Graduate poses with his family for a picture outside before ceremony

Commencement Guests

University Commencement

What to Expect at Belmont Commencement: A Guide for Guests

We are thrilled to celebrate your student's achievement with you at their Belmont Commencement ceremony! All ceremonies will be held in-person at the Curb Event Center. Degree candidates will proudly process in at the start of the ceremony and have their names announced as they walk across the stage.

Arrival and Check-In:

  • Degree candidates should arrive one hour prior to the ceremony and enter through the Beaman Student Life Center North Lobby (by the Bell Tower and Rit-Rec) for check-in and lining up for the processional. Cap and gown are required.
  • Guests may enter the Curb Event Center through the Maddox Grand Atrium up to one hour prior to the ceremony's start.

Accessibility Information: 

We welcome guests with disabilities and strive to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience at Commencement.
  • Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-up Entrance: An ADA-compliant drop-off and pick-up location is available on Belmont Blvd. Ticketed guests can then enter through the Beaman Student Life Center West Lobby.
  • Elevator Access: An elevator is located inside the Beaman Student Life Center West Lobby entrance to take guests directly to the second floor and the Curb Event Center.
Student smiles in cap and gown during graduation ceremony after receiving diploma

Commencement Tickets

Tickets will be required for all guests attending the ceremonies. The minimum number of tickets per candidate per ceremony is 6 tickets per candidate. Learn more at the link below:

Curb Event Center Arena

Guests must present mobile ticket to enter

  • ONLY Bags permitted that do not exceed 12” x 12” x 6” in size
Update: In an effort to continue Belmont University’s long-standing commitment to provide a safer and more secure environment for all attendees, faculty, staff, students and vendors, walk-through metal detectors (WTMDs) will be implemented at all entrances to the Beaman Student Life Center and Curb Event Center.
The following items are prohibited inside the Curb Event Center Arena:
  • Alcoholic Beverages and/or Illegal Drugs
  • Animals (with the exception of service animals)
  • Banners, Flags, Signs, and Posters that are inappropriate in nature, obstruct the views of other patrons, are attached to sticks/poles, and/or are larger than a standard poster board (2’ x 3’ roughly)
  • Weapons (including mace/pepper spray and knives of any kind)
  • Coolers
  • Fireworks
  • Glass Items of any kind
  • Helium Balloons
  • Laser Pointers
  • Noise Makers (such as air horns, sirens, cow bells, etc.)
  • Outside Food and Beverage (empty, reusable water bottles will be permitted and can be filled at water fountains inside the venue – MUST BE EMPTY)
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Large Recording Devices
  • Camera Tripods
  • Wrapped Gifts
Other Important Items to Keep in Mind:
  • EXPRESS LANE AVAILABLE for patrons entering WITHOUT bags to provide a quicker entrance into the venue. This entrance will provide a faster and smoother entry to patron seating.
  • Ticketed Events: Re-entry is prohibited before, during or after an event
  • Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited on the Belmont University Campus

Parking for degree candidates and guests will be available in the following parking garages, marked by number on our Parking Map.

Recommended for guests:

  • Curb (P8/P9)
  • South (P10/P11)
  • Johnson (P4)

Recommended for degree candidates:

  • Johnson (P4)
  • Baskin (P3)
  • McWhorter/Inman & Ayers (P1/P2)

ADA drop-off/pick-up location available on Belmont Blvd for Commencement guests with accessibility needs. Ticketed guests dropped off at this location may enter the Beaman Student Life Center West Lobby entrance and proceed up the elevator to the second floor to enter the Curb Event Center.

General campus parking information is available on the Campus Security webpage. For specific questions about parking on campus, email parking@belmont.edu.

Participants should remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony which is marked by the candidate recessional.
  • Only degree candidates are permitted in the processional and recessional areas.
  • Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be silenced.
  • Signs, balloons, noisemakers, e.g., marine air horns, trumpet, etc., are strictly prohibited. Reference the Curb Event Center Know Before You Go above for additional guidelines.
All degree candidates should plan to meet their guests outside the Curb Event Center following the ceremony. Guests are not allowed on the arena floor or the stage and will be asked to exit the Curb Event Center quickly to meet their degree candidates.
While commencement is a festive occasion, the ceremony itself is marked by dignity and a degree of formality.

Guests

  • Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor or in the graduate line up areas.
  • Accessibility seating areas are for guests with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. These areas are not appropriate for strollers and/or large bags. One person may be seated in this area with the person in need of accessibility seating.

Degree Candidates

  • Adherence to the University’s Bruin Guide is expected.
  • Improper attire, signs and insignia will be monitored and may be removed.
  • After recognition on the stage, students are expected to return to their seats and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.

Jostens® offers a variety of optional graduation keepsakes for students and families to purchase here in order to celebrate this special achievement. These include class rings, graduation announcements, personalized stoles, and diploma frames.

GradImages is the official commencement photographer for our school.  Your student will receive notification that their photo proofs will be ready to view online approximately 48 hours following the Commencement ceremony.

Pre-registering with GradImages is the easiest way to make sure your student has an accurate, up-to-date email address on file with Grad Images, and allows them to deliver their complimentary proofs to your student and their designated guests as quickly as possible. 

Although there's never any obligation to order, your student will receive a coupon for 20% off any order of $50 or more for their participation by pre-registering.  Your student may pre-register for their commencement proofs, please visit https://www.gradimages.com/Registration.

Graduate posing for a picture with their family before graduation ceremony

Commencement Visiting & Accommodations

Browse our accommodations for a list of sponsoring hotels near Belmont University. We have partners throughout the city, and our listings are organized by area of town. Most if not all offer Belmont discounted rates. Simply ask for the Belmont University rate when making your reservation.