Friday, May 10 at 6 P.M.
Walter B. Waetjen Auditorium 
Music and Communications Building (MU)

To ensure a safe event for graduates, guests and faculty/staff, we must all adhere to the policies set forth by Cleveland State University. Graduates and guests must follow the required Ceremony protocols listed below. 

Bag Policy
Below is the strict bag policy for all events. The following bags are permitted:

• Clear tote bags made of vinyl, plastic or PVC
  • Does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• Plastic storage bag
  • Clear, one (1) gallon resealable
• Small clutch purse
  • Must fit in the hand, with or without handle or strap
  • No larger than 4.5" x 6.5" with or without handle or strap
  • Can be carried separately or in an approved plastic bag
• Manufactured diaper bags and medical device bags

Cameras
Guests may bring cameras with them. However, camera equipment that includes tripods, selfie sticks, monopods, lenses larger than 100mm and camera bags are not permitted.

Check-in
Graduates: please arrive early to have ample time to check in, pick up name cards and other materials for the Ceremony. Ushers and signage will direct you to the appropriate room on the lower level of the Music Building.

Guests are not required to check-in but are encouraged to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. Ceremony processional starts promptly at 6 p.m.

Please arrive dressed in your commencement regalia and leave any personal belongings (e.g., purses, coats) with a guest or secured in your car. 

Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency which causes a delay of the ceremony or an evacuation of the arena, please listen for announcements on the PA system. Staff and security will also provide direction.

Entrance/Egress
Graduates and guests: please enter the Music and Communications Building (MU) from East 21st Street or Euclid Avenue entrance doors. Please arrive early and be prepared having followed all guidelines to ensure an efficient entrance in the building.

The Ceremony for Doctoral Graduates is a non-ticketed event, but security will be checking bags at the auditorium entrance doors to ensure event safety and that venue policies and protocols are followed.

Facial Coverings/Masks
Masks are optional in Waetjen Auditorim. Acceptable masks include the following: double-layered cloth masks, surgical masks, dust masks and N95 masks without vents.

Food and Beverage
No outside food and/or beverage may be brought into Waetjen Auditorim.

Parking
Free parking will be available to graduates and guests in the Central Garage (CG) ONLY. Garage entrance is located on East 21st Street. Please enter East 21st Street from Chester Avenue as East 21st Street is one-way going south from Chester Avenue to Euclid Avenue. Signage will be visible to assist in parking. Review our parking map or check out the Parking Services webpage for general parking information. 

**Parking with access to elevator and ramps is available entering the Central Garage (CG) via the East 19th Street garage entrance and parking on the top level.

Seating
Ushers and signage will direct graduates and guests to the appropriate seating areas. Guest seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis and all graduates will be assigned seating based on degree conferred.

• ADA accessible seating is available. Limited wheelchair spaces are available at the back of the auditorium. These spaces have combination of companion seating adjacent to the wheelchair spaces. The ADA accommodations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Umbrellas
Umbrellas are prohibited inside Waetjen Auditorium.

NEED HELP?

Please contact Veronica Hill at the College of Graduate Studies with any questions or concerns.