GRADUATION CEREMONY

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: Akins Ford Arena, 300 N. Thomas Street, Athens, GA

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Graduate Arrival Time:

• 7:30 AM (this allows adequate time to make it through Akins Ford Arena security check points and graduate check-in before the ceremony begins)

• Security Screening:  At Akins Ford Arena, each guest is required to undergo a security screening. Metal detectors will be set at each entrance for those who are able to step through them. Alternative screenings will be available for expectant mothers, wheelchair-bound guests, and guests who have other medical conditions which restrict them from using metal detectors. All guests entering the venue must go through security. Guests who refuse will not be allowed to attend the event. 

• Graduates will not bring bags or cell phones into the arena. Key fobs and car keys are allowed. 

Spectator Arrival Time:

• Akins Ford Arena will open their doors to spectators at 8:30 AM.  

• Security Screening:  Spectators must also go through Security Screening. At Akins Ford Arena, each guest is required to undergo a security screening. Metal detectors will be set at each entrance for those who are able to step through them. Alternative screenings will be available for expectant mothers, wheelchair-bound guests, and guests who have other medical conditions which restrict them from using metal detectors. All guests entering the venue must go through security. Guests who refuse will not be allowed to attend the event. 

• Akins Ford Arena has a clear bag policy. The detailed clear bag policy can be found HERE.

GRADUATION DAY PARKING

✅ Primary Parking Information (Please note: There is a fee to park.)

Classic Center Parking Deck
📍 300 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601
💳 Parking is $20 per vehicle – card only

The Classic Center Parking Deck is the most convenient option, offering direct access to arena entrances. While the parking rate is set by the venue, we hope this convenient location makes arrival easy for your family.

After parking:
Use stairs or elevators to exit at Level 2, which leads directly to the arena entrance at Gate 1 or Gate 2.

Parking Deck Map

✅ Additional Parking Options Nearby

If you would rather park outside of the Classic Center Parking Deck, consider these nearby options:

• Washington Street Parking Deck – 125 W Washington St (~0.3 miles)

• Clarke County Courthouse Parking Deck – 325 E Washington St (~0.3 miles)

• College Avenue Parking Deck – 235 College Ave (~0.4 miles)

• UGA North Campus Deck – 230 S Jackson St (~0.5 miles)

• Streetside Parking- Metered parking - rates are $2.00 per hour

These public decks and streetside parking offer hourly rates and are walkable to the venue. Please allow extra time for walking and security screening.

Alternate Parking Locations Map

✅ Graduate Drop-Off Details – Gate 2 (Foundry Street)

Families who wish to drop off their graduate before parking can do so at the Gate 2 entrance, located on Foundry Street, just past the Classic Center.

How to Access:

1. From North Thomas Street, continue past the Classic Center Parking Deck.

2. Turn right onto Foundry Street.

3. Look for signage directing you to the designated Gate 2 Drop-Off Zone near the loading dock area.

Please do not attempt to drop off students on Broad Street or Thomas Street, as those areas are heavily trafficked and not designated for drop-off.

GRADUATION REMINDERS

Graduate Dress Code:

• Due to security checkpoints, graduates should not arrive wearing their caps and gowns.

• Graduates will be checked in by an assigned faculty member upon arrival. 

• Please be sure to review the dress code HERE. These rules will be strictly enforced.

• Once cleared by an assigned faculty member, graduates will put on caps and gowns. 

Graduate Cell Phone Policy:

• To maintain the dignity of the ceremony and to have the graduates' undivided attention, graduates WILL NOT be allowed to have cell phones with them during the ceremony.  

• Cell phones MUST be left in vehicles or with parents or guests.  Students MAY NOT have a cell phone in their possession.  This rule will be strictly enforced.  

• If a cell phone is found or seen with a graduate, it will be confiscated with a Monday morning pick-up.   

DURING THE CEREMONY

Graduation is a dignified event and celebrates every member of the Class of 2025.  In order for each guest to enjoy and celebrate their graduate:

• DO NOT bring balloons, beach balls, Fat heads, or any other item that could block or impede the view of others 

• DO NOT bring cowbells, air horns, or any other disruptive noise-making devices as they prevent each name from being heard  

• Please remember that this is a formal ceremony, not a sporting event and we ask that everyone be respectful of the occasion.

• Please remember that Akins Ford Arena has a clear bag policy. 

AFTER THE CEREMONY