
- Leave valuables (purses, phones, wallets) with family or friends.
- Robing rooms will not be monitored during the ceremony.
- The venue is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Don’ts: Things to avoid
1. Don’t arrive late
- Graduates who arrive late will not be allowed to participate.
- Ceremony doors will close five minutes before each ceremony starts.
- Guests arriving late may have to wait for an appropriate break in the program to be seated.
2. Don’t bring prohibited items
- The following are not allowed inside the Convention Center:
- Backpacks
- Balloons
- Noisemakers, air horns, megaphones
- Large gifts
- Weapons
- Strollers (inside the seating area)
Guests with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their cars.
3. Don’t save seats
- Saving seats for others is not permitted.
- Groups should arrive together to ensure seating nearby.
4. Don’t leave items behind
Graduates:
- Personal belongings left in the robing room will not be monitored.
- Please leave anything valuable with your guests.
5. Don’t gather inside after the ceremony
- Please exit the building promptly after your ceremony.
- Gathering in the lobby or in front of the Convention Center is not permitted.
- Meet up with family and friends outside in the parking lot after the event.
Let’s celebrate the right way!
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll help make Commencement a smooth, respectful, and memorable celebration for everyone. Congratulations, graduates! We can't wait to celebrate with you!