Commencement at Worthen Arena

Worthen Arena hosts Ball State University’s Summer and Fall Commencement ceremonies. Find information below about arrival, parking, safety, accessibility, and other details to help graduates and guests prepare for the ceremony.

Fall Commencement

Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m.
Worthen Arena
1699 West Bethel Avenue
Muncie, Indiana. 

Doors will open at 9 a.m., one hour prior to the ceremony start time. In the Fall one ceremony is held with all graduates together. Seating is general admission, so early arrival is strongly encouraged. 

Arriving at Worthen Arena

Graduates

  • Enter through Lower-Level Gate 1.
  • Follow staff directions and signage to your designated seating area
  • Arrive wearing your cap and gown; there is no dressing or preparation space inside the arena.
  • Master’s candidates should arrive in their hoods.
  • It is important that graduates arrive on time and are seated no later than 9:45 a.m.

Guests

  • Enter through Upper-Level Gate 1.
  • Seating is general admission.
  • Doors open one hour before the ceremony.

Security and Safety

To ensure the safety of all graduates and their guests, Worthen Arena uses weapon detection systems, and Ball State’s clear bag policy will be in effect. To expedite entry, attendees are encouraged to bring minimal personal items and arrive early.

Review security, safety, and clear bag requirements.

Ceremony Information

  • The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
  • Graduates and guests are expected to adhere to the etiquette and protocols guidelines, including staying for the duration of the ceremony.
  • We kindly ask graduates to prearrange a meeting location with their guests outside the venue. This ensures a safe and organized exit for all attendees.
  • After the ceremony, Gates 1, 3, and 4 will be available for exiting.
  • To reduce congestion, graduates and guests are encouraged to take photos outdoors or at other campus landmarks.
  • Review additional Commencement etiquette tips and protocols.

Parking and Getting to Worthen Arena

  • Parking is free on campus on Commencement Day.
  • Bethel Avenue is recommended for accessing parking near Worthen Arena.
  • Several thousand people may be on campus, so allow additional time for traffic and parking.
  • A commencement parking map will be posted on the website closer to the ceremony.

Accessibility

Accessibility accommodations and information are available for graduates and guests attending commencement at Worthen Arena.

View accessibility information for graduates and guests.

Inside Worthen Arena

Restrooms

Graduate and faculty restrooms are located at Lower-Level Gate 1. Guests will find restrooms on the main concourse at Gate 1 and Gate 3. Also, a gender-neutral restroom is available at Gate 2.

Lactation Room

A family restroom suitable for lactation needs is located at Gate 2, between aisles 4 and 6.

Lost and Found

Lost and found is located in Worthen Arena, Room 140 (Sports Facilities Management Office). Take the elevator to the lower level, the office will be right across the hall. You can also find an event staff member in yellow to assist you.

First Aid Station

First aid is available at Gate 2. For EMS assistance, please notify the closest police officer or arena staff member.

Strollers

Strollers are not permitted in the stands. A stroller drop-off area is available in the Recruiting Room on the concourse (WR 216) at Upper-Level Gate 1.

Food, Flowers, and Graduation Items

Concessions

Concessions with limited food and refreshments will be available for purchase on the main concourse near Gate 1, between aisles 2 and 3.

Flowers and Gifts

The Commencement Group will be at the ceremony selling flowers and other graduation gifts on the concourse level.  

Ball State Bookstore

The Ball State Bookstore will have a booth at Upper-Level Gate 1 with cap and gown packages and additional tassels.

The Ball State Bookstore in the Art and Journalism Building will also be open on Commencement Day. For accurate details, please contact the Ball State Bookstore at 765-285-8080.