Salisbury University students on campus

Severe Weather Policy

The safety of all Commencement participants and guests is at the planning forefront for a successful event. This Severe Weather Policy provides instructional plans in the event of severe weather conditions on the day of Commencement.

The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held outside at Sea Gull Stadium, rain or shine. Heavy rain will not cause the ceremony to be cancelled.

The University will provide indoor locations on campus that will stream the event for guests who do not have a ticket or for guests who would like to sit inside to view and join their graduate after the ceremony. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing areas, located in the Main Arena of the Maggs Physical Activities Center and the Assembly Hall of Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons.

Rain only: Commencement will continue to be held at Sea Gull Stadium. Ponchos will be provided for all graduates and faculty. Guests are encouraged to bring rain gear if precipitation is forecasted.

Severe weather such as lightning or high winds:

  • In the event of passing severe weather, the ceremony will be delayed up to 3 hours.
  • In the event of extended severe weather beyond the option to delay, the ceremony will be converted to Grad Walks, utilizing the indoor viewing locations. Details about the Grad Walks will be provided as the event gets closer. Speeches will be recorded and posted on the Commencement website.
  • In the event of severe weather occurring while the program is in progress, the ceremony will end, and all graduates and guests will be directed to seek shelter. The ceremony will not be rescheduled. We will make a public announcement to Commencement attendees and post a notice on the University’s website. Please follow these evacuation instructions:
    • Calmly evacuate in a safe and orderly manner as directed by the public announcement, security officers, and law enforcement on site. SU coordinates with the local Police and Fire Departments on campus evacuation protocols.

Notification Process

We have established two communication times to keep participants and guests aware of any changes to the ceremony start time and/or venue changes due to severe weather.

Day Before: Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Day Of: Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 a.m.

We will email graduates at these times via their SU email, as well as post the information on the homepage of the SU website, providing any updated changes to the Commencement proceedings as necessary.

Dress for the weather

Check the forecast and dress accordingly. You will be outside for hours

Rain ~ Cold

  • Gowns are large enough to accommodate a jacket or rain poncho underneath.
  • The Stadium can be cool and breezy. Consider an under layer for warmth.
  • The gowns may not be colorfast. Be mindful clothes could get stained if the gown gets wet.
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear. You will be walking up/down a steep ramp, and standing in grass and turf. Conditions may be slippery and muddy.
  • Spiked heels are not allowed. Only low heels, flats, and/or wedges will be permitted on the field.

Sunny ~ Warm

  • The gowns are maroon. There is no protection from the sun at the stadium. Consider an outfit made of light breathable fabric.
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear. Spiked heels are not allowed. Only low heels, flats, and/or wedges will be permitted on the field.
  • Wear sunblock!