Itinerary Details
We have a number of great events planned for commencement weekend, and we hope to see you there!
Friday, June 9, 2023
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. – University Wide Convocation
We invite you and your guests to join fellow graduates, faculty, staff, ambassadors, and alumni for our annual commencement address from our University President, guest and student speakers, and award presentations. Please dress in your academic regalia for this event.
3 - 5 p.m. – Grad Fest
Gather with fellow alumni to learn about what it means to be an AMU and APU alumnus. There will be prizes and giveaways, and you can learn about all the amazing university programs available to alumni.
5:30 - 7 p.m. – University Welcome Reception
We invite you and one adult guest to join fellow graduates, faculty, staff, ambassadors, and alumni for light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Wristbands are required for entry into this event.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
9 – 9:45 a.m. – Graduate Check-In & Processional Line Up
Graduates are required to register their attendance for the 10 a.m. ceremony. Graduates must have a photo ID at check-in.
Please arrive at your line up location no later than 9:30 a.m. to finalize your academic dress, receive a briefing on the ceremony, and to line up.
9 – 10 a.m. – Guest Seating
The Potomac Ballroom will open for guest seating at 9 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. Handicap seating and overflow viewing will also be available. Ceremony doors will close briefly at 10 a.m. for the procession of graduates. All guest arriving after this time will be seated after the processional and invocation.
9:45 a.m. – Ceremony Processional
Graduates will begin the processional walk to the ceremony ballroom at 9:45 a.m.
10 a.m. – Ceremony Doors Close
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. All guests should be seated inside Potomac Ballroom at this time. Doors will be closed for the invocation.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Graduate Ceremony
The ceremony will last approximately two hours. Doors will be closed shortly at the end of the ceremony while the graduates recess out of the ballroom.
2 – 2:45 p.m. – Graduate Check-In & Processional Line Up
Graduates are required to register their attendance for the 3 p.m. ceremony. Graduates must have a photo ID at check-in.
Please arrive at your line up location no later than 2:30 p.m. to finalize your academic dress, receive a briefing on the ceremony, and to line up.
2 – 3 p.m. – Guest Seating
The Potomac Ballroom will open for guest seating at 2 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. Handicap seating and overflow viewing will also be available. Ceremony doors will close briefly at 3 p.m. for the procession of graduates. All guest arriving after this time will be seated after the processional and invocation.
2:45 p.m. – Ceremony Processional
Graduates will begin the processional walk to the ceremony ballroom at 2:45 p.m.
3 p.m. – Ceremony Doors Close
The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. sharp. All guests should be seated inside Potomac Ballroom at this time. Doors will be closed for the invocation.
3 – 5 p.m. – Undergraduate Ceremony
The ceremony will last approximately two hours. Doors will be closed shortly at the end of the ceremony while the graduates recess out of the ballroom.
Note
Seating in the ceremony ballroom is first come, first served. Handicap seating and overflow viewing will also be available.
Getting Around the Gaylord
The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is a large complex. This map will help you locate the commencement events. In addition, university staff will be positioned throughout the building to help guide you.
