When, where and what time will the commencement ceremony take place?

The 2021 Commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22 in the Stewart “Red” Faught Stadium  on the Franklin College Campus. If inclement weather prevents holding the commencement ceremony outdoors, notification will be posted on the website commencement page by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21, and the ceremony will be moved to the Spurlock Gymnasium. However, no guests will be allowed to attend. Regardless of the venue, the event will be live-streamed on our website.

Are masks required?

Yes. In keeping with the #FortifyFranklin Plan, all participants and guests will be required to wear a mask/face covering on campus; a Franklin College designed mask for the occasion will be provided at each graduate’s assigned pre-processional seat in the Spurlock Gymnasium. We also recommend participants and guests wear sensible shoes for ease of walking on the football field.

I’m a guest and am not familiar with the campus. How do I know where to go?

Please use this map of the Franklin College campus to park and get to the stadium.

How long should I expect for the ceremony to take?

On average, the commencement ceremony will last two hours.

Do I need a ticket to attend the ceremony?

Yes, a ticket is required to attend the commencement ceremony. Due to Covid-19, six  tickets are distributed to each graduate to be used at their discretion. Guests without tickets may view the ceremony virtually.  

Are children required to have a ticket?

Yes, children that will not be held (utilizing a seat or bleacher space) will require a ticket.  We respectfully ask that all children are accompanied by an adult during the entire commencement ceremony.  

Is there accessible seating available at the stadium?

Yes, accessible seating is available. To reserve accessible seating on the field, please contact Libby Deckard in the Franklin College Office of the President at ldeckard@FranklinCollege.edu or 317.738.8010.

Should we hold our applause and cheers until the end of the commencement ceremony?

Yes, we thank you in advance for respectfully holding your applause and cheers during the ceremony, so that each graduate’s name may be recognized and heard by everyone in attendance.

Where can I park?

Parking for graduates and guests will be available in these campus lots: Hamilton, Park Avenue, Goodell, Facilities, Spurlock, and Grizzly Park. Student Foundation members will be providing golf cart transportation from the parking lots to the stadium. The stadium gates will open at 9 a.m. for guest seating. Guests are to enter the stadium at the southeast gate only.

Will there be a baccalaureate service?

The Franklin College Baccalaureate service will be held on Friday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. in the Spurlock Center on campus. Social distancing and face masks are required. 

A reception for graduates and guests attending the baccalaureate service will be held in the Johnson Atrium of the Napolitan Student Center at 5:30. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Visit the baccalaureate page for more information.

What if I have additional questions?

For questions not answered here, please contact Jan Schantz in the Office of the President at 317.738.8009 or on her cell phone at 317.362.6344.