Commencement 2022 – Important Guest Information

Bottom Line, Up Front

• The Commencement ceremony lasts approximately three and a half hours and is held outdoors on Hearn Plaza. Temperatures in May can vary widely, so check the local weather forecast.
• Arrive early. Because bags will be checked at Commencement weekend events; there may be lines at bag checks. We encourage you not to bring a bag if possible. Please note the list of prohibited items.
• As you make plans to attend Commencement, please be aware of the comfort of your family members, particularly the elderly, those with mobility issues or special needs, and young children. There is typically a fair amount of walking between parking lots and the Quad, and lines for restrooms.

Dear parents and families of 2022 Graduates,

Congratulations on your student’s upcoming graduation! Please read this entire message for pertinent information regarding Commencement.

Preparing for the Weather

Please pay attention to the Winston-Salem weather forecast for Commencement weekend so you can pack for the appropriate weather.

Here are some other tips:

• For Monday’s Commencement ceremony, we will be outside for three and a half hours, and while there are some trees, most of the Quad will be sunny. Consider sunscreen and/or a hat.
• Temperatures are likely to be cool in the early morning, but can warm quickly with the sun. Lightweight, layered clothing is a great option.
• It is perfectly acceptable to remove jackets or ties (or not to wear them at all) as you see fit.
• You will be walking in grass during Commencement. High heels can sink into the ground, which will be wet with dew, and can be muddy. Consider that as you plan your shoe choices.
• Be aware of the comfort of your family members, particularly the elderly and young children. Be sure they stay hydrated and do not get overheated.
• You may wish to bring a bottle of water or other drink with you. There are water bottle refill stations in Reynolda Hall, so you can replenish if needed.
• You can purchase drinks on the Quad, but they will be cash sales only (no credit/debit card).

Bag Checks and Prohibited items

• As part of Wake Forest’s security measures for Commencement weekend events, all bags brought into Baccalaureate, the hooding ceremonies, and Commencement will be checked.
• Wake Forest is encouraging guests not to bring a bag, if possible, to Baccalaureate, the hooding ceremonies, and Commencement. Anyone bringing any kind of bag will have their bag checked before entering the venues for those events.
• If you plan to bring a bag, please factor in time for bag checks as you travel to campus for Commencement weekend events.

Bag Check Locations

• Saturday, May 14 – bags will be checked outside Wait Chapel’s entrance for the hooding ceremonies.
• Sunday, May 15 – bags will be checked outside Wait Chapel’s entrance for the 9 a.m. Baccalaureate service and the hooding ceremonies that take place later in the day.
• Monday, May 16 – bag checks will be conducted at all entrances to Hearn Plaza. The checks will begin at 6 a.m. Commencement is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
• Note: bag checks would be conducted at the LJVM Coliseum if the University were to implement the Commencement rain plan and move Commencement on Monday to the coliseum.

Prohibited Items

• alcohol
• coolers
• pets
• pocket knives or weapons of any kind
• signs on sticks
• suitcases
• tripods

During the Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 16

• During the ceremony, the center aisle and the platform will be closed to all except those in the processional. Please observe the rope barricades.
• Executive restrooms will be available on either side of Wait Chapel. Limited restrooms will also be available in Reynolda and Wingate Halls, and the Benson University Center. The Benson Center facilities are wheelchair accessible.
• There will be designated seating for guests with Special Needs on Hearn Plaza near the crosswalk on the Zick’s side of the plaza. This seating is for guests in wheelchairs and for those who have difficulty walking. We ask that only one other guest sit with the Special Needs guest as seating in this section is limited. See more about Special Needs accommodations.
• Note that Wait Chapel will be available on May 16 for indoor viewing of the Commencement ceremony via livestream, with closed-captioning, for guests who need to be out of the sun.

Photography

• A photographer with Photo Specialties will photograph undergraduates during the Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 16. Graduates receiving BA and BS degrees will be photographed on stage. Photo Specialties will send free color proofs and ordering instructions to each graduate’s email and permanent mailing address.
• Visit our Photography page for more details.

Commencement breakfast and Baccalaureate brunch tickets still available!

• Reminder: tickets for the Baccalaureate brunch and Commencement breakfast are still available.
• Please discuss your family’s needs with your student; they can access their registration using their registration confirmation email. Once they log back in, they simply need to modify their registration to order Commencement breakfast or Baccalaureate brunch tickets. For questions, please contact commencement@wfu.edu.

We will share information about the Commencement and Baccalaureate speakers as soon as those are announced. For now, we encourage guests to review the Commencement website, paying particular attention to the Family and Guest Information section.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at commencement@wfu.edu. We look forward to celebrating your students’ achievements in May!

Wake Forest University Commencement Office