Commencement
Directions, Parking, and Seating
Directions to SOU
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Parking Information and Shuttle Service
Free parking is available in all parking lots on the SOU campus on commencement day. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes. Shuttle service will continue until Mountain Arena is sufficiently empty.
A designated parking lot will be available for guests with a Disabled Parking Permit or Placard (officially issued by your state). Only guests with these permits or placards are allowed to park in this designated area (blue area on map near Mountain Arena). These spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests with disabled parking permits are invited to take advantage of this service in addition to the designated spaces available in Lot 41, west of campus on Mountain Avenue. There will be wheelchair accessible shuttle service to and from the parking lots on Mountain Avenue (red areas on map) and to and from the Mountain Arena.
General Seating
Please advise your guests to arrive early! SOU commencement is a well-attended event. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Disabled and Elderly Seating Accommodations
There are two designated seating areas available for elderly guests or those with disabilities. One is located on the field and the second in McNeal Pavilion.
Field seating, while closer to the graduates, is uncovered and exposed to the elements (including direct sun) for the duration of the ceremony. Guests opting to sit in this section are advised to plan and dress accordingly.
Seating in the McNeal Pavilion, while further away from the graduates, is inside and completely protected from the elements. Graduates can still be clearly seen from this location, and the ceremony can be viewed by simulcast on large screens.
Seating for both locations is available on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one escort per guest. We recommend that you arrive as early as possible if you wish to take advantage of these designated seating areas.
If you require accommodations for an event due to a disability, please contact Casey Clithero (clitheroc@sou.edu), Coordinator of Co-Curricular Accommodations, at (541) 552-6222.
