Class of 2020

General Information

  • The Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration event will take place on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Greek Amphitheatre on PLNU’s main campus.
  • This event is an in-person, sit-down ceremony.
  • Class of 2020 graduates must RSVP to attend the event; check your PLNU email account for more information.

Regalia

  • Graduates are expected to wear their regalia to the Commencement Celebration ceremony.
  • To remove wrinkles and creasing, we recommend steaming the gown by hanging it near a shower or using a garment steamer. Ironing is not recommended as it may damage the fabric.
  • Graduates may choose to decorate their graduation cap if they wish. However, decorations should be tasteful and not present a hazard or viewing obstruction to fellow graduates or guests. The university reserves the right to request that a candidate remove their decorated cap if it is deemed inappropriate.
  • Comfortable clothing under the robe is suggested.
  • Comfortable shoes are also recommended since you will be descending and ascending unevenly spaced steps in the amphitheatre.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to commencement@pointloma.edu.

Tickets

General

  • Tickets are required for all convocations at Point Loma Nazarene University.
  • Each graduate who will be participating in the Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration on Sunday, June 13 is eligible to receive 6 tickets.
  • Children age three and older are required to have a ticket.
  • Tickets allow guests access into the Greek Amphitheatre or the Crill Performance Hall but do not reserve a specific seat. All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Due to state capacity guidelines, we are not able to grant any requests for additional tickets for the Spring 2021 commencement season.
  • Tickets are not for resale.

Distribution

  • Each graduate has been sent access to a Google Form via email where they will RSVP and select how they wish to receive their tickets:
  • Graduates may choose to pick up their tickets from the Common Knowledge Bookstore (PLNU Main Campus) starting Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or
  • Graduates may choose to have their tickets mailed to them.
  • Tickets will be mailed starting May 1. Each graduate will receive email notification when their tickets have been mailed.
  • No tickets will be mailed after May 30.
  • All financial accounts must be paid before receiving commencement tickets.

Seating

  • The Greek Amphitheatre will open for seating one hour before the scheduled start time of each ceremony.
  • Seating for guests with special needs is available at the top of the north and south sides of the Amphitheatre.
  • Due to limited space, only one person may sit with the guest with special needs.
  • Guests may also view a broadcast of the Convocation in the temperature-controlled Crill Performance Hall (ticket required).
  • For those who are unable to attend, a live webcast of the Convocation will be available online via a link on the PLNU commencement page.

In line with public health guidelines, PLNU requests that all students and guests attending Commencement monitor their health and take their temperature prior to arriving on campus. If you are unwell or running a fever of 100.0 or higher, please stay home. Persons at higher risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19 are also encouraged to stay home. We will be live-streaming the event via a link on our PLNU Commencement page.

Commencement Day

Commencement Etiquette

For the Convocations to be enjoyed by all and for everyone’s safety, we ask you comply with the following:

  • Face coverings are required for all students, guests, and staff while on campus.
    • Students may remove their face covering only as they reach the platform to receive their diploma folder and to have their photos taken. Students will need to put their face covering back on as they return to their seat.
  • Leave valuables with family members or guests prior to lining up for the academic procession. There will be no secured areas to store these items during the Convocation.
  • Cell phones and other personal electronic devices should be turned off or silenced for the duration of the ceremony. Before the Convocation begins, arrange a meeting place with guests for after Commencement and please resist the temptation to send text messages during the ceremony.
  • The items below are not allowed in the Greek Amphitheatre at any time before, during, or after the Convocation and will be confiscated by security personnel:
    • Air Horns, Cowbells, or Other Noisemakers
    • Confetti Launchers, Streamers, Silly String
    • Beach Balls
    • Drones
    • Pets
  • Each Convocation should last approximately one hour. If you should find it necessary to leave your seat, please notify one of the marshals for assistance.
  • PLNU is a smoke and tobacco free campus. The University also observes a strict no-alcohol policy.

How to Wear Your Regalia

  • The best order to put on your graduation regalia is: robe, stole*, cords*, academic hood, and cap with tassel last. *not all students will have these
  • When placing the hood, follow these helpful how-to tips (you can also watch a video here):
    • Put the hood over your head, velvet side up, with the small tapered v-shaped end in front of the neck and the long u-shaped rear draping over the back.
    • Smooth the front of the hood into place, so it rests comfortably below the chin and over the shoulders.
    • Secure the front loop of the hood to your clothing beneath the hood or to the gown zipper to keep the hood in place. Use a safety pin if necessary.
    • Enlist the help of a friend or family member to adjust the placement on the back of the hood.
    • Turn out the PLNU colors on the back of the hood, starting just below the shoulders by turning the fabric inside-out to expose the lining and chevron underneath.
  • All graduates should wear their tassels on the left side.

Lineup and Academic Procession

There is no rehearsal for Commencement. For the Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration, you will begin lining up at approximately 5:45 p.m. Lineup will take place on Peppertree Lane (the main street throughout campus). Lists of names will be posted on stanchions for each row of graduates. Commencement marshals will assist you with the lineup and provide instructions for the procession.

In Case of Rain...

This is a “rain or shine” event. While we may experience a delay due to inclement weather, the ceremony will remain in the Greek Amphitheatre. Guests are encouraged to bring a hooded jacket and something dry to cover your seat if rain is expected