Ph.D. Advisor Guidelines

Ph.D. advisors are invited to join their graduates at Commencement!

  • To attend as Ph.D. advisor, no RSVP is necessary.
  • Academic regalia is required to attend as a Ph.D. advisor. For information on renting regalia, please visit here.
  • Gates open at 9 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m.
  • Entrance for Ph.D. advisors is through the Callaway Tunnel entrance, next to Gate 6, of Bobby Dodd Stadium.
  • Commencement will not feature a formal processional. Advisors will be directed to sit on the field with their student.
  • We recommend exchanging cell phone numbers with your student so finding them is easy on Commencement day!

For venue information, including parking and stadium information, visit our Venue and Ceremony Information page.

Parking

Parking is extremely limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Faculty and staff assisting at the graduate ceremony are encouraged to walk to the ceremony.

Parking & Transit Information

Day-of Instructions

Faculty and staff volunteers will receive a memo via email two weeks prior to the event with Commencement day directions and parking recommendations.

Regalia Rentals

Ph.D. Advisors and stage party members may rent regalia for the ceremony

Regalia Rental Form

How to Volunteer

Each semester, the Commencement Office requests volunteers from the colleges to assist in executing this momentous student event.
 

How to volunteer

Please let us know if you would like to volunteer by filling out the Volunteer at Commencement form here.

Ph.D. advisors who plan to attend the Ph.D. Commencement ceremony for hooding will need academic regalia. If you do not own your own, you can rent regalia by completing the Regalia Rental Form.

Commencement Events

View the Commencement schedule of events. 

Questions

If you have any additional questions, email the Commencement Office.