Guest Information

TICKETING

Tickets are required for all guests over age 2.  Graduates who have applied for graduation by Friday, March 7 will be eligible to claim tickets for their guests. Graduating students do not need a ticket. Eligible undergraduate students can claim up to 8 free, general admission tickets. Eligible graduate students can claim up to 12 free, general admissions tickets. Tickets will be available in April. 

Tickets are electronic and can be transferred from the graduating student to guests. There are not additional tickets available for purchase or request.

Guest seating is on a first come, first served basis. Guests may begin arriving 90 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.

CEREMONY TIMES

The ceremony begins promptly at the times listed below.

Guests may enter the arena beginning 90 minutes prior to the ceremony start times. There will not be early admittance, so please plan your arrival accordingly.  Guests should enter the Cintas Center through the main or South entrance of the arena.

• 9:00 a.m. - Saturday, May 17 - Undergraduate Ceremony
• 2:30 p.m. - Saturday, May 17 - Graduate Ceremony

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Accessible seating is available on the main concourse and upper level of the arena.  The seats are accessible by elevators or ramps from the concourse. Upon arrival, guests should notify one of the ushers, and they will direct or escort your party to the best available seating that fits your needs. In order to ensure the availability of accessible seating, only the guest(s) requiring accommodation and a companion may sit in the accessible seating area.

These needs are typically handled on a first come, first served basis.  Please remind your family and friends that arriving earlier is better.   

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Xavier provides live captioning and ASL interpretation for the commencement ceremonies.  If you or a guest benefit from ASL interpretation, please email commencement@xavier.edu.  We recommend that guests benefiting from ASL interpretation plan to arrive early and find seating on the east side of the arena in Sections 110 or 112.

The Cintas Center has a limited number of wheelchairs available for transport use upon arrival to the arena. Guests are encouraged to bring their own accessible equipment or explore local rental options. 

If additional disability-related accommodations are needed to facilitate full participation, please contact us at commencement@xavier.edu at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.

PARKING & GUEST DROP OFF

All university parking lots will be open to the public at no charge during commencement weekend.  

Handicap accessible parking is available in several lots in close proximity to the Cintas Center. These lots have temporary 'EVENT HANDICAP' signage. Our parking attendants will direct your party to the best available spaces when they arrive.

Guests with accessibility needs may be dropped off in the circle drive in front of the main or South entrance of the Cintas Center.

• Directions to the Cintas Center
• Campus map
• Accessible parking map - accessible lots are shaded pink

CONCESSIONS

Concessions are available for purchase before and during both ceremonies at the Cintas Center. Please note concessions are operating in a cashless system. Credit card, debit, and tap payments are accepted.  

CINTAS BAG POLICY

To ensure the safety of every guest, all persons, including graduates will be subject to screening and bag check upon entrance to the Cintas Center.  No bags will be permitted except for clear bags, small clutch purses, and diaper or medical bags.  No water bottles are allowed.  No broadcast style cameras will be allowed in the arena. Strollers and umbrellas are permitted. For more information and a list of prohibited and approved bags, please visit GoXavier.com/ClearBag.

Balloons, air horns and noisemakers are not permitted. Banners, flags, and anything that obstructs sightlines are prohibited.

CAKES & BAKERY ORDERS

Xavier Eats Commencement Bakery. Order your Commencement treats from Father B’s Bakery. Xavier branded cakes, cupcakes, cookies & more! Order ahead and pick up your desserts from the Cintas Center during the week leading up to Commencement. Order here: Father B’s Bakery

Senior/Family Brunch. Celebrate graduation with the return of a Xavier tradition. Share one last trip to the Caf with your classmates on Friday, May 16, from 10am-1pm. Enjoy a special brunch menu with your family and say farewell to your favorite Caf staff. Two brunch packages are available for purchase, with one featuring a champagne toast and commemorative champagne glass. Reserve your spot.

All bakery orders can be picked up in the Cintas Center. Enter via the Schiff Conference Center entrance, proceed downstairs just before the Banquet Room entrance. Please pick up your items during the following days and times.

Thursday, May 15th from 10am-7pm
Friday, May 16th from 9am-5pm
Saturday, May 17th 8am-4pm

If you have any questions about your order, please call the Catering Office at 513-745-4235.

LIVE STREAMING

The commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed.  Families and guests who cannot attend in person are encouraged to enjoy the ceremony virtually.  Links will be available on the commencement website on Saturday, May 17.