136th Commencement Information

136th Commencement Information

Class of 2024 Commencement Schedule

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 7 AM

Check-in and Line-Up (Participation Required)
Statehouse Convention Center (GOVERNOR'S HALL IV)
Attire: Cap & Gown

The schedule for Cap and Gown pick-up for the Class of 2024 is as follows:

Tuesday, May 7 – Friday, May 10
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Office of the Registrar
Cox Administration Building
Philander Smith University

Safety, Security, and Parking Information

Congratulations to our 2024 graduating seniors! To assist you during this memorable event, you are being provided information that should help you and your family prepare for commencement day. Please print and refer back to this information on May 11, 2024.

Commencement Parking

Graduating students should park in the Statehouse Parking Deck (located at 201 Main Street). The Parking Deck is a city structure and there will be a fee for parking. (Please be advised that the parking deck is a block away from the Convention Center)

Commencement Guests should park in the Statehouse Parking Deck (located at 201 Main Street). The Parking Desk is a city structure and there will be a fee for parking.

(Please be advised that the parking deck is a block away from the Convention Center.)

There are additional parking spaces on smaller lots near the Convention Center as well as street parking.  Meters are not active on Saturdays in Downtown Little Rock (meaning street parking is free).

Seating

Students will not be permitted to reserve seats for family members prior to the commencement. The Convention Center will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, at which time seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Holding seats will not be permitted.

Convention Center guidelines for social distancing will be enforced.

Standing

Attendees will not be permitted to stand along the back wall inside of the room where Commencement Exercises will be held. All commencement attendees must be   seated in accordance with Convention Center guidelines for social distancing.

Handicap Drop Off & Seating

Disabled persons may be dropped off in loading zone located on Markham in front of the Statehouse Convention Center Main Entrance (you are only permitted to drop off ONLY in this area, no parking). Handicapped seating will be reserved directly to the right of the graduates.

Note:    The Convention Center does not provide wheelchairs.