University administration plans Commencement ceremony

After an Aug. 28 email announced Commencement would be held in the Purcell Pavilion of the Joyce Athletic and Convocation Center (JACC) due to Campus Crossroads construction, students were dismayed to learn each graduate would be limited to three tickets each. However, University President Fr. Jenkins announced in a town hall meeting Feb. 17 that a mild winter and faster-than-expected work by the construction crew made it possible to temporarily halt construction for Commencement weekend.

“We know the decision to relocate commencement to the Joyce Center troubled the senior class in particular,” Jenkins said. “Due to the outstanding hard work of our architectural and facilities team here at Notre Dame and our construction partners and the blessings of a relatively good streak of winter weather, construction is ahead of schedule, giving us a window to make the stadium available for commencement and making it possible for all family and friends of the graduates to attend.”

Over 3,000 students are graduating this weekend in 19 different ceremonies, University Registrar Chuck Hurley said. Nearly 23,000 guests are expected to attend the University Commencement ceremony in the Stadium, he said.

“Post-baccalaureate students have their degrees conferred and receive diplomas on Saturday,” Hurley said.

“Undergraduate students have their degree conferred by Fr. Jenkins at the University Ceremony on Sunday morning, then receive their diploma at various College or departmental ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.”

Commencement will begin at 9 a.m. in the Stadium on Sunday, while the College and departmental ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. that same day, according to the Commencement website.

Planning for Commencement is year-round, Hurley said.

“[There are] over 100 commencement-related events this week,” Hurley said. “The Office of the Registrar coordinates the commencement ceremonies.  Various colleges and departments plan the academic components of individual ceremonies.”

“The Office of Campus Safety oversees the security and safety protocols at events.”

In the case of severe weather  — defined as lightning, high winds and heavy and persistent rain – the Commencement ceremony will be moved into the JACC, the Commencement website said. Each graduate received three "Severe Weather" tickets; all other guests without a "Severe Weather" ticket will be able to watch the ceremony live, which will be broadcasted in auditoriums in nearby large buildings, the website said.