FAQ
What is the bag policy for commencement ceremonies?
TWU encourages guests to travel light and refrain from bringing bags. Bags up to 4.5"x6.5" in size are permitted into the arena. Clear bags must be no larger than 12"x12"x6". Medical and parenting bags are permitted and are subject to search.
What items will be confiscated? Where should I collect confiscated items?
Pepper spray and pocket knives.
All confiscated items may be returned to your car or picked up at TWU PD offices – Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
- TWU PD Address: 1201 Oakland St, Denton, TX 76204
- Phone: (940) 898-2911
May I arrive early for the ceremony I’d like to attend?
We are excited to host each guest for the ceremony they wish to attend. Currently, the doors will open one hour before each ceremony, temporarily close during the procession, and then reopen for late seating. You may wait outside the arena, on the sidewalk, to secure an advanced position in line for the ceremony you would like to attend; however, due to the ticketing policy and each family's desire to view and celebrate their student, only ticketed guests for specific ceremonies are allowed entrance during the allocated time.
I want to request additional tickets. What should I do?
We are thrilled that you have many people to celebrate your accomplishments! Currently, each student has been allocated a specific number of tickets. Through student communications, a pool of additional or donated unused tickets is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reference the TWU Ticketing Policy.
I have a stroller; are they allowed in the arena? And how should I manage entering the arena and seating once I am inside?
TWU welcomes our smallest guests. Once you have navigated bag check, inside Kitty Magee Arena, south of the bleachers on each side is designated stroller parking. Strollers are not permitted in the general seating areas, as they occupy seats allocated for other guests. You are welcome to stand with your occupied stroller in the back corners of the arena or leave the stroller and sit in the general seating area with your child on your lap.
Where is a good place to meet my graduate after the ceremony in Denton?
We agree! It’s time for hugs and photos! Please meet our newest TWU Alumni across Bell Avenue. There are several landmark locations for the perfect photo. We have listed a few here; however, we think you’ll agree that TWU’s campus is so beautiful, offering several locations perfect for that family photo.
- TWU Blagg Huey Library
- TWU Hubbard Hall
- TWU Sign - corner of Bell & Administration Drive
- The iconic TWU Fountain
- Texas Pond
- Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden I
- Carroll Abbot Wildflower Sanctuary, Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden II
- Pioneer Woman Statue at Pioneer Circle
- Redbud Lane south of ACT Tower
- Your Dream, Your Legacy Mural
- Old Main Building
I would like to FaceTime my family who is not able to attend. Is this allowed?
Commencement is definitely something worth watching! That is why we have a livestream and overflow seating already arranged. Enjoy from the comfort of your chosen location by clicking on the livestream link.
If you would rather join the campus community as they celebrate our students’ accomplishments, overflow seating is available in Blagg-Huey Library.
We ask that if you are in the arena, please respect others around you. We would like you to have the opportunity to fully engage in the ceremony. Guests are asked not to hold their phones to video the ceremony.
I would like a picture of my student as they receive their diploma, is there a resource for this?
Yes, we are happy to share that a contracted professional photographer is available to take images of all students as they cross the stage.
Student photos are contracted through the vendor GradImages. Once the photos are available, the students receive an email and can view photos, placing orders as needed.
How long should I plan for my ceremony?
We understand how important it is to plan around this special event.
At TWU, it is our target to keep each commencement ceremony within 90 minutes.
Are other ceremonies planned for the graduates?
Thank you for asking! Yes, some of our colleges do have additional celebrations planned for the graduating class.
The College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences both celebrate their graduates with additional formal ceremonies. Please reach out to those programs individually for full details.
Page last updated 4:06 PM, November 7, 2025