Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement

We understand that you may have questions about the commencement activities at Creighton University, and we’re here to help! Below, we’ve compiled answers to some common questions that may arise for both graduates and their family members. Whether you’re seeking details about the ceremony, or arrangements for loved ones, you'll find the information you need to make the most of this special occasion.

Undergraduate

Do guests need a ticket?

  • No, tickets are not required for entry to any commencement ceremony or the Baccalaureate Mass. Feel free to bring your family and friends to share in this special occasion.

When do doors open for seating?

  • Doors will open at 9 a.m. (1 hour before the ceremony begins)
  • Graduates must check in at CHI Health Center’s “Hall A” beginning at 8 a.m.

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 12.
  • 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 is available on the CHI Health Center Omaha website.

How do I request an ASL interpreter?

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.
  • For more information, please view the details of our 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 location and costs for parking 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 diploma. Graduates will be emailed a link to their photo proofs, or they can go to ceremonyphotos.com for information. 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 16, 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.

Where can guests park for the Baccalaureate Mass?

Parking is available in Lots B, C, and D at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Standard parking rates apply. View the stadium location and nearby lots.

What disability accommodations are available at Charles Schwab Field Omaha?

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 14:  8 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Thursday, May 15:  7 a.m.–4 p.m.
    • Friday, May 16:  7 a.m.–12 p.m.

When do students receive their diplomas?

  • Students will not receive their diplomas during the ceremony. Instead, diplomas will be mailed to the address on file by mid-June.

Where can I find information about lodging and dining?

What should I wear for the ceremony?

  • The University will order graduation regalia for all participating students. Only those wearing University-approved academic attire will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students not complying with these guidelines may be removed from the graduation procession. It is recommended that graduates wear business or business-casual attire underneath their regalia.
  • Creighton bachelor’s degree graduates wear the following attire at commencement:  
    • black bachelor’s degree gown
    • black bachelor’s degree mortarboard
    • tassel
  • As this is a formal academic ceremony, please have your graduation gown fully zipped before the ceremony begins.

Can I decorate my cap or add my own embellishments?

  • Personal adornments or alterations that are deemed unlikely to cause a disruption or interference with the commencement ceremony may be allowed. Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. Decorations should remain flush with the cap to prevent obstructing the view of others, and they should be respectful in nature. The University reserves the right to remove attendees from the venue for engaging in disruptive behavior.

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Graduate Schools/Colleges – Omaha

Do guests need a ticket?

  • No, tickets are not required for entry to any commencement ceremony or the Baccalaureate Mass. Feel free to bring your family and friends to share in this special occasion.

When do doors open for seating?

  • Doors will open for guests one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • Graduates must check in at the Ruth Scott Training Center one hour before the ceremony. Please make sure to arrive on time to ensure a smooth process.

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?

  • All commencement-related activities take place in fully accessible venues equipped with accessible parking. Since commencement is a family-oriented event, we expect a significant number of family members in attendance. To ensure everyone is comfortable, guests who require wheelchairs are highly encouraged to bring their own or consider renting one in advance, as accommodations can be limited. Wheelchairs can be rented from Kohll’s Pharmacy at kohlls.com/home/contact or 877.408.1990. Please reserve by Monday, May 12.  

What is the clear bag policy?

  • All commencement ceremony venues require guests to use a clear bag for personal items (DJ Sokol Arena and Charles Schwab Field Omaha).
  • 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.
  • For more information, please view the details of our clear bag policy.

Where is parking?

View Omaha commencement parking

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. 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 16, 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.
  • Note: Charles Schwab Field Omaha also enforces a clear bag policy. 

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 14:  8 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Thursday, May 15:  7 a.m.–4 p.m.
    • Friday, May 16:  7 a.m.–12 p.m.

When do students receive their diplomas?

  • Students will not receive their diplomas during the ceremony. Instead, diplomas will be mailed to the address on file by mid-June.

Where can I find information about lodging and dining?

What should I wear for the ceremony?

  • The University will order graduation regalia for all participating students. Only those wearing University-approved academic attire will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students not complying with these guidelines may be removed from the graduation procession. It is recommended that graduates wear business or business-casual attire underneath their regalia.
  • Creighton graduates wear the following attire at commencement:  
    • Master’s degree level: black master’s degree gown; black master’s degree mortarboard; hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
    • Doctoral degree level: black doctoral degree gown with appropriate velvet color pertaining to the degree earned; black doctoral degree tam; tassel; doctoral hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
  • As this is a formal academic ceremony, please have your graduation gown fully zipped before the ceremony begins.

Can I decorate my cap or add my own embellishments?

  • Personal adornments or alterations that are deemed unlikely to cause a disruption or interference with the commencement ceremony may be allowed. Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. Decorations should remain flush with the cap to prevent obstructing the view of others, and they should be respectful in nature. The University reserves the right to remove attendees from the venue for engaging in disruptive behavior. 

Graduate Schools/Colleges – Phoenix

Do guests need a ticket?

  • No, tickets are not required for entry to any commencement ceremony or the Baccalaureate Mass. Feel free to bring your family and friends to share in this special occasion.

When do doors open for seating?

  • Doors will open for guests one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • Graduates must check in at Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center’s “Vester Hall” one hour before the ceremony.

Is a Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center seating map available?

What disability accommodations are available at the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center?

  • All commencement-related activities take place in fully accessible venues equipped with accessible parking. Since commencement is a family-oriented event, we expect a significant number of family members in attendance. To ensure everyone is comfortable, guests who require wheelchairs are highly encouraged to bring their own or consider renting one in advance, as accommodations can be limited.

Are food and drink allowed inside the venue?

  • No. Please refrain from bringing any food or drink. Volunteers at the doors will collect these items before you enter the venue.
  • 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.

Where is parking?

View Phoenix commencement parking 

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. 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 in the Doris S. Norton Ballroom on the Creighton University Health Sciences Campus on Saturday, May 17, at 6:15 p.m. All graduates, their guests, and campus faculty and staff are invited to attend. The graduates do not process in; caps and gowns are not worn.

When do students receive their diplomas?

  • Students will not receive their diplomas during the ceremony. Instead, diplomas will be mailed to the address on file by mid-June.

What should I wear for the ceremony?

  • The University will order graduation regalia for all participating students. Only those wearing University-approved academic attire will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students not complying with these guidelines may be removed from the graduation procession. It is recommended that graduates wear business or business-casual attire underneath their regalia.
  • Creighton graduates wear the following attire at commencement:  
    • Master’s degree level: black master’s degree gown; black master’s degree mortarboard; hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
    • Doctoral degree level: black doctoral degree gown with appropriate velvet color pertaining to the degree earned; black doctoral degree tam; tassel; doctoral hood with university and program colors (which will be carried by the graduate to the event and placed on the graduate during the ceremony)  
  • As this is a formal academic ceremony, please have your graduation gown fully zipped before the ceremony begins.

Can I decorate my cap or add my own embellishments?

  • Personal adornments or alterations that are deemed unlikely to cause a disruption or interference with the commencement ceremony may be allowed. Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. Decorations should remain flush with the cap to prevent obstructing the view of others, and they should be respectful in nature. The University reserves the right to remove attendees from the venue for engaging in disruptive behavior. 
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