Be a Commencement Volunteer!
The Georgia Tech Commencement Office is looking for enthusiastic faculty and staff who want to take part in one of the biggest days for Georgia Tech students.
Volunteering for Commencement is a fun and gratifying experience to help make a graduate’s day a great one. This website is a resource for all Commencement volunteers, providing event updates and other volunteering tips.
Commencement Volunteer Registration
Spring 2023 Commencement Schedule
Friday, May 5
Ph.D. Ceremony
10 a.m. - noon
Doors open at 9 a.m.
Master's Ceremony
3 – 5:30 p.m.
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 5
Bachelor's Morning Ceremony
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Doors open at 8 a.m.
Bachelor's Afternoon Ceremony
3 – 5:30 p.m.
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Volunteer Training Resources
Commencement Volunteer Orientation:
Tuesday, April 25
11 a.m.
Zoom Event
This virtual orientation showcases information regarding the new volunteer space in the Student Success Center. Volunteer expectations, rolls, and other information are discussed.
Volunteer Q&A:
Wednesday, May 3
11 a.m.
Student Success Center
This in-person event will showcase a tour of the Student Success Center and Bobby Dodd Stadium. This meeting is a great time to ask any last minute questions to help volunteers get ready to volunteer for Commencement.
How to Prepare to Volunteer
Commencement is a fun and celebratory event. The following points will help you prepare for your volunteer shift:
- Attend Volunteer Orientations – these virtual events will happen twice before Commencement weekend begins. A recording of the orientation will be available for those who cannot attend on this website.
- Attend Volunteer Q&A – this virtual event will announce any relevant event updates and answer any last-minute questions that volunteers may have. A recording of this session will be available to view on this website.
- Check emails and the Commencement website regularly – all assignments will be emailed to volunteers several times before the event. Event announcements will also be located on this website.
- Dress for the weather – Commencement volunteering is an active role no matter rain or shine. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Try to avoid wearing any shade of red if possible. In the spirit of the event, we always like to show off our best white and gold!
Volunteer Position Descriptions
Volunteers will be assigned to one of the following roles. Roles will be sent to volunteers before the ceremony. Volunteers can provide information regarding special accommodations when filling out the Volunteer Form. Volunteer shifts last about two and half hours long.
Ceremony Field Movement Management
This exciting role will help guide students from their seats, on and off the stage, and then back to their seats. This volunteer shift is about two and a half hours long. Field management volunteers have the unique opportunity to witness graduates experience the moment they have been waiting for since their first day at Georgia Tech.
Commencement Concierge
Commencement Concierge volunteers will provide exceptional customer service to guests. Whether it be pointing guests to their seats, answering their questions, or handing out Commencement programs, these volunteers will assist our guests with a smile.
Commencement Guest Line Management
This assignment is located outside the stadium gates to help monitor line traffic. Volunteers will communicate amongst one another to coordinate gate traffic in order to help guests enter the stadium more quickly. This role requires people to utilize their "outdoor" voice to politely inform guests where lines are shorter around the stadium.
Ph.D. Hood Distribution
Located in the Bobby Dodd Callaway Tunnel, volunteers will pass out Ph.D. hoods to Ph.D. candidates as candidates enter the stadium. These hoods are gifted to the Ph.D. candidates from the Office of Graduate Studies.
Honor Cord Distribution
Located in the Bobby Dodd Callaway Tunnel, this volunteer will help pass out honor cords before the bachelor's ceremony along with representatives from the Office of the Registrar. Graduates will receive their cords before they arrive on the field.
Graduate Entrance Line Management
Graduates are always excited to arrive to Bobby Dodd Stadium for their special day. Volunteers will help manage line traffic and to make sure each graduate is wearing regalia to participate in the ceremony. All graduates must be wearing the correct regalia when attending their assigned ceremony.
Grad Pass Troubleshoot Tent
Students participating in Commencement are issued a Grad Pass before their designated ceremony. Students are told to bring their Grad Pass to their ceremony. This role will assist a representative from the Office of Special Events and Protocol. This volunteer's goal is to help graduates resolve issues they may be having with their Grad Pass before the ceremony begins.
College Seating Assignment Volunteer
Sections of the field are assigned to a specific Georgia Tech College. Each volunteer will be given a sign indicating the College's section. Volunteers will be given a map showing where each College is located on the field. This role will help students find where they need to sit for their ceremony and make sure that students are sitting when the ceremony begins.
Preshow Special Event Assistants
This role assists the Institute Communications Social Media team with the Commencement Preshow. Duties may include finding graduates to be interviewed and any other task the Social Media team assigns them to.
ADA Seating Assistance
Many of our graduates have loved ones who require special accommodations when attending Commencement. This volunteer will help guide guests to their assigned ADA seating throughout the stadium. These volunteers will be located in the stands before the ceremony begins.
Volunteer Room Assistance
All volunteers will arrive to the Wardlaw Center Poole Room before they report to their assigned volunteer role. This volunteer will assist their teammates get ready for their assigned volunteer shift. This includes assisting volunteers with putting on their headset, answering questions, getting the room ready for the next ceremony.
Volunteer Q&A
Where can I find more Commencement information for faculty and staff?
More information can be found on the Commencement Faculty and Staff webpage.
Where will I be able to park if I volunteer for Commencement?
Volunteers are asked to park at their assigned parking area for the Friday ceremonies. Designated volunteer parking will only be available for Saturday volunteers. Volunteers will be emailed parking instructions and a pass to be printed, and displayed on the car's dashboard.
Email Jillian Cruser for special accommodations if you need a parking spot closer to the venue for Friday ceremonies.
My student is graduating this semester. Where can I point them to get more Commencement information?
Volunteers can find more information for students on the Commencement Student page.
Will lunch be provided?
Lunch will be provided only for volunteers who are helping with both the Ph.D. and Master's ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16.
What time do I have to arrive?
Volunteer shifts last around two and a half hours. Volunteers will receive an email two weeks before Commencement weekend, along with their volunteer assignment.
Will I be outside?
Bobby Dodd Stadium is an outdoor venue. Volunteer roles are spread throughout the stadium with few in-door options. We encourage volunteers to dress for the weather.
What if I can no longer make my shift?
Volunteers who no longer can attend their shift will have to notify Jillian Cruser via email as soon as possible.
Who will be my contact during my volunteer shift?
Each volunteer role reports to a volunteer lead. Volunteers will meet their volunteer lead when they report to the Wardlaw Center Poole room. Volunteers will be able to ask questions to their volunteer lead with their radio. Radios will be given when volunteers report to the Poole room.
Can I bring in food or water?
Water bottles will be available to volunteers in the Poole room. Volunteers are allowed to bring food into the volunteer (Poole) room as well. We ask that volunteers bring as little personal items as possible in order to keep the volunteer room organized for the event.
Can I indicate which volunteer role I prefer to be assigned to?
Volunteers can indicate which volunteer position will fit them best when filling out the Volunteer at Commencement form. Special accommodations can also be listed on the form.
How long should I expect to volunteer?
Each volunteer shift lasts around two and a half hours.