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Event Details

COVID 

At this time, proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative COVID test is not required to enter certain establishments in the City of New Orleans.

Loyola University and the UNO Lakefront Arena follow City of New Orleans public health guidelines. There are currently no COVID-related rules for guests visiting campus or attending commencement at the UNO Lakefront Arena. Please know that this is subject to change based on City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana mandates at the time of commencement.

While masks are not required, guests may, of course, wear a mask if they choose to do so.

General Recommendations to All Individuals and Businesses

The New Orleans Health Department provides the following general recommendations to all individuals, institutions, and businesses to best mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 in New Orleans.

  • All residents and visitors to the City of New Orleans should take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, by assessing the individual risk of attending large and/or crowded gatherings, considering face coverings in public, and staying up to date on vaccinations.
  • Individuals who are considered high risk for complications due to COVID-19, such as the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions should maintain an elevated level of protection through avoiding large and/or crowded gatherings, considering face coverings in public, and staying up to date on vaccinations.

Lodging

Discounted hotel rates are available online through our campus partner, Campus Travel.

A complete listing of area hotels is available on the New Orleans and Company website.

Graduation Masses

Graduation Mass Information 

Candidates for graduation are encouraged to wear their cap and gown ONLY (no stoles, cords, etc.), as a sign of our unity and our humility before God. Stoles, cords, medals, etc. are celebrated at the commencement ceremony itself.

Graduating students may sit with their families and friends wherever they choose, on a first come, first seated basis. There are no tickets or reserved seats.

Detailed program books will be provided for the convenience of all attendees.

People of all faiths are welcome.  Email questions to kweber@loyno.edu.

Graduate Information

Commencement Ceremony Instructions for Graduates

Candidates for graduation for undergraduate and non-Law graduate degrees are to report, in their regalia, between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. to the Ground Level Gym entrance on the north side of the UNO Lakefront Arena on Saturday morning, May 13.

Law candidates are to report to the Ground Level Gym entrance at 5 p.m. for their Friday, May 12 ceremony.

This entrance is for candidates for graduation only.

Once inside, instructions will be provided by Student Records staff. Graduates must remain in their assigned seat on the floor of the arena for the duration of the ceremony.

UNO Lakefront Arena

The UNO Lakefront Arena is located at 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122.

Parking at the UNO Lakefront Arena is in surface lots and is free.

Please enter the facility via Franklin Avenue.

Upon entry, vehicles will be directed to the south and north parking lots.

Guest Information

Parking – On-Campus Events

Loyola campus parking facilities will be open with free parking May 11 – 13, 2023 for commencement activities. Loyola University Police will be directing traffic. Only vehicles with a disabled tag may park in spots designated for disabled parking on campus.

Parking – UNO Lakefront Arena

The UNO Lakefront Arena is located at 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122.

Parking at the UNO Lakefront Arena is in surface lots and is free.

Please enter the facility via Franklin Avenue.

Upon entry, vehicles will be directed to the south and north parking lots.

Guest Arrival and Entrances

The doors will be open to the public one hour before the exercises are scheduled to begin.

Tickets are required for guest entry to the UNO Lakefront Arena for the Undergraduate/Graduate commencement ceremony. Tickets are not required for LAW commencement.

As per the venue's policies, all persons one (1) year of age and older must have a ticket for admission.

Guests will be required to go through a security check point prior to entry.

The following items are prohibited: alcohol, balloons, flowers, confetti. Banners or signs are permitted if they are in good taste and do not obstruct the view of other guests.

The Guest entrances are via Ramp 1 and Ramp 4. 

Guests using wheelchairs and with limited mobility may enter the ADA Ground entrance at Ramp 1. This entrance is only for those requiring assistance. Guests with mobility issues can ask attendants inside the Arena to direct them to the accessible seating.

Due to limited space, a guest needing accessible seating may only have one additional companion seat in the accessible seating area.

The UNO Lakefront Arena does not provide wheelchairs for transport to and from seating. If you require a wheelchair, it will be necessary to bring one with you.

To inquire about disability-related accommodations please email commencement@loyno.edu.

Refreshments
Concessions will be available for purchase at the ceremonies.