The Holmes Center Bag Policy

In order to ensure the safety and security of all patrons attending events in The Holmes Center, the following policies have been put into effect starting January 1, 2021.

To help in speeding up the screening and entry process, The Holmes Center asks that all patrons limit the size of purses and secure all other bags at home or in your vehicle before coming to the venue.

The Holmes Center Bag Policy

Friday, May 10

 

About Commencement

Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.

Graduates do not need to register and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.

During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. App State Chancellor Sheri Everts will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.

• Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
• Accessibility and disability accommodations are available.
• Review the Holmes Center’s Bag and Admission Policy — small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items are permitted.
• App State, media outlets, and family and friends film Commencement Ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.

 

See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.

Accessibility Information

App State is committed to providing an inclusive experience for individuals with disabilities.

If accommodations are needed in order to fully participate in commencement events on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Access & Equity: Disability Resources (odr@appstate.edu or 828-262-3056). Remote live captioning will be displayed on the jumbotron during the ceremony. Please make disability accommodation requests at least two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony. 

Where is the accessibility seating in the Holmes Center?

The Holmes Center makes every effort to meet the needs of all guests and provides arena accessibility information regarding accessible seating and restroom locations.

Guests should use the accessible SW entrance off of Holmes Drive, which leads to section 9 in the arena. A passenger elevator is also located at section 9 for use on a per-event basis.

Is wheelchair assistance available?

Wheelchair assistance by trained medical personnel to accessible seating is available by request at the First Aid Station in section 9.

App State does not maintain a supply of wheelchairs for personal use. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility work with a medical supply store or pharmacy for short-term wheelchair options/rentals.

Is assistive communication available?

Assistive listening devices are available at the Holmes Center on a first-come, first-served basis at the SW box office located at section 9.

Are service animals allowed?

Only service animals (dog or miniature horse) trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate functional limitations of a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted in the arena.

Comprehensive information regarding animals on campus can be found in the Animals on Campus Policy.

Parking

Visit App State’s interactive campus map to view available commencement parking, including disability parking.

Where can graduates and guests park?

Free parking for graduates and guests attending commencement ceremonies is available in these lots:

• Rivers Street Parking Deck.
• Peacock Lot.
• New River Hall Lot.
• Garwood Lot.
• Blue Ridge Parking Deck (Stadium).

All parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plan to be parked at least one hour prior to when the commencement ceremony is scheduled to begin. This is to allow sufficient time to navigate from parking lots to the Holmes Center and be seated.

Will shuttles be available?

Courtesy shuttles are available to pick up graduates/guests at Peacock Lot and New River Hall Lot. Graduates/guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

• The Peacock Lot shuttle will run a continuous loop from Peacock Lot to the Holmes Center.
• The New River Hall Lot shuttle — for guests parked in New River Hall Lot, Garwood Lot and Blue Ridge Parking Deck (Stadium) — will run a continuous loop from New River Hall Lot to the Holmes Center.

Shuttle times:

• Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11: beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running one hour after the conclusion of the final ceremony.

Commencement parking is also available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck; however, shuttle service is not available from this location. The Rivers Street Parking Deck is two blocks from the Holmes Center.

Where can I find disability parking?

The John E. Thomas Visitor and Faculty/Staff Lots across from the Holmes Center and the nearby Hill Street Lot are available on a first-come, first-served basis for graduates/guests with DMV-issued disability placards.

A courtesy shuttle equipped with a wheelchair lift is available to pick up graduates/guests at Hill Street Lot. This shuttle will run a continuous loop from Hill Street Lot to the Holmes Center.

Shuttle times:

• Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11: beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running one hour after the conclusion of the final ceremony.

Traffic control personnel will be at the intersection of Rivers and Hill streets to direct graduates/guests to the appropriate parking area and accessible routes to the Southwest entrance of the Holmes Center. Graduates/guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

• All lots have designated disability parking options. Graduates/guests with limited mobility can also park in Peacock Lot and ride the courtesy shuttle.