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    COMMENCEMENT FAQs

    Below are key answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Morehouse College Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

    Know Before You Go

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    This section has the most up-to-date information for those attending the 141st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Please read this first before continuing to the rest of the FAQs information. 

    Entering Campus

    Please plan to arrive early. Dress comfortably and please be patient with the construction progress being experienced on the campus.

    attendee wristbands

    Attendees MUST have a Ticket and wristband to access the campus and go through a security check. To access Century Campus, you must have a Morehouse-provided wristband. 

    Alumni Attendees

    To sit in the alumni section on Century Campus, alumni MUST have a registered alumni wristband. An alumnus without a wristband will not be allowed to process with Reunion Classes and Alumni Leadership. Alumni not in reunion may be seated in any open seating after 8:00 AM. 

    Umbrellas

    Small umbrellas are permitted. Do not bring large umbrellas.

    food and drinks

    Attendees are able to bring snacks and bottled water; it will be included in the security check. Concessions will also be available for sale in Chivers' Dining Hall. 

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    GRADUATE AND CEREMONY INFORMATION

    Where will the Morehouse Spring 2025 Commencement take place?

    The Commencement Exercises will be held on the historic Century Campus. Seating is limited and reserved for the platform party, faculty, and graduates, with each graduate receiving up to ten (10) guest seats.

    What should graduates and families expect?

    The 2025 Spring Commencement will follow traditional ceremony protocols and adhere to the AUCC COVID-19 and vaccination policies.

    How will graduates be listed in the program?

    Graduates will be listed alphabetically within their respective academic divisions.

    How will names be called?

    Names will be called in alphabetical order by academic division. After walking across the commencement stage, graduates will receive diploma covers and have their photos taken.

    How do I receive my graduation regalia?

    Graduates who completed their requirements in Summer or Fall 2024 will receive an email notification when their regalia is ready for pickup at the Morehouse College Bookstore.

    How do I receive my honor cord(s)?

    Students earning Latin honors may collect their academic honor cords from the Morehouse College Bookstore.

    How are graduating seniors ranked?

    Only the top two seniors are ranked. The highest GPAs determine the valedictorian and salutatorian. In cases of a tie, multiple valedictorians or salutatorians may be named.

    When is the Baccalaureate Service?

    The Baccalaureate Service will be held on May 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

    When will the Commencement speaker and Honorary Doctoral Candidates be announced?

    Announcements will be made by April 15, 2025.

    How do I order a class ring?

    Morehouse partners with Jostens for class rings. Visit the Jostens.com for details.

    When is the Alumni Rite of Passage Ceremony?

    The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

    When is the Parents Pinning Ceremony?

    The Parents Pinning Ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM in Forbes Arena on Friday, May 16, 2025.

    Can I request a graduation fee refund if I do not attend Commencement?

    No, the graduation fee is non-refundable.

    What is the rain plan for Commencement and Reunion?

    Commencement will proceed on the Century Campus, rain, or shine. In the event of severe weather, the College will communicate any schedule adjustments within 72 hours before the ceremony.

    What is the host hotel for Commencement and Reunion?

    The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 659-0400. Visit the Commencement Hotel Accommodations page for rates and details for additional hotels.

    Are discounted hotel rates available for Commencement weekend?

    Yes, Morehouse has secured room blocks at select hotels. Visit the Commencement website for rates and details.

    Will on-campus lodging be available during Commencement weekend?

    No, on-campus lodging is not available for families.

    What is the required attire for Commencement?

    Graduates must wear academic regalia, black shoes, a tie, and a white shirt. Guests should wear cool, comfortable attire.

    Can graduating seniors remain in their residence halls through Commencement?

    Yes, but they must check out by Monday, May 19, 2025, at 1PM.

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    GENERAL INFORMATION

    What time does Century Campus open on Commencement Day?

    The grounds open at 6:00 AM, three hours before the ceremony.

    How long does the ceremony last?

    2.5 to 3 hours.

    Will the ceremony be streamed online?

    Yes, the ceremony will be streamed live on morehouse.edu.

    What items are allowed or restricted at the venue?

    Permitted items: Clear bags and small clutches.

    Prohibited items: Weapons, alcohol, tobacco, large bags.

    For the full list, visit: Morehouse Commencement Website.

    VISITORS AND VENDORS

    Visitors are those who are not Morehouse faculty, staff, students, or vendors. Vendors provide products and services to the institution and are not formally considered visitors.

    • Visitors and vendors are not required to wear a face mask indoors and physical distance any longer. However, these requirements are subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.
    • depending on their exposure to Morehouse students and staff.

    PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

    How do I get to Morehouse College Century Campus?

    Morehouse is located at 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.

    Guests
    We encourage guests to enter campus via Lee Street and Westview Drive, located off I-20 East, using exit 55B.

    Graduates
    Graduates are encouraged to arrive early using a separate entrance at the West End Ave and Wellborn Street access point. Graduates are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:00 AM through the West End Ave and Wellborn Street access point. Please be sure to show your 2024 graduating senior placard as you enter the campus for a smooth transition to Parking Lot B or the Morehouse Parking Deck.

    Will parking be available?

    Beginning at 5:00 AM, visitor parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Morehouse Parking Deck or Morehouse School of Medicine. Visitor parking is available on any of the campus lots on a first-come-first-served basis. Fees may vary. We will provide updates and additional information in May should information change. Guest drop-off and parking for those who will need accessibility Services will be available on the Atlanta Student Movement Blvd access point near the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) entrance.

    Can I use public transportation to reach the Commencement venue?  

    • Yes, two (2) MARTA transit stations serve the campus.
      • West End Station – This is the closest station to the Commencement ceremonies
      • Ashby Street Station – This is the closest station to the Century Campus 
    • We also encourage guests to use Uber as an alternative mode of transportation. Dropoff points will be announced prior to the ceremonies.

    What do I do if someone in my party becomes separated from our group?

    • Please see any usher, safety marshal, police officer, or Morehouse event support staff member for assistance.
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    TICKETS

    How many tickets will each graduate receive?

    Each graduate will receive ten (10) reserved seating tickets. Additional seating will be available in overflow areas.

    How will I receive my tickets?

    Tickets will be distributed to the graduating seniors along with caps, gowns, honor cords, and hoods during regalia pickup.

    Can I request extra tickets?

    No, extra tickets are not guaranteed. However, the ceremony will be live-streamed.

    Do guests need tickets to attend?

    Yes, all guests except infants and young children under 2 years old require tickets.

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    HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Are masks required for entry?

    Masks are optional but recommended for individuals with immune-compromised conditions.

    ACCESSIBILITY

    Does Morehouse provide wheelchairs?

    No, but nearby rental services are available.

    Is there a limit for ADA seating?

    Each graduate will receive ten (10) reserved tickets. A student can exchange a Green Family ticket for a Blue ADA ticket to accommodate family members requiring accessible seating. Each ADA request includes one companion (buddy) seat.

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    PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND SENIOR PORTRAITS

    How do I order photos taken at the ceremony?

    GradImages is the official photography partner for the Commencement ceremony. Visit the GradImages website to order photos.

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