Howdy!

Welcome to Part 2 of the "Know Before You Go" email series for Summer 2025 Commencement. In this installment, we'll provide essential information to share with your family and friends who will be celebrating your achievements with you.

Parking:

During commencement, parking in the spaces, lots, and garages surrounding Reed Arena is free of charge for both graduates and guests. Please note that Penberthy Blvd. and portions of Lot 100 will be closed this Saturday. To help you navigate, Transportation Services has provided a parking map outlining these locations and the recommended arrival routes. We expect lot 100a, 100b, and 100f to reach capacity quickly. Alternate parking locations for graduates and guests include West Campus Garage, Lot 100t, and Lot 100j (between the Student Rec Center and Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park).

Guest Arrival and Seating:

Guests can enter Reed Arena beginning one hour before the start of each ceremony. Please note that seating inside the arena is not assigned and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Information for accessible seating can be found on our website. The North Entry typically experiences high traffic levels. We recommend guests utilize the East, South, and West entries. The main entry near Lot 102 will serve as an accessible entrance.

Clear Bag Policy:

For security purposes, Reed Arena enforces a clear bag policy during commencement. You can find details regarding acceptable bags and items that can be brought into the arena on the Reed Arena website.

Security:

Additional security measures will be in place to ensure the safety and dignity of this public event celebrating academic achievements. We kindly ask guests to refrain from any disruptive behaviors that may distract from the experience for graduates and their guests.

Ceremony Information: 

The ceremony is expected to last approximately three hours and will include various elements such as the processional of graduates, remarks from university representatives, a student expression of appreciation speech, and the roll call of graduates. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will exit the arena during a recessional following the Aggie War Hymn.

Arena Exit and Reconnecting with Graduates:

At the conclusion of the Aggie War Hymn, graduates will proceed to the loading dock between the south and west entries of Reed Arena. To facilitate a smooth exit for all graduates, we recommend planning a reunion location away from the loading dock.

Alternate Viewing Options:

Each ceremony will be live streamed by KAMU. Family and friends that are not able to travel to College Station for the ceremony can view the live stream through the KAMU website. Locally, the stream can be viewed through KAMU-TV. 

If you or your guests have any questions regarding the arena or the commencement proceedings, please contact us at graduation@tamu.edu. 

Thank you, 

Commencement Team | Office of the Registrar

Texas A&M University | graduation@tamu.edu