Walton College Commencement Instructions
May 14th, 1:00 p.m., Bud Walton Arena
Regalia
Class of 2016 graduates who did not receive regalia during the Graduate Salute in March may pick up regalia in the UA Bookstore Tuesday, May 10th through Thursday, May 12th from 8:00 am to 7:00pm, Friday, May 13th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and between 7:30am and 12:00 on Saturday, May 14th, Commencement Day. Candidates for degrees must wear robes appropriate to their degree without added adornment such as markings on mortar boards, beads or flowers. Approved adornments are specific to academic and leadership recognition and are distributed through the Walton College. For information, regalia pick-up dates and times, visit http://uofastore.com/graduation/student.php
Guests
There is no limit to the amount of guests you bring with you. We encourage students to bring as many friends and family members as you wish to invite.
Arrival Time
The Walton College commencement exercise will begin promptly at 1:00pm on May 14th, 2016. PLEASE ARRIVE AT BUD WALTON NO LATER THAN 12:00pm. Doors open at 11:00am.
Graduate Check In
Graduates should check in at the tents at the entrance of the truck tunnel just off California Boulevard, located on the EAST side of Bud Walton Arena. Upon arriving at Bud Walton, you will check in at the tables located at the end of the tunnel entrance, underneath the tents. After you have checked in you will receive a ‘Walk Card’ with your name and major. You will then proceed into the tunnel and assemble alphabetically within your major. DO NOT LOSE YOUR CARD – you will keep your card until you go on stage and hand it to Jeff Hood. Please complete the Career Development information on the back of the card while you wait in line. Candidates for graduation will proceed to the stage as directed by Department Marshals. As your name is called, you will walk across the stage and receive congratulations. All graduates who are carrying purses, camcorder cases, camera cases, or other bags may be searched at the door. We recommend that you do not bring backpacks, large bags, or additional items that may delay entry into Bud Walton Arena. Graduates must leave personal belongings with family and friends since you will not be allowed to carry items during the ceremony.
Parents or Guests Entrances
All guests will be required to enter through the south entrance of Bud Walton Arena. All other entrances will be blocked for security purposes. All bags will be checked so it would be wise for guests to plan to arrive early to avoid a delay in reaching their seats.
Conferral of Degrees by Family
The Walton College of Business traditionally invites relatives who are University of Arkansas faculty members, administrators, or members of the Board of Trustees to participate in our Commencement exercises. If you have a family member who is a faculty member, administrator, or member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Arkansas and you would like them to award your diploma, please contact Jessica Hilton in the Undergraduate Programs Office (WCOB 328) or 575-7105 as soon as possible.
Pronunciation of Your Name
Please see John Norwood in WCOB 468 if you anticipate problems with the pronunciation of your name for commencement.
Dual Majors
If you have a dual major, please email Jessica Hilton at and let her know with which department you are planning to walk.
Pictures
A professional photographer will be taking pictures during the awarding of diplomas and he will contact you later to arrange for prints. We invite family and friends to feel free to use cameras.
Parking
On commencement day, there will be limited parking adjacent to Bud Walton Arena and is designated for persons working at the commencement ceremony. Graduates and guests may park in lots 56, 73, 73A, and the Stadium Parking Garage.
Persons with Mobility Impairments
Guests with mobility impairment may be DROPPED OFF at the south entrance of Bud Walton Arena with disabled parking available in lot 60 and lot 62 Please review the disabled parking map for more details. We recommend that guests with mobility impairment arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. Spaces will be limited due to the fact that the All University Commencement will be ending at the time that Walton College guests will be arriving. Ushers will be available inside the arena to assist them in locating the elevator and seating. The handicapped seating will be available on the concourse level of the arena. Due to limited number of disabled seats, only two additional guests may accompany those utilizing the disabled seating. We are sorry, but no seating will be available on the arena floor due to the limitation of space.
Graduates who will require accommodations during the ceremony (i.e. require an interpreter, wheelchair access, etc.) should advise Walton College via e-mail at in advance of May 1, 2016 so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Please contact (479) 575-7105 if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. For information on University Commencement, visit http://registrar.uark.edu/1323.php.