Information for Families and Guests

General Seating

Admittance to the ceremony is by general admission; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduates are allowed up to six guests each. No saving of seats is allowed. All guests are asked to follow the directives of ushers and security staff. All persons must stay within the roped areas to allow the best visibility for everyone. Please do not block the view of others by standing on chairs or in the aisles.

 

Tickets

Each graduating student is eligible to reserve up to six (6) tickets to their ceremony. 

• Tickets must be reserved by the graduate through the Hometown Ticketing system using the graduates CWID as the “passcode.”

Guests cannot reserve their own tickets and should contact their graduate who can distribute tickets by:  

• Forwarding the confirmation email to guests.
• Screenshotting and texting ticket image from confirmation email. 
• Printing individual tickets from the confirmation email and distribute to guests.
• Downloading the Hometown Fan app, linking your email to the app, and transferring tickets via text from the app.

The University will also provide indoor locations around campus that will stream the event for guests who do not have a ticket or for guests who would like to sit inside to view and join their graduate after the ceremony. Indoor viewing locations include McCann Center, Donnelly Hall, Murray Student Center, and Dyson Center. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing areas.

Parking Information

For parking locations, please see the campus map.

 

Guests in Need of Accommodation

There will be a designated seating section for guests in need of accommodations. Graduating students may request up to two seats through the Hometown Tickets system. The ceremony will be interpreted in sign language for the hearing impaired. For more information on accessibility, click here. 

 

Photography

Professional photographers from Island Photography (www.islandphoto.com) will photograph all graduates as they both cross and exit the stage. Families can receive Commencement Ceremony proofs quickly and seamlessly when their graduates complete the Selfie Check-In with Island Photography. Click here for more details on how to complete the selfie check-in,  add emails for sharing with family, and confirm contact details.

Due to the large number of people attending Commencement, it is necessary to restrict access to the platform and the graduates’ seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or video. 

 

Flowers

Flowers and commencement gifts will be available for purchase in the Commencement Courtyard on the quad next to Marian Hall. 

 

Area Accommodations

For information about Hudson Valley hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants, please click on the links.

 

Alcohol Policy

Marist Commencements are alcohol and drug-free environments.