Faculty and Staff

Our annual undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies are on Monday, June 16 at Climate Pledge Arena. Our graduates work hard to reach this moment and walk proudly across the stage, and it is the culmination of the work we all do at Seattle University. 

Here, you will find various resources for faculty and staff attending or working the event. 

Thank you for helping make Commencement 2025 a memorable and inspiring experience for our graduates and their loved ones. 

Date: Monday, June 16

Location: Climate Pledge Arena, 334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

The Undergraduate Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. and is expected to last about 3 hours.

The Graduate Ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. and is expected to last about 2 hours.

In keeping our commitment to sustainability, we encourage mass transit, an SU-provided shuttle bus, carpooling, walking, biking and any other method than driving alone.  

Seattle U Provided Shuttle Bus 

There will be buses running between campus and CPA before and after each ceremony. You may park on campus for free in the Broadway or Murphy Garages. Shuttles will pick up at the visitor lot and drop you off outside CPA.  

Undergraduate Ceremony:

  • 8:15 a.m. | Shuttle for staff and faculty with assigned roles at the undergraduate commencement ceremony (not Commencement Ambassadors) departs from SU to CPA
  • 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Commencement Ambassadors for the undergraduate commencement ceremony board shuttle to CPA  
  • 1:45 p.m. | Undergraduate ceremony shuttles from Climate Pledge to campus. Please board a shuttle promptly after the ceremony. Shuttles will run to campus until 3:00 p.m.

Graduate Ceremony:

  • 2:35 p.m. | Shuttle for staff and faculty with assigned roles at the graduate commencement ceremony (not Commencement Ambassadors) departs from SU to CPA
  • 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Commencement Ambassadors for the undergraduate commencement ceremony board shuttle to CPA  
  • 7:00 p.m. | Graduate ceremony shuttles from Climate Pledge to campus will routinely depart until 8:00 p.m.
  • 8:00 p.m. | Final shuttle from Climate Pledge Arena to Seattle University. 

Public Transit 

Monorail

The Seattle Center Monorail is a 90-second ride between downtown and Seattle Center, then a short walk to CPA.  

Light Rail and Metro

With expanded Light Rail service and easy parking at most stations, public transit is an easy way to get to CPA from the Puget Sound area. Plan your public transit ride here.

Bicycling 

Seattle Department of Transportation is partnering with Climate Pledge Arena to build a network of protected bike lanes near Seattle Center, and there are numerous bike racks on the grounds, short-term racks on the west plaza of Climate Pledge Arena and safe bike lockers inside the 1st Ave N Garage, managed by Climate Pledge Arena. Bicyclers may use a Google Interactive Directions Map to plan a custom route. Maps of the designated bike routes are available here. 

Carpooling or Driving Alone 

If you plan to drive alone or carpool, please park in the 1st Ave N Garage accessed from Warren Avenue N. Depending on the time of your arrival time, Warren Avenue may be closed to through traffic and you’ll need to check-in at a traffic stop to gain access to the garage. If you plan to drive, you must register in advance. Click here to let us know so we can include you on the preapproved parking list so you can access the parking garage. Traffic may be a challenge, so please plan your arrival time accordingly. 

Arena Rules 

All staff, faculty, students and guests will walk through metal detectors before entering the arena. Please review the full CPA Bag Policy and Prohibited Items list. You may bring limited items into the venue in a clear 14” x 14” x 6” or smaller bag and/or a small clutch that does not exceed 4″w x 6″h x 1.5″d. You may bring a non-glass reusable water bottle no larger than 32 oz and it must be empty. Bringing in food from outside of the venue is prohibited. There are many additional items that are prohibited, including computers, balloons, flags, and noisemakers. Please pack light.  

Limited Mobility and special accommodations

Individuals with limited mobility are encouraged to notify a Climate Pledge Arena Guest Services member at any open entry door for assistance with wheelchair transport and guidance to accessible seating.

Individuals needing ASL services will be directed to a specific seating area once inside the arena.