Day of Details for Guests

Seating

  • Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Entry gates to Wilson Field open 30 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.

Parking

  • Parking will be free in all designated parking structures and lots. Please allow yourself ample time to park your vehicle and walk to your ceremony site. Additionally, allow yourself plenty of time to navigate out of parking areas following the ceremony when you are considering making dining reservations.
    • It can take up to 30 minutes to exit the Barrera Parking Structure and up to one hour to exit the Anderson Structure. 
  • Please note that there is no parking located at One University Drive, Orange CA. Please use the flagged parking structures in the interactive campus map linked below.

Getting to Campus

View Interactive Campus Map >>
View Commencement Map >>

Drop off Locations:

  • Graduates – Schmid Gate: 423 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866
  • ADA Drop Off – McCardle Gate: 300 East Walnut Avenue, Orange, CA 92867
  • ADA Drop Off – Keck Center Entrance: 400 North Center Street, Orange, CA 92866

Leis, Bouquets and Gifts for Graduates 

There are several gift stations on campus where guests can purchase leis, bouquets and gifts for their graduates. Items are also available for pre-order and pickup during Commencement Weekend.

Security & Commencement Conduct

To enhance public safety, please observe the following restrictions for all commencement activities on the Chapman University Campus. Patrons will not be allowed to bring the following items inside the event venue. These policies are subject to change without notice.

  • No food or drinks are allowed in the Commencement venues
  • No balloons
  • No large bags, backpacks, or large purses
  • No firearms, knives, explosives or other weapons
  • No coolers or other containers except in cases of medical need, as certified by a physician
  • No artificial noisemakers, air horns or megaphones may be used
  • No large signs, flags, poles, banners, or laser pointers
  • No pets allowed, except trained service animals
  • All Commencement venues have the authority to prohibit any items deemed a security risk.
  • Inspections of small receptacles (bags) might be required as you enter event venues

Restrooms

  • There are no restrooms on Wilson Field. Guests are encouraged to use the portable restroom trailers around campus before entering the field.