The Holmes Center follows a “Clear Bag” policy for all events held inside the Holmes Center – The Holmes Center’s Clear Bag Policy

Friday, Dec. 15

Graduate students will attend the college ceremony represented by their major field of study.

The doors will open 1hr prior to the start of the ceremonies.

About Commencement

Graduates do not need to register and they may invite an unlimited number of guests. Tickets are not required for the commencement ceremonies.

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. Please be aware you may be included in videos that might be used in App State promotional videos or other uses.

A livestream of each ceremony will be available on the university’s commencement site.

Where can graduates and guests park?

Free parking for graduates and guests attending commencement ceremonies is available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck and Peacock Lot. 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. These shuttles will run a continuous loop from Peacock Lot to the Holmes Center. Graduates/guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

Shuttle time:

• Friday, Dec. 15: beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running 30 minutes 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 time:

• Friday, Dec. 15: beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running 30 minutes 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.

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 via its website 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.