Commencement is a memorable experience for graduates and their guests. Decorum and courtesy are important, and students and guests are expected to adhere to the following guidelines to maximize enjoyment by all.

  • To ensure a smooth ceremony, access to the arena floor is restricted to graduates and authorized personnel only. Guests and children are not permitted in graduate seating, on stage, or on the arena floor.
  • Cell phones should be turned off or operate in silent mode during the ceremony.
  • Any distracting noisemakers, such as air horns or flying objects, are prohibited. A complete list of prohibited items can be found on the Security and Safety page.
  • Out of respect for fellow graduates and their families, we ask that you return to your seat after crossing the stage and stay until the conclusion of the ceremony, which is marked by the platform party recessional.
  • Flash Photography, the official photographer for Ball State University Commencement ceremonies, captures multiple photos of each graduate during the ceremony. Photos are available to order online within a few days after Commencement. Guests may take personal photos or videos during the ceremony, but must remain seated while doing so. Please avoid blocking aisles or obstructing the views of others. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, only authorized photographers and videographers with proper credentials issued by Ball State University may access the arena floor. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us celebrate this milestone with respect and order.

Post Ceremony Etiquette

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will be directed to exit the arena following the platform party recessional.

To help maintain a smooth flow and avoid congestion, we kindly ask graduates to prearrange a meeting location with their guests outside the arena. This ensures a safe and organized exit for all attendees.

Ball State’s campus offers many beautiful and iconic spots for post-ceremony photos, including:

  • Beneficence
  • Shafer Tower
  • The Quad
  • Frog Baby Fountain
  • Alderdice Gates
  • The David Owsley Museum of Art
  • Outside your college

Celebrate your achievements with memorable photos in these scenic locations! view the campus map for details.