Plan Your Weekend

Give yourself extra time. Graduation weekend is fun and exciting, but it’s also busy. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking and walk to the ceremony. Also, be sure to schedule time between the beginning or end of a ceremony and any reservations you might be making.

Pre-plan. Decide as a family where you’ll meet after the ceremony, finding each other in a crowd can be challenging. Remember the Heisman statues and Bull Gator are the most chosen meeting spots, so consider selecting alternative locations.

Review security policies. The O’Connell Center uses metal detectors and does not allow oversized bags (bags must be 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller). Check your pockets and bags before getting in line to enter the building.

We have accessibility plans for our shuttles, parking, and seating at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Please see our accessibility page for details.

Visit Gainesville Alachua County provides links to many local hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds in the area.

Concessions will be available for guests in the O’Connell Center both Friday and Saturday before and during the ceremonies.

Parking for the ceremonies is in the O'Connell Center lot and garage (garage #7). Parking restrictions will be lifted in those areas on Friday, August 11 starting at 12pm.

Parking restrictions throughout campus will be lifted on Friday, August 11 beginning at 5pm through the rest of the weekend. 

The Charts, Diagrams & Maps page has a map identifying other nearby garages and parking lots on campus.

PROHIBITED ITEM LISTS

• Stephen C. O’Connell Center security policies

We will not ticket these ceremonies nor limit the per-candidate guest count.