ETSU Fall Commencement

Times & Colleges

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Commencement will be held in the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini Dome). 
The Ballad Health Athletic Center is located on the ETSU Campus along State of Franklin Rd.
(Physical Address: 1081 John Robert Bell Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601)

Ceremony schedule will be annouced in mid-September.

For information about cap and gown, please review Student Regalia Information.

There will be an opportunity to buy flowers and gifts at commencement. Proceeds go to the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization (POLO), Alpha Lambda Sigma (Adult Student Honor Society), and Tao Sigma (Transfer Student Honor Society). Families and supporters have the option to purchase at the door or pre-order through this link.

Island Photography will be taking pictures of each graduate. They typically send picture proofs to the student’s email. If you have additional questions, please contact Island Photography directly. www.islandphoto.com 

Security

Clear-Bag Policy: 

• Guests will be allowed to enter the stadium with one clear plastic bag.
• There is no need to empty pockets before passing through the metal detectors.
•  

Allowed:

• Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches (approximately the size of a hand). May include handle or strap.
• Mobile phones, binoculars and cameras
• Diapers and necessary items for babies and young children
• Medically necessary items that must be carried in a specific bag. The bag can be non-clear and will need to be sized proportionately to the size of the medical items.
• Umbrella strollers
• A clear sealed plastic bottle of water. Concession stands will not be open.

Prohibited:

• Glass
• Balloons, confetti and silly string
• Non-clear bags of any size except as listed for medically necessary items
• Drawstring bag
• Fanny pack
• Large purse mesh bag
• Oversize tote bag
• Pattern plastic bag
• Tinted plastic bag
• Backpacks of any size
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Outside food, snacks, beverages
• Open umbrellas
• Selfie sticks
• Unmanned aircraft or drones
• Parcels or presents
• Weapons, including pocket knives
• Skate boards, hover boards or Segways
• Artificial noisemakers
• Large strollers
• Posters and signage
• Pets or animals of any kind, with exception of documented service animals. 

ETSU is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking/vaping is not allowed on the premises.

All bags and patrons subject to search. ETSU reserves the right to eject patrons for failure to adhere to policies and/or unruly and unlawful behavior. 

Parking

• Guests can park at any of the campus parking garages or parking lots adjacent to the mini-dome.
• Parking is also provided on levels 3-6 of The James and Nellie Brinkley Center Parking Garage. There is a pedestrian bridge leading from the James and Nellie Brinkley Center to the entrance of the mini-dome.
• For more information about accessible parking locations, please go to the ETSU accessibility map.

Parking and Drop-off Map

Disability Services

There is limited disability-accessible guest seating on the gym floor. This area is available on a first come, first serve basis. Only one person in each party will be allowed to sit with the guest requiring accommodations. Other guests will be directed to sit in the stands.

A portion of the ETSU Parking Garage will be designated for disability parking. Proper credentials are needed to access this area. There is also a drop-off area at the intersection of State of Franklin Road and Harris Drive.

Please click here for a Parking and Drop-off Map.

ASL sign language interpreters will be present for each ceremony and closed captioning will be featured on screens. Students will cross an ADA-compliant ramp to reach the stage. Graduating students who need accommodations during the ceremony should contact disabilityservices@etsu.edu.