Record Number of Graduates Expected for U of A Fall Commencement

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Fall commencement 2013

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – More than 1,000 University of Arkansas degree candidates are registered to attend the 2014 Fall Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 in Barnhill Arena.

Doors to Barnhill Arena will open at 7:30 a.m., and guests can enter from the north, south, and east sides. The Boston Mountain Brass will perform a pre-ceremony concert starting at 8:30 a.m. Guests should be seated by 8:45 a.m. 

The arena is expected to fill to capacity. Tickets are not required, but U of A officials are recommending that each student invite no more than five guests to the ceremony. 

 If Barnhill Arena exceeds capacity, guests will be directed next door to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building, where they can view a live stream of the ceremony.  Refreshments will also be provided in HPER.

Live streaming will also be available for anyone who is unable to attend the ceremony.

“Commencement is a very important event for our campus, our students and the families and guests who attend,” said Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs. “We want this to be a happy and meaningful experience for everyone. We are pleased that we are graduating an increasing number of students, but it also means Barnhill will be very full. We are making every effort to accommodate all who attend. We recommend guests arrive early and then enjoy this special day, whether it be in Barnhill or in the overflow space.”

Persons with disabilities can be dropped off at the west entrance of the arena, and a limited number of seats will be available for them on the floor area of Barnhill. For this reason no more than two additional guests may accompany a person with disabilities in this seating area.

Normal security procedures will be in place for the ceremony. All bags will be checked for security purposes so it is recommended that guests plan to arrive early to avoid a delay in reaching their seats. No wrapped packages or strollers, backpacks, signs or noisemakers are allowed in Barnhill Arena. Compact umbrellas are permitted.

This year’s commencement is expected to be an increase of more than 400 students from 2011, when the university resumed holding fall commencement ceremonies after a 40-year hiatus. About 900 students attended last year’s fall commencement. 

More information about the 2014 Fall Commencement is available here.