BENDER ARENA LAYOUT
AU’s commencement ceremonies are held in Bender Arena on campus. No tickets are required. Guest seating depends upon the number of graduates (and faculty) attending the ceremonies. See Schedule of Events for more information.
Doors open approximately 45 minutes before each ceremony. No one will be permitted inside prior to that time. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guests should arrive in time to park and be seated in the arena no later than ten minutes before the start of each ceremony. No one will be admitted during the processional.
To ensure the comfort of our guests and in accordance with local fire safety laws, aisles must be kept clear at all times. Guests are asked to cooperate with ushers and public safety officers and to keep designated areas clear. All bags are subject to search, and large signs, banners, and other objects that impede visibility are not permitted.
Floorplans for each of the ceremonies are available below.
Saturday, May 9
- 9:00 AM School of Public Affairs commencement
- 1:00 PM School of Communication commencement
- 4:30 PM College of Arts and Sciences commencement
Sunday, May 10