Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement

Do guests need a ticket?

• No, tickets are not required for admittance to any commencement ceremony

When do doors open for seating?

• Doors will open for guests 1 hour before the ceremony begins.
• Graduates will need to check in at the Ruth Scott Training Center 1 hour before the ceremony. 

Is a seating map for the DJ Sokol Arena in the Ryan Athletic Center available?

• DJ Sokol Arena Seating Map

What disability accommodations are available at the Ryan Athletic Center?

• All commencement-related activities are held in accessible facilities with accessible parking. Commencement is a family event with many family members attending. Due to the large number of guests who need accommodation, guests who need wheelchairs are strongly encouraged to bring their own or to rent them. Wheelchairs can be rented from Kohll’s Pharmacy at  kohlls.com/home/contact or 877.408.1990. Please reserve at least a week before your ceremony.    

What is the clear bag policy?

• All commencement ceremony venues require guests to use a clear bag for personal items.
• Clear, uncolored plastic tote-bags will be permitted, or guests may use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). Guests may also bring opaque small or clutch-sized purses/wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long, after proper security screening.
• View more details on the clear bag policy.

Where is parking?

• Guests may park in any campus lot Thursday and Friday. Parking lots around the stadium may have limited availability and a fee due to the Nebraska state soccer tournament.  
• Due to the construction on East campus, please check back closer to your ceremony for updates.

Can I take photos? How can I watch the livestream?

• A professional photographer will photograph each graduate receiving his or her hood and/or diploma. Graduates will be emailed a link to their photo proofs.
• Guests are not allowed on the floor to take photos.  
• Each ceremony will be broadcast live on Creighton’s website at creighton.edu/commencement and will be available for viewing after the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?

• Most ceremonies will last between 1 and 2 hours each.

Where and when is the Baccalaureate Mass?

• Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. All graduates and their guests as well as campus faculty and staff are invited to attend. The graduates do not process in; caps and gowns are not worn.  
• Note: Charles Schwab Field Omaha also enforces a clear bag policy.

Where can guests park for the Baccalaureate Mass?

• Parking is available in Lots B, C, and D at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Standard parking rates apply. View the stadium location and nearby lots.

What disability accommodations are available at Charles Schwab Field Omaha?

• Charles Schwab Field Omaha provides a range of ADA accommodations, including accessible seating, entrances, and restrooms. For the most up-to-date and complete details, please visit the venue’s official ADA Information Page.

When and how do I get my cap and gown?

• Pickup is at the Ruth Scott Training Center during the following dates and times:
  • Wednesday, May 13: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 14: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, May 15: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

When do students receive their diplomas?

• Students do not receive their diplomas at the ceremony. Diplomas will be sent to the mailing address on file in mid-June.

Where can I find information about lodging and dining?

• Lodging accommodations: campustravel.com
• Things to do: visitomaha.com/thingstodo
• Dining: visitomaha.com/restaurants
• About Omaha: visitomaha.com/about-omaha

What should I wear for the ceremony?

• The University will order graduation regalia for all participating students. Only those wearing University-approved academic attire will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students not complying with these guidelines may be removed from the graduation procession. It is recommended that graduates wear business or business-casual attire underneath their regalia.
• Creighton graduates wear the following attire at commencement:  
  • Master’s degree level: black master’s degree gown; black master’s degree mortarboard; hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
  • Doctoral degree level: black doctoral degree gown with appropriate velvet color pertaining to the degree earned; black doctoral degree tam; tassel; doctoral hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
• As this is a formal academic ceremony, please have your graduation gown fully zipped before the ceremony begins. 

Can I decorate my cap or add my own embellishments?

• Personal adornments or alterations that are deemed unlikely to cause a disruption or interference with the commencement ceremony may be allowed. Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. Decorations should remain flush with the cap to prevent obstructing the view of others, and they should be respectful in nature. The University reserves the right to remove attendees from the venue for engaging in disruptive behavior. 

Do guests need a ticket?

• No, tickets are not required for admittance to any commencement ceremony.

When do doors open for seating?

• Doors will open for guests 1 hour before the ceremony begins.
• Graduates will need to check in at one hour before the ceremony in Vestar Hall on the Xavier College Preparatory campus.

What disability accommodations are available at the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center?

• All commencement-related activities take place in fully accessible venues equipped with accessible parking. Since commencement is a family-oriented event, we expect a significant number of family members in attendance. To ensure everyone is comfortable, guests who require wheelchairs are highly encouraged to  bring their own or consider renting one in advance, as accommodations can be limited.

Is there a seating map available for the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center?

• Click here to view the seating map.

Are Food and Drink allowed inside the venue?

• Food or drink will not be allowed inside of the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center. 

Where is parking?

• Click here to view the parking map.

Can I take photos? How can I watch the livestream?

• A professional photographer will photograph each graduate receiving his or her hood and/or diploma. Graduates will be emailed a link to their photo proofs.
• Guests are not allowed on the floor to take photos.  
• Each ceremony will be broadcast live on Creighton’s website at creighton.edu/commencement and will be available for viewing after the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?

• Most ceremonies will last between 1 and 2 hours each.

Where and when is the Baccalaureate Mass? 

• Please check back closer to the ceremony for more details.

When and how do I get my cap and gown? 

• Please check back closer to the ceremony for more details.

When do students receive their diplomas?

• Students do not receive their diplomas at the ceremony. Diplomas are sent to the mailing address on file at a later date.

What should I wear for the ceremony?

• The University will order graduation regalia for all participating students. Only those wearing University-approved academic attire will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students not complying with these guidelines may be removed from the graduation procession. It is recommended that graduates wear business or business-casual attire underneath their regalia.
• Creighton graduates wear the following attire at commencement:  
  • Master’s degree level: black master’s degree gown; black master’s degree mortarboard; hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
  • Doctoral degree level: black doctoral degree gown with appropriate velvet color pertaining to the degree earned; black doctoral degree tam; tassel; doctoral hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
• As this is a formal academic ceremony, please have your graduation gown fully zipped before the ceremony begins. 

Can I decorate my cap or add my own embellishments?

• Personal adornments or alterations that are deemed unlikely to cause a disruption or interference with the commencement ceremony may be allowed. Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. Decorations should remain flush with the cap to prevent obstructing the view of others, and they should be respectful in nature. The University reserves the right to remove attendees from the venue for engaging in disruptive behavior. 

Where can I find information about lodging and dining? 

• Lodging accommodations: Creighton University Phoenix – Campus Travel Management
• Things to do: Best Things to Do in Phoenix in Every Season | Visit Phoenix
• Dining: Restaurants in Greater Phoenix | VisitPhoenix.com