Commencement Day Info.
Parking
Parking will be available in the Ocean Walk garage located north of the Ocean Center and the Ocean Center’s west parking lot. Additional parking will be located south of the Ocean Center adjacent to Peabody Auditorium. The cost of parking at each location will be approximately $5.00.
Admission for parents, family, friends, and the general public
Parents, family, friends, and the general public will enter the Ocean Center through the north and south doors. The doors will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. Graduates should inform guests attending the Commencement Convocation that they should be seated 15 minutes before the event begins. Guests should not leave the arena until the entire ceremony is over. Leaving causes disruption and noise which disturbs others.
Reserved Seating/Special Guests
Reserved seating for special guests of the president and trustees will be located on the south side of the arena floor. Special guests should enter the Ocean Center at the North Dock Door, which will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. Special guests should identify themselves to ushers who will assist them with seating.
Handicapped and special needs access
Seating for handicapped and special needs will be located on the north side of the arena floor and on the second floor. Handicapped and special needs persons will enter through the North Dock Door on the ground level. One person will be admitted with the handicapped or special needs person. An elevator to the second floor is located on the ground level. Disabled persons are permitted to have one person join them and sit in the wheelchair area. Seating is limited.
Photographs and Videotaping
Only authorized photographers are permitted on the arena floor to take pictures. Audience members will not be permitted near the graduate-seating or platform areas at any time. For videotapes (DVDs and VHS) of the ceremony, please contact the Mass Communications Department at 386/481-2754.
Food/Drinks
No outside food or drinks will be allowed inside the Ocean Center.
Emergency Personnel
Emergency Medical Services personnel will be present throughout the ceremony. Please contact a Bethune-Cookman University usher, an Ocean Center usher, or a Bethune-Cookman University security officer for assistance.
CELL PHONES
All cell phones and electronic noise-producing devices must be turned off during the ceremony. Use of cell phones may interfere with the sound during the ceremony.
Public Restrooms
Restrooms are available on both levels of the Ocean Center. Please ask an usher for assistance, if necessary.
Printed Programs
Commencement programs will be available at the entrance to the Ocean Center for guests and in the seating areas reserved for graduating students, faculty, and platform guests.
Recessional
At the end of the program, the president will lead the recessional followed by the platform guests. The faculty, then the graduates will follow, front rows leading, and exit through the Conference Center to the east side (Atlantic Avenue) of the Ocean Center.
Family and friends will be able to greet the graduates on the east side of the Ocean Center (near Atlantic Avenue).
