GUESTS

GUEST INFORMATION

Please see guest information below to help the day go smoothly.

Parking

Be early and expect lots of traffic and congestion. The Institute Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and will take place at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Students and their guests will be released to attend the College of Sciences Master’s commencement ceremony at the conclusion of the Institute ceremony, around 10 a.m.

Please proceed directly to our ceremony after the Institute Ceremony ends. It is approximately a 10-15-minute walk to the John Lewis Student Center (College of Sciences Master’s Commencement Ceremony) from Bobb Dodd Stadium (Institute-wide Commencement). To avoid traffic, we recommend parking once rather than moving your car between ceremonies.

See Venue & Parking for more information about where to park near the John Lewis Student Center. Parking decks near Bobby Dodd Stadium include Peters Parking Deck (E52) and Klaus Parking Deck (E40).

Seating

Seating for all ceremonies is general admission and is first-come, first-served. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.  

What to Do on Commencement Day 

Students and their guests will be released to attend the College of Sciences Master’s commencement ceremony at the conclusion of the Institute ceremony, around 10 a.m. Please proceed directly to our ceremony after the Institute Ceremony ends. There will be lots of congestion on campus, and parking will be at a premium. See Venue and Parking for more information about where to park near the Student Center.

Students and guests will be directed to separate entrances when you arrive at the Walter G. Ehmer Theater (formerly Atlantic Theatre), Room 3208, Third Floor, John Lewis Student Center. Once you arrive and check in with the event staff: 

  • Guests will need to sit in the designated guest seating, behind graduates. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Guests are allowed to take photos and videos during the ceremony, but we ask that you please keep the aisles and walkways clear for our graduates. We also ask that guests remain in their designated seating area so as not to disrupt the processional of graduates.  
  • As a courtesy to the graduates and other guests, please remain in your seat until the ceremony concludes and you are dismissed to the reception.  

Accessibility and Accommodations

Accessibility is a top priority at Georgia Tech. If you have any special needs, ushers stationed inside the venue will be happy to assist you. Our team wants to do everything we can to ensure a pleasant experience for all graduates and their guests. 

  • Wheelchair-accessible seating is reserved through the graduating student’s RSVP. 
  • These designated spots will be assigned, and further details will be communicated to the guests requiring those accommodations.  
  • All food and beverages at the ceremony will be clearly labeled with potential allergy and dietary restrictions. If you have any specific dietary concerns or allergies and you would like to request an accommodation, please contact: events@cos.gatech.edu.

    Should you need extra services or have any questions, please contact: events@cos.gatech.edu.

Additional Information

For more information to plan your visit, including where to stay and where to eat, please visit the Institute Communications Commencement website.