Congratulations, Class of 2025! We look forward to welcoming you and thousands of your closest friends and family members to our Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 13.

This is your “know before you go” guide — quick, fun and packed with tips to make your ceremony experience memorable and stress-free.

And the best part of the day happens at the very end, so stay with us!

Event snapshot

Grads enter at the arrow, at the lower entrance on the west side.

• Where do I graduate? The ceremony will be held in the Ballad Health Athletic Center (aka the “Mini-Dome”) on campus. Find parking and entrances on the map.

• What time do I graduate? There are two ceremonies – at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Not sure what time you graduate? Check the schedule at etsu.edu/commencement.

• How early should I arrive? Doors open for guests and grads 60 minutes before the start time. Arrive early to allow time to find parking and get through security.

• Do we need tickets? No guest tickets are required, and there is no limit on the number of family or friends you can bring.

• Where can guests sit? Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests. Accessible seating is available on the ground floor – check ahead if needed. Check the parking and drop-off map.

• Where do graduates sit? Graduates enter through the center doors on the ground level of the west side of the Ballad Health Athletic Center (the side facing the parking garage) and find their assigned seat on the floor.

Getting ready for the big day

Tassels start on the right and are moved to the left at the end of the ceremony.

• What to bring: A clear bag policy is enforced. Guests (and grads), bring as little as possible inside.

• What not to bring: Please leave noisemakers, balloons, large signs, confetti, glass vases and anything that blocks someone’s view at home.

• What to wear: Graduates, wear your full regalia when you arrive. Choose comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on turf.

• Parking and arrival: Plan extra time for parking and getting through security.

Ceremony 101: What to expect

Graduates receive a diploma tube. Diplomas are mailed after the ceremony.

• The graduate experience: Staff will guide you on where to sit and where to line up.

• Don’t miss your moment: Your name will be announced only if you’re present at the ceremony.

• Diploma: When it’s your turn, you’ll cross the stage and receive your diploma tube. Real diplomas are mailed after final processing.

• The guest experience: Once the ceremony begins, please stay seated and keep aisles clear for safety.

• Watch from anywhere: Both ceremonies will be livestreamed at etsu.edu/commencement for those who cannot attend in person.

The grand finale: Why grads and guests should stay until the end

Grads will receive a commemorative Running Bucky pin at the end of the ceremony.

• Stay for the conferral: The moment you’ve been working toward and waiting for, the conferral of your degree, happens at the end of the ceremony. Turn your tassels with the Class of 2025.

• Stay for the alma mater: ETSU’s award-winning Bluegrass Pride Band will perform the traditional Alma Mater – it’s emotional, it’s meaningful and it’s a memorable way to top off the ceremony.  

• Stay for the pin: The exclusive Class of 2025 Buc Badge commemorative pin is handed out to graduates only after the ceremony concludes.

• Stay for each other: After the ceremony, graduates and faculty are welcome to stay on the floor for photos. Families can meet their graduates outside at a pre-planned spot.

‍