Travel and Parking Tips Recommendations for getting to campus. Please note that this page has information for all ceremonies, some of which have rain plans. There are no separate inclement weather plans for the graduate commencement as it is held indoors.
Getting to Georgetown Campus maps, directions, parking, buses.
Visitor housing and Lodging On-campus and off-campus housing and lodging opportunities.
Commencement video Available on DVD from GUTV.
Welcome Center Resources for families and visitors.
Do I need tickets in advance?
You do not need to reserve tickets in advance. There is open seating for all friends and family members who would like to attend. Please come early to ensure that you get a seat.
What are my lodging options?
Where is the ceremony?
Graduation is held indoors, in the McDonough Arena. Click
here for a map of campus. This is an abbreviated map of the area of campus that includes the parking garage and the arena. A map that covers all of campus and includes street names can be found by clicking the "
Getting to Georgetown" link above.
Is there parking available? What is the cost?
Parking is available at no cost in the Southwest Quad parking garage (it is located underneath the buildings marked 43 and 38 on the
campus map) which is accessible by the Canal Street entrance. You must tell the attendant that you are attending commencement to park free of charge.
Where can I find accessible entrances and seating?
An accessible entrance is on the side of McDonough Arena facing the tennis courts. There will be signs to direct you. Once arriving at the arena, an usher will direct you to accessible seating.
What time should I arrive?
The academic procession begins at 2:10 while the ceremony begins at 2:30pm. It is best to arrive early to claim your seats. The Graduate School would recommend arrival by 1:40pm.
Does Georgetown have a photographer at the ceremony?
Georgetown does not have a photographer at the ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to take pictures but please be mindful of where you are standing and do not block the path of graduates to and from their seats. The Graduate School asks that you do not use tripods or leave your seat for picture-taking for more than a few minutes. Please note that professional photographers are not allowed at the ceremony.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will end between 4:00 and 4:30pm. There will be a reception in Leo J. O’Donovan Hall immediately after the ceremony.
Is the ceremony sign interpreted or open captioned?
There will be a sign language interpreter at the ceremony. If you need the services of the interpreter, please find an usher to direct you to a seat that will allow you to see the interpreter clearly.
How can I find my family and friends after the ceremony?
The ceremony will end with the academic recessional of faculty followed by graduates. The recessional will proceed directly to Leo J. O’Donovan Hall where the reception will take place. Please follow the graduates out of the arena to the hall.
Is there a reception afterwards?
The Graduate School Dean’s Reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. following the ceremony in Leo J. O’Donovan Hall.
