Graduation Weekend FAQs
Animals
Service animals are welcome for our guests with a disability. All other pets/animals are prohibited.
Camper/RV Accommodations
Camper/RV parking is available behind Sittner, the men’s residence hall. Power, water, and sewage hook-ups are included in the $25 nightly fee. First come, first served. Call the Sittner front desk at (509) 527-2111 for more information. Fill out this form to reserve a camper/RV.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about graduation weekend, please contact the Office of the President at (509) 527-2121 or President's Office at presidents.office@mikeshiner.com.
First Aid
A medical person will be on duty at the Information Station during Commencement.
Information/Lost and Found
An Information Station will be located behind the seating area on Centennial Green. Please check for lost items or turn in found items at this location until one-half hour after the Commencement program. After that, please contact Facility Services at (509) 527-2925.
Length of Commencement Ceremonies
Plan for the ceremony to last for approximately 2 1/2 hours. Time varies depending on the number of graduates.
Photography
Space is available on right side of the platform for photographing Commencement participants as well as the front row (in front of the graduates). Diplomas will be presented in the order listed in the program. Please wait until your graduate's name is about to be called before approaching the front to take pictures. Also, please respect the needs of other photographers in these areas, and stay clear of the area reserved for the official Commencement photographer.
Graduation Photos
Professional photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma will be taken by a professional photographer. These photos, as well as a class photo and candid images from throughout the day, will be available to view/purchase within 48 hours after Commencement.
To access photos, visit GradPhotoNetwork.com and enter "Walla Walla University" as the event name.
Professional Grad Photos
(509) 730-5802
hello@professionalgradphotos.com
P.O. Box 1704
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Parking
Parking is somewhat limited close by. You may park along the streets, providing you leave crosswalks and driveways accessible. Parking for those with handicap permits is available in the parking lot between Smith Hall and Rigby Hall on Whitman Drive.
Refreshments
Cold water and cups will be available behind the Centennial Green seating area. Bottled water is provided for graduates and program participants.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available in Rigby Hall (on the main floor and upstairs), directly behind the Centennial Green seating area. Restrooms are also available in Smith Hall, Bowers Hall, and Kretschmar Hall/Chan Shun Pavilion. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in Rigby Hall (these restrooms are on the north end of the building--look for signs) and Smith Hall.
Seating
Seating for Commencement on Centennial Green. A family representative may arrive early and hold up to eight seats until 8 a.m., at which time all held seats that are unoccupied will be available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Items or notes left on chairs to save seats without a family representative present may be removed. Thank you for your cooperation.
Seniors Marching
Seniors do not march for the programs on Friday and Saturday, only for Commencement on Sunday.
Special Services
On Centennial Green, seats for the hearing impaired will be reserved in the front section, near the library. If a sign language interpreter is needed, please notify us at least 6 weeks in advance. Space for guests in wheelchairs will be provided in the same section. Guests needing these accommodations are encouraged to make arrangements in advance through the Office of the President at (509) 527-2121, or presidents.office@mikeshiner.com. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in Rigby Hall and Smith Hall. Parking for those with handicap permits is available in the parking lot between Smith Hall and Rigby Hall on Whitman Drive.
Weather
Commencement exercises will take place on Centennial Green regardless of weather conditions. This decision was made in order to accommodate the more than 3,000 family members and friends who attend Commencement each year. An indoor ceremony would mean limiting guests on this important day. Please watch the weather forecast and bring raincoats, if appropriate.
Weekend Programs
Weekend programs are mailed to all graduates, parents, faculty, and staff the beginning of May. If you would like to receive additional programs, please contact the Office of the President at (509) 527-2121 or presidents.office@mikeshiner.com.