Information for Guest Hooders

Students receiving a doctoral degree may request a guest hooder. To qualify, the guest hooder must be an immediate family member—defined as a spouse, parent, sibling, or grandparent—and must also hold a doctorate in the same academic discipline as the student.

Please review the following information carefully to ensure a smooth experience for you and your guest.

General Guidelines

• Tickets: Guest hooders do not need a ticket to attend.
• Limit: Only one (1) guest hooder per student is permitted—no exceptions.
• Arrival: The student and their guest hooder must arrive together at the student check-in area.
• Arrival Time: Students who registered a guest hooder before the deadline will receive additional details via email closer to the ceremony date. As a general guideline, plan to arrive 1.5 hours before the ceremony begins.

Check-In and Access

• Only graduating students and their registered guest hooders may enter the student check-in area. Other family members or guests are not permitted in this space.
• Guest hooders will be seated in the front row, in alphabetical order according to their associated student.

Accessibility and Assistance

• If a guest hooder requires assistance, the student must bring an additional guest to help before, during, and after the ceremony. Event staff will not be available to provide individual assistance.
• The additional guest helping must have a ticket.

Comfort and Amenities

• Water will be available in the student holding area.
• Students may bring snacks or small food items, as there may be an extended waiting period before the ceremony begins.