Commencement Q&A
UPDATED: FEB. 15, 2012
Will tickets be required for entry into the Commencement ceremony?
Tickets are not required for family and friends attending Commencement, and candidates may bring an unlimited number of guests to celebrate the occasion. While seating is plentiful, candidates and guests should allow enough time for traffic and parking.
Will the ceremony be videotaped?
The Commencement ceremonies will be Webcast live via the USM Web site. Southern Miss videos of commencement are available for viewing at a later time via the Southern Miss YouTube channel.
How will you accommodate people with disabilities or special needs?
Special parking lots will be reserved for persons with disabilities or special needs that meet ADA guideline. See Disability Access for complete details.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact the Office for Disability Accommodations, 601.266.5024 or 228.214.3232. Individuals with Hearing Impairments: ODA's TTY number is 601.266.6837, or you may use the Mississippi Relay Service at 1.800.582.2233 to contact any campus office.
Where will I park?
All university parking lots, unless otherwise marked, will be open to the public on the day of Commencement. Handicap parking will be on the west side of M. K. Turk Circle. Parking for the platform and VIP guests will be on the southeast side of M.K. Turk Circle. The Southern Miss parking garage adjacent to West 4th Street will be open for commencement parking. See the printable map (PDF) detailing available parking areas on campus.
Is there a dress code?
Commencement is a formal celebration. We encourage candidates to take this into consideration in regard to wardrobe. Comfortable shoes are encouraged since candidates will be walking the distance from the Payne Center and into Reed Green Coliseum.
What should I expect at the ceremony?
Due to limited floor capacity and length of ceremony, we will have two separate ceremonies by colleges, and we expect approximately 600 candidates at each ceremony. Graduation is an elective event for degree candidates; therefore, out of respect for others, all candidates are expected to remain at their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Is there a processional or recessional?
To begin the ceremonies, doctoral candidates followed by specialists and master candidates will lead the baccalaureate candidates in a processional through the East and West Tunnels. Afterward, the students and guests will be asked to stand for the Platform and faculty processional.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the platform party and the faculty will lead the candidates in a recessional exiting through the East and West tunnels. Candidates will be directed to the Payne Center. Guests are invited to meet their candidates outside the coliseum at the Payne Center for photos, refreshments and to meet with the faculty. Concession stands will be open before and during the graduation exercises so that guests may purchase water.
How will weather affect the Commencement schedule?
If it is raining or rain is forecast on Commencement day, students and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear. In the event of rain, umbrellas can be used to walk from the check-in to the coliseum and left in the tunnel until the recessional. If weather is severe enough (heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornado watch/warning) to necessitate a delay in the start of the ceremony, instructions will be announced on-site to students and guests. If the forecast indicates no change in the severity of the weather, cancellation of the ceremony will be announced.
If the ceremony is underway but is interrupted by severe weather, students and guests should follow instructions as announced. It is advised that you prearrange a meeting place with your family and guests in case the ceremony is canceled. Instructions and updates will be provided via the USM Web site and through local media outlets.