Know Before You Go

Subject: Undergraduate Commencement - Know Before You Go

Date Sent: Monday, June 9

Dear Class of 2025,

We are excited to celebrate your achievements at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony! Please read this email carefully for important ceremony details and reminders. 

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Student Check-In Time: 9:30 a.m.
Ceremony Start Time: 11:00 a.m.
Expected Duration: 3 hours
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, 334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Transportation and Parking

Navigate to our Transportation and Parking webpage to read more about complimentary parking on campus, parking and drop-off zones at the Climate Pledge Arena, and the schedule for the shuttle service offered to graduates, their guests, and staff supporting the event. 

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Graduates are asked to only bring their smartphone with them, as there will be no place to store personal items during the ceremony.

View below the full lists of permitted and prohibited items for guests, per Climate Pledge Arena policy. 

Note: Outside food or drink are NOT allowed in the Climate Pledge Arena. Climate Pledge Arena is a cashless facility, featuring Amazon One and JWO (Just Walk Out) technology. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards are accepted. For convenience, Climate Pledge Arena will have Just Walk Out (JWO) stores with snacks and drinks for guests.

Bag Policy

• Bag Policy: Clutches must be 4″w x 6″h x 1.5″d or smaller. Bags above this size MUST BE CLEAR and no larger than 14″w x 14″h x 6″d, 2 pockets maximum. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items and diaper bags. 

Permitted Items 

• Binoculars: Binocular cases must be no larger than 4″w x 6″h x 1.5″d
• Blankets or seating cushions permitted as long as they go through security screening
• Booster seats
• Cameras: Personal and professional cameras will be allowed in the arena but must pass through the x-ray scanner at the security checkpoint upon entry.
• Flowers: Flowers are permitted, but no glass vases will be allowed in the arena.
• Gifts: Gifts are allowed in the arena so long as they are unwrapped and are not a prohibited item (see list below).
• Portable phone chargers are allowed in for phone use. They are not allowed in if they are going to power another item (ex: LED costume lights)
• Poster Tubes: Made of cardboard are permitted but subject to security screening. Please reference the event detail place as some tours may prohibit the entry of poster tubes
• Sign Policy: Signs no larger than 24″x36″ – For events that allow signs, signs must be handheld, holdable by one person, and may not obstruct the view of other guests.  Poles, sticks, or any apparatus to display signs are prohibited, and there may not be any items attached to the sign
• Strollers: If a stroller is unable to fit collapsed under your seat it must be checked in at a Guest Services Information Desk
• Umbrellas
• Water Bottles: Reusable (non-glass) water bottles are permitted. Bottles must be no larger than 32 oz and empty upon entry, including ice

Prohibited Items: The following items are prohibited for use, possession, display, or distribution at, on, or within Climate Pledge Arena:

• Animals unless a service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act
• Bags, packs, and luggage that are not in compliance with the Bag Policy (please see the bag policy listed above for more information)
• Balloons: Balloons are prohibited inside the Climate Pledge Arena. Any guests that arrive with balloons will be instructed to tie them onto bike rack set outside of the entrances. It is not ideal to show up with balloons and no one from the arena will be responsible for ensuring they don't fly away/get stolen.
• Chains of any kind (including wallet chains), spiked jewelry, or spiked apparel items
• Containers outside of our water bottle policy, including glass containers, cans, water bladders etc.
• Drones or other model aircrafts
• Explosives, including fireworks
• Frisbees, beach balls, inflatables, balloons or other projectiles
• Giveaway items that do not fit within our permitted items policy will be prohibited at future events
• Glass bottles or cans of any kind, shape, or size, regardless if empty or full.
• Hazardous items including fuels, torches, chemicals, batteries used to power prohibited items, or aerosols
• Laptops, iPads, and tablets
• Laser pointing devices, flashlights, or similar devices
• Noisemaking devices of any kind including whistles, air horns, vuvuzelas, and cow bells
• Outside alcohol, food, and beverage
• Poster tubes made of any material other than cardboard
• Sealed packages of any kind
• Selfie sticks or telescopic devices, including tripods or camera poles
• Signs: Items intended to create optical distraction or illusion including flags, banners, or signs larger than 24″x36″
• Skateboards, Roller Shoes, One Wheels, Segways, and helmets
• Tools, razor blades, scissors, knitting needles or other sewing/knitting equipment
• Weapons: including but not limited to actual, toy, or replica:
  • Guns, firearms, firearm components/parts, ammunition and/or gun powder
  • Knives of any size, brass knuckles, black jacks, or kubatons
  • Martial arts weapons, night sticks, nunchucks, billy clubs, bats, stunguns/tasers, self-defense sprays, mace, pepper spray, sticks, or poles

Any other item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Climate Pledge Arena and its league affiliates, in their sole discretion.

Student Check-In

Doors open for graduates to check in between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. All students must enter at the Climate Pledge Arena loading dock at 1st Ave N and John St. 

The loading dock is located a block away from the arena. Look for Rudy the Redhawk waving you in. Climate Pledge Arena security protocol requires that you be screened prior to entry.

*Red star is the shuttle pick-up/drop off location. More information on the Shuttle Service can be found here. 

 
Loading Dock Entrance

Stage Pass

A Stage Pass is required for crossing the stage at Commencement. Think of it as your boarding pass for commencement. This is the mechanism that will display your name on the screen and play an audio recording of your name as you walk across the stage. Take a screenshot of the QR code, bring it up on your phone, or add it to your digital wallet before approaching the stage. The QR code must be clearly visible so that it may be scanned as you approach the stage.

A printed backup of your Stage Pass may be obtained if you encounter any issues. On the day of the event, see a Seattle University staff member in your college or school's check-in section in the loading dock.

Note: Students who were added to the ceremony portal late have received alternative instructions, since they will not have a stage pass.

Regalia and Attire

All students participating in the ceremony must be dressed in regalia (cap, gown, honors hood [if applicable], and tassel). Watch this video to learn to wear your regalia correctly. 

We encourage you to:

• Take your gown out of the bag and iron/steam out the folds ahead of time so you will look your best!
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring nothing more than your smartphone in with you. Climate Pledge Arena will not allow graduates to bring bags. 

If you have not yet obtained your regalia, do so by visiting the SU Campus Store immediately. Quantities are limited. Review the Campus Store's hours of operation before stopping by. This will be your final opportunity to purchase regalia. NO regalia will be available at the ceremony.

Guest Tickets

Ceremony

Post-Ceremony

Subject: Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Guest Information

Date Sent: Thursday, June 12

Subject: Graduate Commencement - Know Before You Go

Date Sent: Monday, June 9

Dear Class of 2025,

We are excited to celebrate your achievements at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony! Please read this email carefully for important ceremony details and reminders. 

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Student Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.
Ceremony Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
Expected Duration: 2 hours
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, 334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Transportation and Parking

Navigate to our Transportation and Parking webpage to read more about complimentary parking on campus, parking and drop-off zones at the Climate Pledge Arena, and the schedule for the shuttle service offered to graduates, their guests, and staff supporting the event. 

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Graduates are asked to only bring their smartphone with them, as there will be no place to store personal items during the ceremony.

View below the full lists of permitted and prohibited items for guests, per Climate Pledge Arena policy. 

Note: Outside food or drink are NOT allowed in the Climate Pledge Arena. Climate Pledge Arena is a cashless facility, featuring Amazon One and JWO (Just Walk Out) technology. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards are accepted. For convenience, Climate Pledge Arena will have Just Walk Out (JWO) stores with snacks and drinks for guests.

Bag Policy

• Bag Policy: Clutches must be 4″w x 6″h x 1.5″d or smaller. Bags above this size MUST BE CLEAR and no larger than 14″w x 14″h x 6″d, 2 pockets maximum. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items and diaper bags. 

Permitted Items 

• Binoculars: Binocular cases must be no larger than 4″w x 6″h x 1.5″d
• Blankets or seating cushions permitted as long as they go through security screening
• Booster seats
• Cameras: Personal and professional cameras will be allowed in the arena but must pass through the x-ray scanner at the security checkpoint upon entry.
• Flowers: Flowers are permitted, but no glass vases will be allowed in the arena.
• Gifts: Gifts are allowed in the arena so long as they are unwrapped and are not a prohibited item (see list below).
• Portable phone chargers are allowed in for phone use. They are not allowed in if they are going to power another item (ex: LED costume lights)
• Poster Tubes: Made of cardboard are permitted but subject to security screening. Please reference the event detail place as some tours may prohibit the entry of poster tubes
• Sign Policy: Signs no larger than 24″x36″ – For events that allow signs, signs must be handheld, holdable by one person, and may not obstruct the view of other guests.  Poles, sticks, or any apparatus to display signs are prohibited, and there may not be any items attached to the sign
• Strollers: If a stroller is unable to fit collapsed under your seat it must be checked in at a Guest Services Information Desk
• Umbrellas
• Water Bottles: Reusable (non-glass) water bottles are permitted. Bottles must be no larger than 32 oz and empty upon entry, including ice

Prohibited Items: The following items are prohibited for use, possession, display, or distribution at, on, or within Climate Pledge Arena:

• Animals unless a service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act
• Bags, packs, and luggage that are not in compliance with the Bag Policy (please see the bag policy listed above for more information)
• Balloons: Balloons are prohibited inside the Climate Pledge Arena. Any guests that arrive with balloons will be instructed to tie them onto bike rack set outside of the entrances. It is not ideal to show up with balloons and no one from the arena will be responsible for ensuring they don't fly away/get stolen.
• Chains of any kind (including wallet chains), spiked jewelry, or spiked apparel items
• Containers outside of our water bottle policy, including glass containers, cans, water bladders etc.
• Drones or other model aircrafts
• Explosives, including fireworks
• Frisbees, beach balls, inflatables, balloons or other projectiles
• Giveaway items that do not fit within our permitted items policy will be prohibited at future events
• Glass bottles or cans of any kind, shape, or size, regardless if empty or full.
• Hazardous items including fuels, torches, chemicals, batteries used to power prohibited items, or aerosols
• Laptops, iPads, and tablets
• Laser pointing devices, flashlights, or similar devices
• Noisemaking devices of any kind including whistles, air horns, vuvuzelas, and cow bells
• Outside alcohol, food, and beverage
• Poster tubes made of any material other than cardboard
• Sealed packages of any kind
• Selfie sticks or telescopic devices, including tripods or camera poles
• Signs: Items intended to create optical distraction or illusion including flags, banners, or signs larger than 24″x36″
• Skateboards, Roller Shoes, One Wheels, Segways, and helmets
• Tools, razor blades, scissors, knitting needles or other sewing/knitting equipment
• Weapons: including but not limited to actual, toy, or replica:
  • Guns, firearms, firearm components/parts, ammunition and/or gun powder
  • Knives of any size, brass knuckles, black jacks, or kubatons
  • Martial arts weapons, night sticks, nunchucks, billy clubs, bats, stunguns/tasers, self-defense sprays, mace, pepper spray, sticks, or poles

Any other item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Climate Pledge Arena and its league affiliates, in their sole discretion.

Student Check-In

Doors open for graduates to check in between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. All students must enter at the Climate Pledge Arena loading dock at 1st Ave N and John St. 

The loading dock is located a block away from the arena. Look for Rudy the Redhawk waving you in. Climate Pledge Arena security protocol requires that you be screened prior to entry.

*Red star is the shuttle pick-up/drop off location. More information on the Shuttle Service can be found here. 

 
Loading Dock Entrance

Stage Pass

A Stage Pass is required for crossing the stage at Commencement. Think of it as your boarding pass for commencement. This is the mechanism that will display your name on the screen and play an audio recording of your name as you walk across the stage. Take a screenshot of the QR code, bring it up on your phone, or add it to your digital wallet before approaching the stage. The QR code must be clearly visible so that it may be scanned as you approach the stage.

A printed backup of your Stage Pass may be obtained if you encounter any issues. On the day of the event, see a Seattle University staff member in your college or school's check-in section in the loading dock.

Note: Students who were added to the ceremony portal late have received alternative instructions, since they will not have a stage pass.

Regalia and Attire

All students participating in the ceremony must be dressed in the appropriate regalia (cap, gown, hood if applicable, and tassel). Watch this video to learn to wear your regalia correctly. 

We encourage you to:

• Take your gown out of the bag and iron/steam out the folds ahead of time so you will look your best!
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring nothing more than your smartphone in with you. Climate Pledge Arena will not allow graduates to bring bags. 

If you have not yet obtained your regalia, do so by visiting the SU Campus Store immediately. Quantities are limited. Review the Campus Store's hours of operation before stopping by. This will be your final opportunity to purchase regalia. NO regalia will be available at the ceremony.

Guest Tickets

Ceremony

Post-Ceremony

Subject: Graduate Commencement Ceremony - Guest Information

Date Sent: Thursday, June 12