Guest Information

Our ceremony is truly an academic ritual; therefore, we ask that guests recognize that such an event requires a level of decorum be maintained. So that all families can hear the announcement of each graduate’s name, please limit the length and decibel level of celebratory response. The University reserves the right to escort from the building any individual or group creating inordinate noise that distracts from the solemnity of the program.

Admittance to the ceremony is by ticketed general admission; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No saving of seats is allowed. All guests are asked to follow the directives of ushers and security staff.

Each graduate is eligible for up to six tickets for the ceremony.

Graduates will request guest tickets through MarchingOrder when they register for commencement, including submitting any requests for additional tickets that will be distributed as available. They can choose to email the tickets to their guests or print a copy for them. Each e-ticket will be affixed with a unique barcode that will be scanned for entry into the Civic Center. Each ticket will only be able to be scanned once.

Each guest (including children over two years of age) will need a ticket to enter. 

Questions?

Please contact us at commencement@salisbury.edu.

The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center offers ample parking for its guests. There is no fee for parking at the venue.

Patrons may park in the lots adjacent to or across from the Civic Center. Please refrain from parking in neighboring businesses' lots, as these lots may be subject to towing.

There will be a designated seating section to accommodate disabled guests. Within the graduates allotted tickets, we offer special accommodations tickets. These are required for guests in a wheelchair, with limited mobility, or in need of sign language interpretation. If you would like the special accommodations guest to have a companion sit with them, you will need to include them in the number of Special Accommodation tickets needed. Special Accommodation ticketed guests and their companion will not be seated with the rest of your guests.

Additionally, doors will open 15 minutes early for disabled guests to ensure they are able to safely find seats.

The Salisbury University Alumni Office is acknowledging our legacy families with reserved seating during the December 2024 commencement. If you graduated from Salisbury University and are a parent, step-parent, guardian, or grandparent of a 2024 graduating student, you are eligible for this reserved seating.  Graduates must indicate on MarchingOrder if you are part of a legacy family.

Doors open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony for general admission, however family and guests are encouraged to arrive prior to doors opening to ensure ample time for parking. Families with special accommodation guests are permitted to enter 15 minutes before general admission. All guests must be seated 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

Professional photographers will take photos of graduates as diplomas are awarded. Graduates will receive graduation photo information from GradImages (www.gradimages.com). A proof with ordering details will arrive at your permanent address within two to four weeks after commencement.

Due to the large number of people attending Commencement, it is necessary to restrict access to the platform and the graduates’ seating area. Guests will not be able to walk or stand in the aisles to take photographs or video.

For a variety of options to local accommodations, please visit the accommodations page. To learn more about what the Eastern Shore has to offer, please visit the Discover Salisbury page.

As part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable event, Salisbury University will adhere to Civic Center policies regarding allowable items into the facility.  Please review these policies in advance, playing particular attention to bag and signage limitations.

The ceremony will be livestreamed. The broadcast may be viewed on the main Commencement page and will automatically start 10 minutes before the ceremony.