Family and Guests

Be sure to review the Schedule for information on baccalaureate and other programs for families, as well as times for commencement.

Commencement Location: In keeping with Guilford College tradition, Commencement will be outdoors on the lawn in front of King Hall.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Regan-Brown Field House.  Due to limited seating in the Field House, students will receive tickets for their guests Friday at the rehearsal.  Additional seating and viewing areas will be arranged around campus.

Guests requiring special accommodations should contact Tracy Furjanic at 336-316-2186 before Monday, May 4th to allow adequate time to meet their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have family coming from great distances, can I find out earlier if the ceremony will take place indoors?

We prefer to hold the ceremony outdoors, so we wait as long as we can to make the "weather call." A group meets on Friday morning to make the determination of whether or not to move the program indoors. We recommend that your guests still come since there will be remote viewing areas around campus for all guest to be able to see graduation.

Can I take pictures or video of the ceremony?

An area near the stage will be provided for taking photographs and videotaping. 

Additionally, arrangements have been made for a professional photographer to take photos of graduates receiving diplomas and leaving the platform.  Color proofs will be emailed approximately one week after the ceremony.  Enlargement packages are available, however, there is no obligation to purchase.  GradTrak® provided by Bob Knight Photo & Chappell Studio guarantees complete satisfaction with photographs or they will provide a full refund. 

To pre-register and guarantee that you receive the proofs to the correct email, click on the below icon to visit their website.

Questions should be directed to Chappell Graduation Images at 1-800-247-3435.

What is the proper attire for the different programs?

We want you to feel comfortable while you are on campus for graduation. The Baccalaureate and Graduation programs are where people typically "dress up." Attire ranges from suits to more casual, but typically slacks and nice shirts are enough. At Guilford, the priority is that you are here to celebrate this special moment in your child's life.

How early should I arrive to be sure I get "good" seats for graduation?

The procession for commencement begins promptly at 9:30am, so we ask that everyone be in their seats by that time. Although it may be tempting to come and camp out early, most people don't start arriving about an hour before the program begins. The graduates have to be in line no later than 8:15 am, so many families will come at that time with their students (although, the student is in a different location).

How long does the ceremony last?

The length of the program depends on a couple of factors: how many students choose to walk, and the speeches. It is the College's priority that every student in attendance has the opportunity to go across the stage and receive his or her diplomma in acknowledgement of the hard work and effort put into completing the requirements of the degree. Each of the speakers, therefore, is given a specific length of time to provide his or her remarks. The last two years, which have had the largest number of graduates, the program has ended by Noon. There is a reception following the ceremony that provides an opportunity for interacting with other students, faculty, and staff. It is an informal social reception with no obligation to stay for any length of time.

Where do I park?

General parking is available around campus. Parking in typically illegal spaces (handicapped spots without a proper permit, fire lanes, loading areas) is still prohibited.

Staff will direct you to the best available places when you arrive on campus. Following their directions will help keep congestion on campus to a minimum before and after the ceremony.

Individuals with special needs should enter campus off New Garden Road onto Quadrangle Drive. Inform the parking attendant you need to park in the special needs area and you'll be directed to a space across from New Garden Hall.