Introduction
Auburn University’s Commencement Ceremonies are formal academic events that honor the achievements of the institution’s graduates. This document outlines the policies, procedures, and expectations designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and dignified experience for all attendees—including graduates, guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors. By participating in the ceremony, graduates agree to comply with all policies and guidelines outlined herein.
Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and consistency throughout this document, the following terms are defined as they pertain to Auburn University’s Commencement Ceremonies:
A formal academic event hosted by Auburn University to honor students who have completed their degree requirements.
Located within the Provost’s Office, the unit responsible for all commencement ceremony planning, including ceremony logistics, ticketing, and communication.
A student who has been officially approved by the Registrar’s Office and/or the Graduate School to participate in commencement.
The designated venue for all Auburn University commencement ceremonies, located at 250 Beard-Eaves Court, Auburn, AL 36830.
The official attire required for participation in commencement, including gown, mortarboard or tam, hood, and approved accessories.
A formal request submitted by a graduate seeking permission to participate in a summer or fall commencement ceremony.
Entrance of the platform party signifying the beginning of the ceremony and the process of students walking across the stage.
The formal exit of graduates and officials at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The official set of behavioral standards and disciplinary procedures governing Auburn University students.
A pre-graduation requirement course officially titled "Creed to Succeed" housed in Canvas and required for all undergraduate students during the semester of their graduation. Enrollment in this course is mandatory for graduation eligibility.
Section I: General Information
Commencement ceremonies are held three times annually:
Spring (typically in May)
Summer (typically in August)
Fall (typically in December)
All ceremonies are held at Neville Arena, 250 Beard-Eaves Court, Auburn, AL 36830.
Participation in commencement does not constitute degree conferral. Degrees are awarded only after all academic requirements are verified by the Registrar’s Office.
Official commencement schedules are posted on the Commencement website following the close of registration. All schedules are subject to change.
Section II: Eligibility and Participation
Only students who have been cleared to graduate and are registered in UNIV 4AA0 the semester of graduation are eligible to participate.
Eligibility must be confirmed by the student’s college for undergraduate students, the Graduate School for graduate and Professional students, and the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will provide an official list of eligible graduates to the Commencement Office each semester.
Graduates must walk in the designated ceremony the semester of their graduation.
Graduates requesting to walk early or late must submit a Walk Request Form for summer or fall ceremonies only. Early or late walk requests for spring semester are not permitted.
Spring ceremony participation requires official registration for graduation in that term. Students enrolled only in UNIV 4AA0 during a semester must receive approval from their college, the Registrar’s Office, and the Commencement Office.
Section III: Ceremony Conduct
Commencement is a prestigious ceremony that reflects the values and traditions of Auburn University. In keeping with the principles outlined in the Auburn Creed, graduates and guests are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
The following guidelines are established to ensure a safe, respectful, and celebratory environment for all participants. Violations of any guideline may result in (1) removal from Neville Arena, (2) disqualification from participating in the ceremony and (3) disciplinary and/or legal action where applicable. See the Auburn University Student Code of Conduct for additional information and expectations for all graduates. The following are applicable to all attendees:
All attendees must behave respectfully toward graduates, guests, staff, and vendors.
Harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conduct is strictly prohibited.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, and controlled substances are not permitted.
Graduates appearing intoxicated or behaving disruptively due to substance use will be removed.
Violence, threats, or aggressive behavior at any time will not be tolerated.
Possession of prohibited items is grounds for removal. A full list is available on the commencement website.
Excessive noise or inappropriate behavior during the ceremony is disruptive and therefore prohibited.
Graduates and major professors must remain seated for the entire ceremony and recessional. Early departure is disruptive.
Graduates arriving after the ceremony begins may be seated separately and may forfeit receiving the Auburn Creed from their dean or participating in the ceremony.
Section IV: Ceremony Ticketing and Security
To maintain compliance with venue capacity regulations at Neville Arena, the Commencement Office will issue a limited number of complimentary tickets to students who have been approved to graduate and participate in their designated commencement ceremony. The ticketing process ensures that all graduates have the opportunity to invite guests while maintaining a safe and accessible environment for all attendees:
Tickets are required for all graduates and guests, regardless of age (this is required for capacity tracking and supported by AU Campus Safety and Security).
Graduates approved to participate in commencement will receive a set number of complimentary tickets, depending on the ceremony and the semester. Ticket allocations are determined by the number of graduates scheduled to graduate and may change each semester.
Tickets are distributed by the Commencement Office. Non-graduating students may not request tickets.
Fake, counterfeit, or duplicated tickets will be denied.
Graduates selling tickets will be referred for disciplinary action (Section IV. A1, A8 (opens in new tab)).
Re-entry to Neville Arena is not permitted once a guest or graduate exits.
Ceremonies for the Harrison College of Pharmacy and the College of Veterinary Medicine are not ticketed.
Section V: Ceremony Seating
To maintain order and fairness during Auburn University’s commencement ceremonies, all attendees—graduates and guests—are required to follow the seating protocols outlined below. These rules are strictly enforced by event staff, and violations may result in removal from Neville Arena:
All seating, including ADA-accessible seating, is first-come, first-served.
Arena doors open 90 minutes prior to ceremony start time.
No seat reservations are permitted.
Items used to hold seats will be removed by event staff. Failure to comply may result in removal from the venue.
Section VI: Arena Floor Access
To preserve the integrity, safety, and organization of Auburn University's commencement ceremonies, access to the arena floor is strictly regulated. The following guidelines apply to all participants and will be enforced by event staff. Violations may result in immediate removal from Neville Arena and graduate forfeiture of the opportunity to process across the stage.
Arena floor access is restricted to graduates and approved staff. Unauthorized individuals will be removed.
Participation by children, family members, or individuals from other institutions is strictly prohibited.
Graduates may only access the floor during their scheduled ceremony time.
Only graduates may cross the stage. Violators will be removed and may be referred to law enforcement.
Aubie photo opportunities are reserved for graduates only.
Media must be credentialed and approved in advance. Unauthorized access will result in removal.
Section VII: Saftey and Security
To ensure the safety and integrity of the ceremonies, the following security measures are strictly enforced by the Commencement Office and Campus Safety and Security. Noncompliance may result in denial of entry, removal from Neville Arena, and referral to law enforcement or university disciplinary authorities. All attendees must pass through metal detectors upon entry into Neville Arena.
Neville Arena enforces a strict clear bag policy. All items are subject to inspection.
Non-clear bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are prohibited and must be returned to vehicles or checked for a nominal fee.
Each attendee may bring one clear bag not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12".
Diaper and medical bags are permitted but are subject to search.
Graduates may only bring a phone; no bags are permitted on the arena floor with the exception of approved medical bags.
The following items are strictly prohibited:
Weapons (including pocketknives)
Pets (except service animals)
Artificial noisemakers
Oversized bags
Open food/beverages (sealed water bottles are permitted)
Camera bags and cameras with lenses over 4"
Selfie sticks, signs, posters, balloons, fat heads or any other items that may obstruct views
Hoverboards, scooters, skateboards
Other items deemed by event staff to present safety or disruption concerns
Possession of prohibited items will result in removal and forfeiture of participation. All attendees must comply with security personnel instructions.
Section VIII: Smoke-Free Campus Policy
Auburn University is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are prohibited inside Neville Arena and on all university property.
This includes smoking in private vehicles parked or operated on university grounds.
There are no designated smoking or vaping areas inside Neville Arena. Refer to the official Smoke-Free Campus Policy (opens in new tab) for details.
Section IX: Academic Regalia
All graduates, faculty, and honorary degree recipients are required to adhere strictly to the university’s regalia standards. Noncompliance may result in removal from Neville Arena and disqualification from participating in the ceremony.
All graduates must wear the prescribed academic regalia appropriate to their degree level. This includes a gown, mortarboard or tam, and hood. Regalia must be worn upon entry to Neville Arena and must remain clean, fully zipped, and in good condition throughout the ceremony.
Graduates who arrive without proper regalia will not be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Faculty and honorary degree recipients must wear regalia that reflects their academic credentials or ceremonial role.
To ensure consistency and quality, graduates are strongly encouraged to order regalia through the Auburn University Bookstore. Orders must be placed by the published deadline to guarantee availability.
Graduates are solely responsible for ordering and picking up their regalia in advance of the ceremony.
Only academic cords and stoles officially approved by the Commencement Office and the Graduation Committee are permitted. These may signify academic honors, participation in recognized student organizations, athletics, or other university-approved programs.
Unapproved accessories—including boas, lights, customized or non-approved stoles, and other non-academic items—are prohibited.
Any unapproved regalia or accessories may be confiscated and returned to the graduate after the ceremony Only one tassel may be worn.
Undergraduate candidates should wear the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard until degrees are conferred, at which point it is moved to the left side.
Graduates and guests must dress appropriately for the occasion. The Commencement Office reserves the right to refuse entry to individuals wearing costumes or attire deemed inappropriate.
No alterations or modifications to regalia are permitted unless explicitly authorized by the Commencement Office.
Mortarboard decorations are permitted as a customary practice to express gratitude or commemorate achievements. However, the Commencement Office and/or the Graduation Committee reserves the right to prohibit any adornments deemed offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive.
Cultural and religious exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Graduates must contact the Commencement Office in advance to request approval.
Section X: Digital and Social Media Guidelines
To preserve the integrity, safety, and professionalism of Auburn University’s commencement ceremonies, the following digital and social media protocols are strictly enforced. Violations may result in removal from Neville Arena and referral to university disciplinary authorities or law enforcement.
The Commencement Office contracts official photographers and videographers to document commencement ceremonies.
Only authorized personnel are permitted on the arena floor for photography or video recording.
Outside professional photographers and videographers are strictly prohibited.
Guests may take personal photos or videos from their seats for non-commercial use only.
Cameras with lenses exceeding 4 inches, drones, and professional recording equipment are not permitted inside Neville Arena under any circumstances. These items must be returned to vehicles prior to entry or may be checked upon entry.
Guests are encouraged to share their commencement experience on social media in a respectful and celebratory manner.
Content that violates the privacy, safety, or dignity of others—including harassment, inappropriate language, or unauthorized recordings—will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary or legal action.
Unofficial live streaming of Auburn’s commencement ceremonies is strictly prohibited.
The Commencement Office provides an official live stream for public viewing. All attendees must respect this policy to ensure a consistent and secure broadcast experience.
Section XI: Accessibility and Special Accommodations
Auburn University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible commencement experience for all graduates and guests. Neville Arena is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the following protocols are in place to ensure equitable access and safety. These guidelines are enforced to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all attendees. Guests who do not comply with these protocols may be denied entry or removed from the venue.
ADA-compliant seating, parking, and restroom facilities are available throughout Neville Arena. The designated ADA entrance is located at the Scholarship Entrance on the east side of the building.
Guests requiring accessibility accommodations must bring any necessary equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, mobility aids); Auburn University does not provide personal accessibility devices.
All seating, including ADA-accessible seating, is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving seats, especially ADA-designated seats, is strictly prohibited.
Due to limited space in the accessibility section, only one companion may accompany a guest seated in this area. Additional guests must sit in general seating.
Closed captioning is displayed on floor-level monitors positioned on either side of the stage. A certified sign language interpreter is provided at each ceremony to support guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Only service animals trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities are permitted inside Neville Arena. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted.
Section XII: Legal and Liability
By entering Neville Arena, all attendees agree to waive liability for any injuries or accidents that occur during their visit, except as provided by law.
All guests, vendors, and staff must comply with university policies as well as local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the arena and its operations.
Section XIII: Protocol Updates and Modifications
The Commencement Office reserves the right to update or modify these guidelines and policies at any time.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to regularly review this document or visit the Commencement Website for the most current information.
Section XIV: Acknowledgment and Agreement
By entering and using the facilities at Neville Arena, all attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the rules and protocols contained in this handbook. These policies are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants in Auburn University’s commencement ceremonies.
