Ceremony Seating
Guests with tickets will be allowed to enter the ceremony venue beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ushers will be available to assist. Please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for entry. Due to limited seating, saving seats are not allowed and seats are available on a first-come, first-seated basis only. Any lost ticket is not replaceable. All guests must present a paper ticket for entry.
Audience Role & Public Safety
Graduation is the special recognition of a student’s academic achievement. In order to ensure that the ceremony is enjoyable for all please note the following:
- arrive before the ceremony begins
- silence all electronic devices
- kindly do not use airhorns, trumpets, firecrackers or bring balloons
- picture-taking on the aisle ways or in front of the stage is not allowed
- keep exits clear at all times in observance of fire code regulations
- backpacks are not allowed
There will be a professional photographer taking close-up pictures of graduates during the ceremony, and there will be numerous opportunities for taking pictures during the reception.
In order to ensure an enjoyable and hazard-free event shared by all, please note that college district policy prohibits alcohol, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, weapons or animals on college property. Registered service guide or emotional support assistance animals are allowed. Proof of registration may be required.Smoking is not allowed except in parking lots only.
Special Assistance
If you or your guests require special mobility assistance, please call the Center for Student Life and Leadership Development at (650) 574-6141 or email csmstudentlife@smccd.edu.
Parking and Drop-off Areas
Parking permits are not required. All other parking and traffic rules apply. Beethoven Lot 2 is the closest general parking area near the ceremony location, Gymnasium, Building 8. The circular driveway in front of the Health & Wellness (San Mateo Athletic Club) - Building 5 is the designated drop-off area for guests. Olympian Parking Lot 12 is the drop-off area for graduates. There will not be any parking allowed in Lot 12. Visit Maps, Directions & Parking for more information.
Commencement Map (click on image view a downloadable/printable PDF version)
(650) 574-6161