Tickets and Seating
This year, we will be incorporating a ticketing system for guest attendance at the ceremonies.
- Tickets, free of charge, are required for all guests attending commencement ceremonies and will be available for students upon registration for commencement.
- Students may request a maximum of six (6) guest tickets.
- Tickets may only be requested by students.
- Graduating students participating in commencement, do not need a ticket, but must present their CaneID to attend the ceremony.
- Students may donate any tickets they will not be using at check-out.
- Following the last day to apply for graduation, these tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with each registered student having the opportunity to request up to two additional tickets.
- Reservation information for these additional tickets will be emailed to all students who have registered to participate in commencement.
- Mobile tickets will be emailed to the student closer to the date of their ceremony.
Guest seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Watsco Center seating chart.
Security/Bag Policy
To ensure the safety and security of our guests, the Watsco Center reserves the right to inspect any bags, clothing or other articles prior to entry and prohibit entry or require removal of any items at their sole discretion.
The Watsco Center has a clear bag policy to increase existing security measures and expedite entry. All clear bags must be 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. Small clutch purses are permitted, which may not exceed 5.5" x 8.5" and can be carried separately or inside an appropriate clear bag. To reduce contact with event staff, guests may keep items such as phones, keys, and wallets in their pockets as they enter through the security mags/metal detectors.
Doors open one hour prior to the event start time. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to expedite the screening process. Large items such as strollers will not be permitted in the arena but may be checked at the VIP Lobby Entrance on the ground floor. Please ask a UM staff volunteer for assistance in checking items. Balloons, confetti, and noise makers are not permitted.
For a complete list of building policies and prohibited items, please visit the Watsco Center website or call (305) 284-8686.
Concessions
No outside food or beverages are permitted in the Watsco Center. Concession stands will be open during commencement ceremonies on the main concourse. The food service provider offers a wide selection of food items.
Printed Program Books
The commencement program books are available to graduates and participating faculty when they sit in their seating areas reserved for graduating students and participating faculty. The program, which will be individualized for each ceremony, lists the name, degree, and proper accolades for each graduate. It also contains biographical information on honorary degree recipients and speakers as well as a detailed sequence of events for each ceremony. If you are not able to attend the ceremony, you can order your program book here.
Graduate Seating
All graduates will be seated on the floor. Graduates are seated with their classmates according to school or college and degree level. Graduates are not seated alphabetically or by specific degrees. All graduates will be displayed on the video screens as they receive the diploma on stage.
UM Graduate Gifts
The UM Campus Store will be on-site at the arena with a variety of 'Canes gear and memorabilia.
