Know Before You Go - FAQ

• Sunday, May 18, 2025
• Times to Remember
• Gates to the GICC parking lot open at (TBD)
• Doors to the GICC open at 1:00 p.m.
• Commencement Processional - Starts at 2:30 p.m. (Attendees must be inside the GICC Exhibit Hall to view)
• Doors to the Exhibit Hall will remain closed until the conclusion of the Processional and will reopen immediately following. Please plan to arrive early for seating and entry.

Arrival Time & Check-In

• Graduates must arrive by 12:30 p.m. to check in and line up for the procession.
• Check-in will be located at the GICC in Salon 1 -3 (Bottom left of the diagram)

• Parking is available at GICC in Parking Lot B.

GICC Overflow Parking

ATL WEST Parking Garage
4199 Skytrain Way,
College Park, GA 30337

To accommodate additional parking needs, overflow parking is available at the ATL West Parking Deck. Please see below for the address and detailed walking directions to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)

ATL West Parking Deck Address
4199 SkyTrain Way
College Park, GA 30337

Walking Directions to GICC

1. After parking, proceed to Level 4 of the ATL West Parking Deck
2. Locate the covered pedestrian walkway that connects directly to the ATL SkyTrain station
3. Enter the SkyTrain station and follow the signage for GICC / Gateway Center; there is no need to board the SkyTrain
4. Take the elevator or stairs to the ground level and follow the signage for GICC
5. Stay on the path until you reach the GICC entrance

Please allow extra time for the walk, especially during peak event hours.

Once parked at ATL West, guests can also reach the GICC on the ground level by walking outside and crossing the street.

Parking is $10/hour or $30/day

• Ensure that your academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, and hood) is clean and pressed.
• Remember to wear a white dress and black dress shoes underneath your gown.

• Each graduate has been allotted 10 tickets for family and friends to attend the ceremony. Please distribute these tickets ahead of time.
• Tickets are required for entry, so please ensure your guests have theirs with them.
• Ticket duplication is strictly prohibited. Each ticket is unique and valid for a single entry. Once the ticket is scanned, it is no longer valid. Unauthorized duplication, including screenshots or printing multiple copies, will result in invalidation of the ticket. Anyone with a duplicate ticket will not be permitted access to the building. To ensure your loved ones have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we kindly ask that you refrain from distributing duplicate tickets, especially to those traveling into town.
• Please send only one ticket to each member of your family to prevent delays at the entry doors.

Stage Procession

• Please follow the instructions provided at check-in and maintain a respectful and professional demeanor as you walk across the stage.
• During the ceremony, remain seated until instructed to stand and walk across the stage.

• A professional photographer will be stationed at the camera platform to capture photos of graduates as they walk across the stage. This photo will be available for purchase after the ceremony.
• No photos will be allowed on the stage during the ceremony, but feel free to take photos before and after the event.

• Please leave personal belongings, such as bags and other personal items with your family, at home, or in the designated area as you won’t be able to take them to your seat.

• Following the ceremony, graduates will be directed to their holding area, after which they will proceed to the lobby and exit the GICC, where they can meet with family and friends.

• Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early, as seating fills up quickly.
• We ask that guests remain in their seats during the ceremony to respect the experience for all attendees.
• Reserved seating will be available for special guests, faculty, and dignitaries.

• Security will be in place to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the event. Please be prepared for security checks upon entering the venue.
• Be sure to bring your tickets for admission; without them, access to the event will not be permitted.

• Guests are welcome to take photos and videos, but please be mindful of others and avoid obstructing the view or walking into aisles during the ceremony.
• Remember, no photography will be allowed on the stage. A professional photographer will capture the moment for each graduate.

• Spelman College does not provide wheelchairs for mobility-impaired guests.  It is strongly encouraged that guests make arrangements prior to Commencement Weekend to ensure availability.  Atlanta has many professional services available, including:
  
  ADA Medical Supply
  6780 Roswell Road, NE
  Suite D115
  Sandy Springs, GA  30328
  
  adamedicalsupply.com
  678-398-0505
  
  Mobility impaired guests may be dropped off at the venue entrance with a companion to accompany them. Upon entrance into the event area, there will be hostesses available to identify seating for guests with wheelchairs and other motorized chairs.
  
  
•  Please note that only one companion may accompany an individual in a wheelchair. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests requiring this accommodation are advised to arrive early. Please note that Spelman College does not offer a wheelchair service for entry into the venue, so we kindly ask that you plan accordingly.
  
  
• Other members of your party will be seated separately in general seating.
  
  
• Wheelchair access is available at all venues.  All wheelchair services are independent of Spelman College. 

• For guests with mobility concerns who do not need wheelchair-accessible seating, we suggest arriving early to secure a seat in the general admission section. Additionally, the event will be available for viewing via live stream for those who prefer this option.

• Sign language interpretation will be provided during all ceremonies.

• For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed. A link will be shared prior to the Commencement ceremonies.

• In case of inclement weather, please be sure to check our website or the Commencement social media channels for any updates or changes to the ceremony location.
  
  Facebook

• While there will be opportunities for refreshments, inside of the GICC. No outside food and beverage allowed.

• Keep an eye on the official Commencement page for any last-minute updates or changes to the schedule.