Graduation Guide: Guest Information

Doors will open one hour before each ceremony begins. Because we normally have back-to-back ceremonies, please be respectful of other guests arriving and leaving.

Location: University Field House,1804 Lee Street, Commerce TX 75428

Campus Map

Fall 2026 Commencement

Friday, December 11, 2026 – Graduate Ceremony 1

  • Time: 1 p.m.
  • Tickets Per Student: TBD
  • Colleges:
    • College of Business
    • College of Science and Engineering
  • Livestream Links:
    • All ceremonies will be live-streamed. The livestream will be shown in the Rayburn Student Center for additional guests (those without tickets) to view.
    • The live-stream link will be available the week of the ceremony.

Friday, December 11, 2026 – Graduate Ceremony 2

  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Tickets Per Student: TBD
  • Colleges:
    • College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
    • College of Education and Human Services
    • College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts
  • Livestream Links:
    • All ceremonies will be live-streamed. The livestream will be shown in the Rayburn Student Center for additional guests (those without tickets) to view.
    • The live-stream link will be available the week of the ceremony.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Undergraduate Ceremony 1

  • Time: TBD
  • Tickets Per Student: TBD
  • Colleges:
    • TBD
  • Livestream Links:
    • All ceremonies will be live-streamed. The livestream will be shown in the Rayburn Student Center for additional guests (those without tickets) to view.
    • The live-stream link will be available the week of the ceremony.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Undergraduate Ceremony 2

  • Time: TBD
  • Tickets Per Student: TBD
  • Colleges:
    • TBD
  • Livestream Links:
    • All ceremonies will be live-streamed. The livestream will be shown in the Rayburn Student Center for additional guests (those without tickets) to view.
    • The live-stream link will be available the week of the ceremony.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Undergraduate Ceremony 3

  • Time: TBD
  • Tickets Per Student: TBD
  • Colleges:
    • TBD
  • Livestream Links:
    • All ceremonies will be live-streamed. The livestream will be shown in the Rayburn Student Center for additional guests (those without tickets) to view.
    • The live-stream link will be available the week of the ceremony.

Parking

Parking permits are not required for this event. Guests and graduates who need accessible parking should use Lot 4, where proper vehicle identification will be required. All other guests and graduates may park in Lots 1, 2, 3, and 5. This lot should be accessed from Bois D'Arc Street. Shuttle buses are free of charge and will be rotating throughout the parking areas approximately every 15 minutes.

Guest Entrance

All guests must enter through the entrance on the right side of the Field House when facing the building, and it will be labeled.

Clear Bag Policy

A clear bag policy is a set of rules and regulations implemented by event organizers, sports facilities and other institutions that require attendees to use clear bags to bring in their belongings. The policy aims to prevent hazardous items from entering the venue and is common practice at most large events such as sporting events, concerts and graduations. This policy will be enforced at the door.

Permitted Bags

  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags. Measurements cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
  • Small wallet-sized clutches measuring up to 4.5″ x 6.5″.
  • Small bags for medicine
  • Diaper bags are permitted if accompanying a child.
Types of permitted bags and their measurements. Permitted bags include a clutch/wallet, diaper bag, one gallon clear plastic bag, and clear plasstic bag with a handle.

Prohibited Bags

  • Any other large or non-transparent items
  • Clear bags with buckles, hardware, or decorations that block visibility
  • Backpacks
  • Regular purses
  • Large totes

Exceptions may be made for medically-necessary items.

Types of prohibited bags, including backpacks, coolers, computer bags, large purses and tote bags.

Accessibility

The bottom two rows of bleachers are reserved for guests with disabilities. Representatives from the Student Disability Services office will be available to assist. We do not have a wheelchair to be used for seating during the ceremony or for transportation to and from vehicles.

Guest Decorum/Graduate Behavior

Commencement at East Texas A&M is a special tradition that celebrates your achievement with dignity and respect.

  • To keep the ceremony safe and meaningful for everyone, we ask that graduates walk across the stage without extra celebrations like dancing, jumping, or other activities that may cause disruptions.
  • Please also remind your guests to avoid using air horns, noisemakers, or anything that could cover up the next graduate's name as it's being read.

Your cooperation helps ensure that every Lion has their moment to be recognized and celebrated.

Concealed Carry

Please familiarize yourself with the concealed carry policy before your visit to campus.

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