Guest Information

On Commencement Day

For the ceremonies to be enjoyed by all and for everyone’s safety, we ask guests be aware of the following:

Arrive Early!

Parking and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you arrive 2 hours before the event.

Be Prepared

The Greek Amphitheatre consists of semi-steep concrete steps and wood plank seating. Please wear sensible shoes and bring a cushion or blanket to sit on if desired.

The Greek Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue with little to no shade and exposed to the elements (sun, wind, rain, etc.). Please hydrate before arrival, bring water (some water will be for sale at the event), and be sure to eat to avoid feeling faint. The heat can catch you off guard if not prepared. Hats, visors, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight jackets, are also recommended.

Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Device Policy

Cell phones and other personal electronic devices should be turned off or silenced for the duration of the ceremony. Before the ceremony, arrange a meeting place with your graduate for after Commencement, and please resist the temptation to send text messages during the ceremony.

Items That Will Be Confiscated by Security Personnel

Air horns, cowbells, kazoos, or other noisemakers are not allowed in the Greek Amphitheatre, since they detract from both the dignity of the occasion and the enjoyment of other guests.

The use of silly string, confetti launchers, party poppers, beach balls, and other party items is also not permitted.

Can I bring balloons?

Balloons are not allowed in the Greek Amphitheatre since they can obstruct the view of those seated around you. Please check them in at Cabrillo Hall, Room 104, where they can be picked up after the ceremony.

Can I bring signs for my graduate?

Signs are allowed in the Greek Amphitheatre, but we ask you keep them lowered until your graduate's name is called. After your graduate has crossed the platform, please return your signs to a lowered position to avoid blocking the view of those around you.

Can I bring a stroller? 

Due to the number of guests with small children, we are unable to accommodate strollers inside the venue. There will be a designated area for strollers to be parked outside the amphitheatre.

What is PLNU's video and camera policy at Commencement?

Personal video or camera equipment that requires a tripod is not allowed in the Greek Amphitheatre. Handheld cameras or recorders may be used, but we ask that you remain in your seat to record, as movement may interfere with our professional video and photography personnel.

Please stay in your seats!

Please refrain from moving around at the end of the ceremony until the end of the recessional.

Point Loma Nazarene University encourages students to discuss security at Commencement with family and other guests ahead of time. All visitors, students, staff, and faculty are expected to pass through security on the way into the ceremony. As with most schools, large bags are not allowed into the venue. School security encourages guests to pack lightly, as it makes the process for entering the ceremony faster.

Prohibited Items

Any prohibited item left at any entrance by a guest will be disposed of immediately. The following list of prohibited items is not all inclusive and may change without notice at the discretion of venue security.

The following items are NOT allowed under any circumstances:

• Backpacks and large bags (see Bag Policy below)
• Weapons, firearms, pocket knives, pepper spray
• Balloons and beach balls
• Drones
• Pets (service animals OK)
• Laser pens and pointers
• Artificial noisemakers: Air horns, cowbells, whistles, etc.
• Illegal drugs, smoking products, and alcohol
• Skateboards
• Flyers, stickers, solicitations
• Any item that may be deemed potentially harmful

Alcohol & Smoking Policy

PLNU is a smoke and tobacco free campus. The University also observes a strict no-alcohol policy.

Bag Policy

All persons and bags are subject to search. Only bags 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller will be admitted after inspection. Oversized bags (backpacks, suitcases, beach bags, laptop bags, etc.) are prohibited. PLNU does not provide a general area to check bags, coats or any other personal belongings.

Service Animals

Animals or pets are prohibited at PLNU Events with the exception of trained service animals and service animals in training for guests with disabilities. Service animals are welcome inside the venue, but must, at all times, remain on a leash or in a harness. Service animals should rest in the seating area of the individual with a disability, rather than in the aisle. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other PLNU guests and employees may be asked to escort the animal off the premises.

Emergency Alerts

To receive emergency alerts on the day of Commencement or to be notified of venue changes due to inclement weather, text PLNUGRAD to 67283. PLNU uses the RAVE Alert Messaging System.

Hotel Accommodations

PLNU is pleased to offer a specially reduced rate at the following Bartell Hotels in the San Diego area:

• Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
• The Dana on Mission Bay
• Days Inn – Hotel Circle
• Hilton – Harbor Island
• Holiday Inn – Bayside
• Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn
• Pacific Terrace Hotel
• Sheraton – La Jolla

Rates are based on availability and all appropriate taxes and hotel fees. To guarantee a special rate, please book early and ask for the "PLNU rate" at the time the reservation is made. In return, Bartell will donate a percentage of the total room cost to PLNU's university fund benefiting student scholarships. Book online and find additional information about PLNU's partnership with Bartell hotels.

PLNU Campus & Guest Services

Parking

Most colleges and universities in the U.S. find on-campus parking a real challenge, especially during special events such as Commencement. At PLNU, parking is limited but may be supplemented by using public streets adjacent to the main campus. Several large parking lots onsite are available as well. Public Safety personnel will be on hand to direct traffic. RVs and motor homes are not allowed on the Point Loma campus.

Parking for those with special needs is handled by the Department of Public Safety, with shuttle service available as needed to the Greek Amphitheatre.

Please note: A valid Persons with Disabilities vehicle license or placard that is clearly displayed on the vehicle is required to park in the lot designated for persons with special needs.

Shuttle Service

For those who will be parking on campus, there will be shuttle vans and golf carts circulating around campus to pick up and drop off guests from the various parking areas.

NOTE: There will be two ADA Shuttle Pick-Up locations for guests who need assistance after the ceremony. There will be signs marking these locations and you can find them on the Commencement Day map below as well.

Common Knowledge Bookstore

The bookstore, located in Nicholson Commons, will be open Saturday December 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Campus Maps

View/download a printable version (PDF) of our Campus Map. 
View/download a printable version (PDF) of our Commencement Day Map. 

First Aid and Emergency Services

In case of medical emergencies, professional personnel are on duty adjacent to the Greek Amphitheatre under the canopy marked "First Aid." An ambulance is also available at this location. An emergency exit plan is in place as well.

Restrooms

Restrooms will be available at the following locations: Cooper Music Center, Colt/Culbertson Hall, Evans Hall, Nicholson Commons (1st floor by the bookstore and 2nd floor outside the caf), and Taylor Hall. Click here to view a campus map of these locations.

Lost and Found

The university is not responsible for lost or stolen items and we are unable to provide a secure place for you to leave personal items during Commencement events. The official lost and found for Commencement Day is at the Information Booth, located on the south lawn of the Cooper Music Center, adjacent to the Greek Amphitheatre. Any items that are not reclaimed on Commencement day will be forwarded to the main campus lost and found located in the Nicholson Commons Student Manager's Office on the 3rd floor of Nicholson Commons. If you have lost an item, please contact the student managers at (619) 849-2733.

Special Accommodations

Parking

There will be a designated parking area for those with a valid Persons with Disabilities vehicle license or placard located at the Fermanian School of Business. Please have your placard clearly displayed on your dashboard or visor before you enter campus. Public Safety staff will direct guests to this area accordingly. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Directions to ADA Parking

Seating

• Seating for those with special needs is available on the north and south sides of the Greek Amphitheatre.
• Accessible seating is first-come, first-served, as with all seating for the event.
• Tickets are required to access ADA seating (the tickets are the same for both general and accessible seating).
• Wheelchairs are welcome at commencement, but the university is unable to provide them.
• Ushers will be available for assistance in the accessibility seating areas.
• One guest may sit with the individual needing special accommodations in the accessibility seating area.

Directions to ADA Seating

Additional Information

• The closest restrooms to the south side ADA seating are located at Culbertson/Colt Hall.
• The closest restrooms to the north side ADA seating are located inside Cooper Music Center.
• The Greek Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue under direct sun. While we do our best to provide canopies to offer shade in these seating areas, the venue is still subject to extreme temperatures depending on the weather.
• Please bring water and make sure to eat before attending the event to reduce the chances of dizziness, heatstroke, etc.
• For those guests who are extremely sensitive to the elements, we have an alternate indoor viewing location in our Crill Performance Hall that is temperature-controlled and will be broadcasting a livestream of each ceremony.

• There will be two ADA Shuttle Pick-Up locations for guests who need assistance after the ceremony. There will be signs marking these locations and you can find them on the map below as well.

View Commencement Day Map

If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to commencement@pointloma.edu.

Refreshments & Food Services

In addition to an express refreshment booth located outside the entrance to the Greek Amphitheatre, the university makes available the following options:

Nicholson Commons Dining Room

Information Coming Soon!

Bobby B's Coffee Shop

Information Coming Soon!