Ceremony Duration
Approximately 90 minutes.
Celebrate Together
Families and Guests
Find everything you need to plan your visit — from parking and accessibility to ceremony seating and photos — all in one place.
Families and Guests
We’re thrilled to welcome you to campus as your student takes their next giant leap. Everything you need to know for commencement day is right here — so you can focus on celebrating your Boilermaker!
Note: The information on this page applies to ceremonies held in West Lafayette for candidates from both West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations. Graduates from other Purdue campuses (Fort Wayne, Northwest, Global or Polytechnic Statewide) should visit their campus website for commencement details.
Accessibility and Special Accommodations
We’re committed to ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the celebration.
Accessible Seating
Accessible seating is available in Mackey Arena on platforms in Sections 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16 and 18 on a first-come, first-served basis. Each guest who requires accessible seating must have a standard ticket from the graduate’s ticket allotment. Each accessible seat includes one companion seat. Please email us should you have specific needs or concerns related to access of the commencement venue.
Hearing and Visual Assistance
- ASL interpretation: American Sign Language interpreters are present at all ceremonies.
- Live captions: Access real-time captions on your personal device during the ceremony.
Mobility Assistance
Accessible parking is available directly north of Mackey Arena in Lot F.
Shuttle buses also will be available to transport guests from Lot R, located north of Ross-Ade Stadium, to the entrance of Mackey Arena before and after each ceremony.
Parking and Transportation
Parking will be available in Lot R, located north of Ross-Ade Stadium, for a fee of $5 per vehicle. Parking passes can be purchased ahead of time or on-site the day of commencement, and guests should purchase a permit for each vehicle they will bring. Be sure to get a permit according to your ceremony time. Enter Lot R from Cherry Lane.
Free commencement parking is available in the following locations:
- Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage
- University Street Parking Garage (first-level accessible parking)
The Grant Street Parking Garage is available for a daily fee.
Uniformed officers will assist with traffic and directions.
Tailgating and overnight RV parking are not permitted. Nearby campgrounds include:
- Prophetstown State Park – 765-567-4919
- AOK Campground – 765-474-5030
- Wolfe’s Leisure Time Campground – 765-589-8089
Tickets
Each participating graduate may request up to four guest tickets at no charge when they register for commencement by the deadline. Mobile tickets are distributed directly to graduates through their @purdue.edu email during the week of the ceremony. Graduates are responsible for sharing tickets with their guests.
To comply with fire safety codes, every guest — including children of all ages — must have a ticket to enter. Graduating students do not require a ticket. Please note:
- Additional tickets are typically not available due to seating limits.
- Purdue University does not sell guest tickets.
- Tickets may not be resold or duplicated. Each is uniquely coded to the student who requested them.
- The Athletics Ticketing Office can assist with ticket access issues on the day of the event.
If additional guests would like to join the celebration but are unable to attend, our ceremonies are available through a livestream and accessible afterward so family and friends can cheer from anywhere.
Seating and Security
Guest Seating
Doors to Mackey Arena open 90 minutes before each ceremony. Seating is general admission, so we recommend arriving early. Once the academic procession begins, guests will be asked to wait until it concludes before entering. As a courtesy to others, please remain seated until the ceremony ends.
Security Information
Commencement guests will follow Purdue Athletics clear bag policy. All bags are subject to search, and large bags are not permitted. For faster entry, bring only essential items.
Acceptable items include:
- One clear bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches
- One small clutch (no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches)
- Medically necessary items and diaper bags (with a child present)
Prohibited items include:
- Tripods, noisemakers, balloons or wrapped gifts
- Food or beverages (unless medically necessary)
- Strollers, car seats, tobacco/vape products or weapons
- Emotional support animals (registered service animals only)
capturing the moment
Photos, Video and Livestream
A professional photographer will capture your student’s big moment:
- Before the ceremony: Portraits are available in the Armory.
- On stage: Professional photos are taken during your student’s dean handshake and hooding (for PhD and professional candidates).
Graduates will receive a text or email from The Grad Team Commencement Photography Specialists when photos are ready to view.
A StageClip video of your graduate also will be available for purchase following the ceremony.
Can’t attend in person? All ceremonies will be available via livestream on YouTube and remain available for viewing after the event.
International Guests
The Office of the Registrar provides a Letter of Invitation to help international guests apply for a visa to attend their student’s ceremony. Graduates who are candidates for the current term can submit the Letter of Invitation Request Form. Letters are emailed to the graduate (not the guest) within 10 business days. Requests for the current term are prioritized over future terms.
Reminder: A letter of invitation does not confirm degree completion or ceremony participation.
Helpful Details
Guest Tickets
Tickets are sent via email to graduates the week before the ceremony. Mobile ticketing will be used at the event.
Children
All attendees, regardless of age, require a ticket.
Follow @LifeAtPurdue for coverage and celebration highlights
What to expect once the ceremony begins
Explore traditions, regalia and key details about the ceremony experience.
Celebrate Your Boilermaker
Commencement marks the culmination of hard work and the beginning of your student’s next adventure. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you! Download posters, yard signs, social graphics and more to share your excitement and recognize your graduate.