Guest Information
Directions and Parking
Parking is available in our main lot on Liberty Street and the lot on Oakland Avenue. Please note that Liberty Street is closed to traffic by 12:00 p.m.
A limited number of parking spaces for people with disabilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Liberty Street and Oakland Avenue lots; a handicapped hangtag or license plate is required. Passengers with disabilities may be dropped off in front of the College Quadrangle on Liberty Street prior to 12:00 p.m.
Guest Admission and Seating Information
Seating Under the Tent Begins at 11 a.m.: Guest Tickets are required for admission for all guests two (2) years and older. (Note: Keepsake announcements will NOT be accepted for admission). Students are able to request guest tickets through their MarchingOrder graduate commencement registration. Each graduating student who is on the official graduation list and is attending Commencement will receive five (5) tickets. The graduating student does not need a ticket. Guests will exchange their tickets for hand stamps or wristbands at the Ticket Exchange booths located along Liberty Street near the College Quadrangle the morning of Commencement.
Guests must be in possession of their tickets the morning of Commencement as they will not have an opportunity to meet up with their student after the student checks in at College Hall. Guests without wristbands/a hand stamp will not be admitted onto the Quadrangle and Commencement Tent. Children under the age of two (2) are expected to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian. Special seating will be arranged for guests in wheelchairs (please see Guests in Wheelchairs below).
Weather: Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an outdoor event that will be held rain or shine.
Prohibited Items: No strollers, carriages, carriers or any other equipment for transporting babies or toddlers are permitted on the Quadrangle for safety purposes. Balloons and view-obstructing signs/banners will also not be permitted on the Quadrangle.
Overflow Space and Additional Viewing Options: Guests without tickets are welcome to view the live webcast of the ceremony in the Robert V. Van Fossan Theatre. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Balloons, view-obstructing signs/banners and food/drinks are not permitted. Admission to the Theatre will be capped when we reach maximum capacity for the space. The live webcast of the ceremony can be viewed thirty minutes prior to the ceremony at bloomfield.edu/commencement.
Guests in Wheelchairs: Seating for guests in wheelchairs will be available in a reserved section under the tent. Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to the person in the wheelchair and one guest. Additional members of your party should sit in the general seating area. Guest must arrive in his/her wheelchair in order to be admitted to reserved seating as a chair will not be provided. A chair will be provided for the guest accompanying the person in the wheelchair. Upon arrival to reserved seating give the name of the graduating student to volunteer who will show the guest in wheelchair to their seat.
Photography
Island Photography has been hired to capture this special moment.
Please refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony from anywhere other than your seat in order to avoid obstructing the view of others. Each graduate will be professionally photographed before receiving their degree and while they are receiving their degree on stage.
Graduates will receive proofs via email and regular mail from Island Photography.
The graduate can also receive a direct link to the photos by registering through the Island Photography website.
The graduate may register several email addresses to allow all family and friends to receive a direct link to the photos. Images are posted within 72 hours of the ceremony. All inquiries should be made to Island Photography at 800-869-0908. Purchase is optional.