Welcome
Welcome parents, families and guests. We know this is an exciting time for your family and friends. To help you prepare for your ceremony experience, please review the following information:
There are multiple ceremonies held, so please check with your son or daughter to be sure you are planning to attend the correct ceremony. Doors open 90 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Seating is first come, first served.
Commencement is a most dignified event, fitting for the accomplishment your son or daughter has achieved. Please refrain from bringing any noisemakers, balloons, large signs or other items that would impact the ceremony experience of our other families, friends and guests.
Guests With Disabilities
There is no pre-assigned seating for guests with disabilities as our venue has ample accommodations available.
The first three rows of audience seating throughout the arena are reserved for those who have difficulty ascending or descending stairs. One or two steps will need to be taken to reach these seats.
Wheelchair seating is available on the second level at each corner of the arena and on the third level, and these spaces are also on a first come, first served basis. One guest may sit with each wheelchair guest in special seating area. Please be aware that the Sun Dome does not have wheelchairs or other equipment to loan or rent.
Disabled parking is located in parking lot 6 on the North side of the Sun Dome, by Entry 1.
Hearing impaired guests may sit in Section K-1, close to the stage, as interpreters will be provided near this location.
Hotels
Several area hotels have been identified as "authorized vendors" for Commencement and have special rates for visiting friends and family.
Wingate Inn, New Tampa, $99 per night, (813) 971-7676. Mention code "USF".
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, New Tampa, $99 per night, (813) 910-7171. Mention code "USF".
Holiday Inn & Suites, near Busch Gardens-USF, $99 night, (813) 971-7690. Mention code "USF Graduation Discount".
E-mail Update to Parents
Graduates have the option to provide parent emails when they register for the Commencement ceremony. No more than two emails are sent during the academic term - and these messages are sent closer to the ceremony. If you are a parent that would like to be sure you receive these messages, please ask your son or daughter to register your email when they sign up for the ceremony.
