Rain Plan

Timmons Arena, our typical inclement weather venue for Commencement, is unavailable this year due to construction. The Commencement Planning Team investigated several alternative venue options, both on campus and in the community. After a thorough review, we have determined that McAlister Auditorium is the most effective space for this year. 

Due to the difference in capacity and in an effort to provide students with as many guests as possible for this important ceremony, we will be following one of the scenarios outlined below if inclement weather prohibits an outdoor ceremony at its regularly scheduled time. Please note that these options are different from years past, therefore we ask that everyone review the information carefully. We will be sending further communication in the coming weeks, but if you have any questions or concerns, please message commencement@furman.edu. 

Inclement Weather Plan A

Utilized if inclement weather is predicted for later in the evening of May 4^th, and predicted conditions for earlier in the day allow for an outdoor ceremony.

Commencement will begin at 3PM (rather than the scheduled time of 7:30PM)

Commencement will still be held in Paladin Stadium.

All typical commencement activities will occur as planned, with one exception. The Legacy Dinner will begin at Noon at the Younts Conference Center.

Students should gather in McAlister Auditorium, in preparation for a processional down the mall, no later than 1PM. 

Guests will not be limited, and tickets will not be required for Paladin Stadium.

On-campus guests will also have the option to view the ceremony through live streaming in McAlister Auditorium.

The livestream link will be posted on the commencement website and is viewable from any location.

Inclement Weather Plan B

Utilized if inclement weather is predicted for an extended period on May 4, prohibiting an outdoor ceremony at any time.

The Legacy Dinner event will begin at Noon at the Younts Conference Center.

Two Commencement Ceremonies (3PM and 7PM) will be held in McAlister Auditorium. 

Ceremony 1

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Graduates

Bachelor of Music (B.M.) Graduates

Ceremony will begin at 3PM

Students will gather in Daniel Recital Hall in the Daniel Music Building at 1:30PM

Ceremony 2

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Graduates

Master of Arts (M.A) Graduates

Master of Science (M.S.) Graduates

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Graduates

Ceremony will begin at 7PM

Students will gather in Daniel Recital Hall in the Daniel Music Building at 5:30PM

Additional Ceremony Information

Both ceremonies will include speakers, music, and award presentations. The only difference will be the graduates whose degrees will be conferred.

B.A. and B.M. graduates will be included in the 3PM ceremony

B.S, M.A., M.S., and Ed.S. graduates will be included in the 7PM ceremony

Student must attend the ceremony appropriate for their degree

Students must attend the ceremony in line with the degree being conferred.

Students can confirm their degree by consulting their student WorkDay records, and it will be listed on the “Graduate Information Card” that will be distributed at the check-in on Friday evening. 

No request to attend the other ceremony will be accepted or honored

Graduates’ names will only be read at their appropriate ceremony

Each graduate will be limited to five (5) guests in McAlister Auditorium. Tickets will be distributed to graduates during the check-in on Friday evening. 

Additional guests will be able to view the ceremony through live streaming in Younts Conference Center or from home.

The livestream link will be posted on the commencement website. 

Guests should not arrive any earlier than 1 hour prior to their ticketed ceremony.

Guests of B.A. and B.M. graduates should arrive at McAlister Auditorium between 2PM and 3PM.

Guests of B.S., M.A., M.S., and Ed.S. graduates should arrive at McAlister Auditorium between 6PM and 7PM.

Guests are encouraged to be in their seats by 3PM and 7PM, respectively, to view the student processional.

Signs will be posted directing guests to parking availability. Transportation options will be provided from designated lots to McAlister auditorium.

Graduates are encouraged to either walk, carpool or be dropped off in order to conserve parking spaces for guests.

Drop off locations and instructions will be provided for graduates in further communications.

The decision to move to either Inclement Weather Plan A or Inclement Weather Plan B will be made by Saturday May 4^th at 7AM at the latest. 

Initial notification will be made via the University Emergency Alert system.

All students will receive an email notifying of the change and reminders of the specific plans as soon as a decision is made.

The Furman Commencement website will be updated immediately with all important information.

The ceremony will be live-streamed via the Furman YouTube channel. Streaming will start 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. You can view the live-stream here. 

Parking instructions will be provided as rain plans are confirmed.