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 helper does not require 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.
