Guest Information

Guest Parking and Check-In

Guest parking is available in the West Parking Facility located at 137 S. McDonough Street or Candler Lot located near the Charis bookstore on 184 S. Candler Street. Parking lots will open at 7 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand at both locations to check in all guests for access to the ceremony area.

There will be TWO primary parking areas and points of entry for guests of graduates: 

• West Parking Facility (137 S. McDonough Street)
• East Parking lot  (184 Candler Road behind Charis Books)

If you are using rideshares such as Lyft or Uber, your drop-off address is the West Parking facility.
Should one or both of the guests have special needs, please complete this form so that we can best accommodate your experience. 

Golf carts will be available from all parking locations for those who need additional assistance.

Location

The outdoor Commencement ceremony will be held on campus, on the Science Quadrangle, rain or shine. Seating for the platform party, graduates and a limited number of ticketed guests per graduate will be available in a tent, open on all sides. Additional seating will be provided outside the tent. Guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas to protect themselves from the elements, where necessary.

Tickets

Ticket information will be released closer to the event.

COVID-19 Guidelines

The college will continue to follow CDC guidelines for mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. We will continue to monitor ongoing facts, data and trends, lean on the expertise of our faculty and public health partners and take all factors under consideration. We will adjust our protocols if warranted.

Campus Safety Protocols

*Please note that this policy is subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available. 

Special Needs

Parking and check-in for guests with special needs will be located in the Presser Parking Lot located on S. McDonough Street. Guests in personal or rented wheelchairs will enter the venue through this parking lot. Upon arrival, these guests will be asked to proof of vaccination+booster for access to the ceremony area.

• A sign-language interpreter will be present.
• Please note the college does not provide wheelchairs for mobility-impaired guests. Mobility equipment may be rented from the list provided*.
  • Power Wheelchair Services, Inc.
    720 Glynn Street North
    Fayetteville, GA 30214
    770.719.9998
    powerwheelchairservices@yahoo.com 
  • Scootaround Inc.
    888.441.7575
    www.scootaround.com 

*Please be aware that a listing on this page does not represent an endorsement.

A special seating section is available for mobility-impaired guests.  A volunteer will be onsite to provide assistance. 

Local Accommodations

The City of Decatur boasts many local accommodation options sure to meet family, friends' and visitors’ needs during campus visits. The college has partnered with the following hotels and properties to give a discounted rate to our guests. Where applicable, use the corporate/promotional code listed while making your reservation. Please note that some rates may be seasonal and vary throughout the year; rates are based on room availability.