Commencement Information for Guests

Your graduate's hard work and dedication need to be celebrated! Graduating college is a significant achievement and the first step in fulfilling a successful journey into their chosen career field. Palm Beach State invites you to share in this momentous occasion and celebrate each student's perseverance and the countless hours of dedication that have brought them to this remarkable day.  

 

Event Schedule

• Event Schedule

  • 7 - 8:30am: Graduates can begin to arrive to the ballpark for check-in. Doors open for graduates only.
  • 7:30am: Will Call opens to distribute any available tickets, first-come, first served, until 8:45am or while supplies last.
  • 8am:  Doors open for guests. All guests should be seated by 8:45 a.m.
  • 8:40am: Graduates report to seats.
  • 9am: Commencement ceremony begins (will last approximately two hours).
    • Gates will temporarily close for processional.

   

The ceremony is intended to be a dignified celebration for our candidates and our guests. With this in mind, all in attendance should be respectful and courteous of others. Palm Beach State College reserves the right to ask any non-compliant guest or participant to leave the venue.

 

What to Expect

Due to the expected large attendance, early arrival at the ballfield and carpooling are encouraged. PBSC staff will be present to answer questions and provide directions.

• Guest are encouraged to arrive EARLY. Please include time for travel, parking and check-in at the venue.  It may take 10-15 minutes to park and walk to the front entrance as well as another 10-15 minutes to clear security and be seated.
• This is an outdoor ceremony so please dress accordingly. Stay hydrated and prepare for the possibility of rain.
• Guests are discouraged from bringing any bags into the ballfield to expedite the security screening. Guests who bring backpacks or large bags will be asked to return them to their car before entering the building.
  • All bags are subject to be searched by security before entry to the park. Guests that must bring bags are permitted one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5.
  • This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.  The only exceptions are diaper bags and bags of medical necessity.
• Guests are required to remain seated and clear of the processional area on the concourse during the ceremony.
• During the reading of the candidates' names, guests are asked to be considerate in their
  applause so that all names are clearly heard. 

 

Tickets

• Graduates should ensure that all guests have been provide tickets prior to the ceremony. Guests will not be admitted to the venue without a ticket. (Children two years old and older are required to have a ticket.)
• Each candidate has received their allocated amount of guest tickets. Tickets are allocated based on the size of the gradation class and the number of available seats in the venue.
• Ballpark seating is general admission and first come, first served.
• A no re-entry policy will be enforced.
• Graduation will be livestreamed for free on the day of the ceremony so that friends and family whom cannot attend can watch the ceremony.

 

Guests with Special Needs

Graduates need to request disability-related accommodations for guests by contacting The Center for Student Accessibility as soon as possible for appropriate accommodations. The venue has limited accessible seating.

• Please note that seating will be provided for guests using wheelchairs. Out of respect for other guests, please limit to one companion seat.
• Emotional support animals are not permitted at Cacti Park.  Only animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are permitted.
• If you need additional support, please have the graduate reach out to the Center for Student Accessibility.

Parking

Guest can enter the ballpark from the west entrance on Haverhill Road.  Parking will be available in lots A & B with overflow Parking for guests in Lot F.  Map for Parking

• Lots C, D and E are permit parking only.  
• Limited accessible (permit required) parking is available on a first come, first served basis.  
• Pick-up and drop-off for those guests with limited mobility is available at the front of the venue before and after the ceremony.
• Graduates who require accessible parking need to contact the Center for Student Accessibility by May 1, 2024.

 

Livestream of Event

The commencement will be livestreamed so that family and friends can watch from home.  The link will appear on the Graduation website 48 hours before the day of the ceremony.

 

Photography

• No one is allowed onto the ballfield or in the aisles and entrance ways to take pictures. 
• Palm Beach State has hired a professional photography company to take photos of each candidate crossing the stage and a photo receiving the diploma cover. Graduates will receive information on how to purchase photos.
• The College will also have additional photographers available and will create a photo album of the overall event that will be posted to the Graduation website. (Photos of specific graduates is not guaranteed.)