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Picture of Stanford GSE Students at Commencement 2010

For Family and Friends

Stanford Ceremony Information

http://commencement.stanford.edu

Stanford GSE Diploma Ceremony Information

Location

The Stanford GSE Diploma Ceremony will be held in the West Oval Grove, located between the Oval and Herrin Hall. Click here for a visitor map.

Parking

There is limited parking available close to the ceremony site. Please plan to arrive early and drop off any guests with limited mobility before parking. If parking around the Oval and in the surrounding areas (Lomita Drive, Roth Way, Museum Way) is difficult on Sunday, you may find parking in the parking structure on the corner of Campus & Roth or in the Tresidder parking lot. For information on any available Marguerite Shuttle routes for that Sunday, click here.

Seating

The Stanford and Stanford GSE ceremonies have open seating and tickets are not required. We recommend that you arrive early for the best seats. Seats will be set up at 11:30 a.m., should families choose to arrive early and reserve seating. Please note that personal items should not be left on the seats as no security will be available. Academic Services reserves seats in advance only for guests in wheelchairs or who need special access at the Stanford GSE ceremony.

Accommodations

If any guests need special accommodations at the Stanford GSE ceremony, please contact the Stanford GSE Office of Academic Services ahead of time to make the necessary arrangements (alternatively, graduates can notify the office in their RSVP survey). Accommodations for the main Stanford ceremony should be requested by May 20, 2016.

Some Tips to Make the Ceremony More Enjoyable…

  • Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable.
  • Hats, visors, and sun block are recommended.
  • Comfortable, close-toed shoes are recommended for walking across campus and in the oak grove (there is debris from the trees in the diploma ceremony site).
  • We recommend that guests eat a hearty breakfast and pack a snack. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Stanford Stadium. An hors d'oeuvres reception will follow the Stanford GSE ceremony at 2:00 p.m.
  • Water will be available at both ceremony locations. You may wish to bring your own water as well.
  • We regret that umbrellas will not be permitted at either ceremony, as they would block the view of other guests.

 Smoking Guidelines: Smoking is prohibited in outdoor locations where arranged seating (fixed or temporary) is provided for programs or events. Outdoor locations include, but are not limited to, the Main Quadrangle, Stanford Stadium, amphitheaters, and courtyards.