Information for Guests

The commencement weekend is a special time for graduates of Drake University and for their families and friends. Participating in Drake's commencement ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate your graduate's achievement. This site offers information on the "big weekend" to ensure that relatives and friends of graduates enjoy a memorable, stress-free celebration.

Commencement does not require tickets and there are no guest limits in place. All seating is first-come, first-served.

For a campus map, please go here: https://www.drake.edu/map/

For an idea of where graduates will be seated in the Knapp Center, please see the appropriate seating chart approximately 2 weeks prior to event here.

For Des Moines restaurant and hotel information please click here.

In case of inclement weather Drake’s University Closing Policy may be invoked.

If you have guests that are unable to attend - Drake University will stream the commencement ceremonies live here: http://www.drake.edu/stream

Special note:

Please do not bring to the ceremonies any objects that contain latex.

At least one of our current Drake students has a latex allergy. Exposure to latex in certain forms may be life threatening. Therefore, we ask that you do not bring any latex objects, such as latex balloons, to any of the commencement ceremonies. If you have latex items that are medically related and need to be used at any of the ceremonies, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 515-271-2025.

We appreciate your cooperation.