Commencement Guest Guidelines

Spring Commencement is an exciting moment in the life of every Durham Tech graduate’s family. To make everyone’s commencement experience a pleasant one, please follow and adhere to the following guidelines.

Arrive Early

Guests should plan to arrive at the DPAC doors 30 minutes before graduation so they can find seats, turn off cell phones, and absorb the atmosphere. A span of 10 to 15 minutes should be budgeted to park and walk to DPAC.

Late Arrivals

The ushers hold late arrivals in the lobby until a suitable pause in the program, so their entries won’t disturb other guests.

Special Needs

DPAC will try and accommodate those who need special seating. It is recommended to arrive up to an hour early to allow DPAC every opportunity to provide the optimal seating.

The ushers in red can assist guests with special needs with their seating. Note that due to space limitations and arrival time, ushers may not be able to seat you with your other attendees.

Flowers, Balloons, and Other Gifts

The DPAC policy on flowers, balloons, and other gifts prohibits these items from being brought into the venue. Any gifts brought into DPAC will be held until the end of the graduation, when you can pick them up in the front lobby area.

Ceremony Disruptions

Our goal is that every guest at commencement has a positive, exciting, and rewarding experience. For guests who have an unanticipated interruption, DPAC ushers will be available to escort you to the lobby. Ushers may ask guests to step into the lobby if they notice disruptions that affect other guests.