Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the Creighton University commencement activities are answered below for both our graduates and guests.
Undergraduate
When do doors open for seating?
- Doors will open at 9 a.m. (1 hour before the ceremony begins)
- Graduates will need to check in at Hall A beginning at 8 a.m.
Are tickets required for the ceremonies?
No, tickets are not required for admittance to any commencement ceremony or the Baccalaureate Mass.
Is a seating map for the CHI Health Center Arena available?
What disability accommodations are available at CHI Health Center Omaha?
- All commencement-related activities are held in accessible facilities with accessible parking. Commencement is a family event with many family members attending. Due to the large number of guests who need accommodation, guests who need wheelchairs are strongly encouraged to bring their own or to rent them. Wheelchairs can be rented from Kohll’s Pharmacy at kohlls.com/home/contact or 877.408.1990. Please reserve by Monday, May 6.
- PLEASE NOTE we do not reserve seating for guests using wheelchairs at CHI Health Center and the best drop-off point is the 10th Street curb cut-out. There are many ADA areas in the arena. Space permitting, one person may be seated next to each guest using a wheelchair in the areas that accommodate wheelchairs. ADA information can be found at chihealthcenteromaha.com/ada-arena-2
What is the clear bag policy?
All commencement ceremony venues require guests to use a clear bag for personal items.
Clear, uncolored plastic tote-bags will be permitted, or guests may use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). Guests may also bring opaque small or clutch-sized purses/wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long, after proper security screening.
View more details on the clear bag policy.
Where is parking?
- Commencement parking at CHI Health Center Omaha is available on the streets and in nearby lots and garages. More information regarding parking lots can be found on the CHI Health Center Omaha Parking & Hotel Map. Parking fee of $10 applies to most parking lots.
Can I take photos? How can I watch the livestream?
- Ceremony Photos will photograph each graduate receiving his or her hood and/or diploma. Graduates will be emailed a link to their photo proofs, or they can go to ceremonyphotos.com for information. A number of different packages are available. Questions may be addressed to todd@ceremonyphotos.com or 402.917.6518.
- Guests are not allowed on the floor to take photos.
- The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live on Creighton’s website at creighton.edu/commencement and will be available for viewing after the ceremony.
How long will the ceremony last?
- The ceremony may last between 2 and 3 hours.
Where and when is the Baccalaureate Mass?
- Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. All graduates and their guests as well as campus faculty and staff are invited to attend. The graduates do not process in; caps and gowns are not worn.
When and how do I get my cap and gown?
- Pickup is at the Ruth Scott Training Center during the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, May 8: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Thursday, May 9: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Friday, May 10: 7 a.m.–Noon
When do students receive their diplomas?
Students do not receive their diplomas at the ceremony. Diplomas are sent to the mailing address on file in mid-June.
Where can I find information about lodging and dining?
- Lodging accommodations: campustravel.com
- Things to do: visitomaha.com/thingstodo
- Dining: visitomaha.com/restaurants
- About Omaha: visitomaha.com/about-omaha
Professional Schools/Colleges
When do doors open for seating?
- Doors will open 1 hour before each ceremony begins.
- Graduates will need to check in at the Ruth Scott Training Center 1 hour before the ceremony.
Are tickets required for the ceremonies?
No, tickets are not required for admittance to any commencement ceremony or the Baccalaureate Mass.
Is a seating map for the DJ Sokol Arena in the Ryan Athletic Center available?
What disability accommodations are available at the Ryan Athletic Center and Kiewit Fitness Center?
- All commencement-related activities are held in accessible facilities with accessible parking. Commencement is a family event with many family members attending. Due to the large number of guests who need accommodation, guests who need wheelchairs are strongly encouraged to bring their own or to rent them. Wheelchairs can be rented from Kohll’s Pharmacy at kohlls.com/home/contact or 877.408.1990. Please reserve by Monday, May 6.
What is the clear bag policy?
All commencement ceremony venues require guests to use a clear bag for personal items.
Clear, uncolored plastic tote-bags will be permitted, or guests may use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). Guests may also bring opaque small or clutch-sized purses/wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long, after proper security screening.
View more details on the clear bag policy.
Where is parking?
- For events at the Ryan Athletic Center, guests will use the First National Bank parking lot on 17th and Mike Fahey streets (east of the Morrison soccer stadium). Additional parking may be available at the parking lot on the corner of Florence Boulevard and Burt Street behind the Murphy Building. View the parking map PDF.
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- Guests may park in any campus lot Thursday and Friday. View the campus parking map. Parking lots around the stadium may have limited availability and a fee due to the Nebraska state soccer tournament.
Can I take photos? How can I watch the livestream?
- Ceremony Photos will photograph each graduate receiving his or her hood and/or diploma. Graduates will be emailed a link to their photo proofs, or they can go to ceremonyphotos.com for information. A number of different packages are available. Questions may be addressed to todd@ceremonyphotos.com or 402.917.6518.
- Guests are not allowed on the floor to take photos.
- Each ceremony will be broadcast live on Creighton’s website at creighton.edu/commencement and will be available for viewing after the ceremony.
How long will the ceremony last?
- Most ceremonies will last between 1 and 2 hours each.
Where and when is the Baccalaureate Mass?
- Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at Charles Schwab Field Omaha on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. All graduates and their guests as well as campus faculty and staff are invited to attend. The graduates do not process in; caps and gowns are not worn.
When and how do I get my cap and gown?
- Pickup is at the Ruth Scott Training Center during the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, May 8: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Thursday, May 9: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Friday, May 10: 7 a.m.–Noon
When do students receive their diplomas?
Students do not receive their diplomas at the ceremony. Diplomas are sent to the mailing address on file in mid-June.
Where can I find information about lodging and dining?
- Lodging accommodations: campustravel.com
- Things to do: visitomaha.com/thingstodo
- Dining: visitomaha.com/restaurants
- About Omaha: visitomaha.com/about-omaha
