Guest FAQs

If your question is not answered below, please contact us at conference-event@bethel.edu. Whether you celebrate with your graduate in person or via our livestream link, we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

 

Do I need a ticket to attend the ceremony?

No, guest seating is general admission, first come, first served. Seating is not distanced; you will be sitting next to other guests.  

How do I get to campus, and where do I park?

See a campus map and get driving directions to 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112. Please allow extra time to enter campus and park. Main parking is in the West Lot (overflow parking in the East Lot). Benson Great Hall is located in the Lundquist Community Life Center.

How long is the ceremony?

Each ceremony will be about an hour.

When do doors open?

Doors open 1 hour before each ceremony. 

When does my student need to be on campus?

Graduates need to be in the Robertson Center Gym wearing their cap and gown 45 minutes before the ceremony for lineup and instructions.  

How do I request accessibility services?

If you will need an accessible seat or an ASL interpreter, please email box-office@bethel.edu.

Are face masks required?

No.  Guests are free to wear them as they wish

What are the COVID-19 protocols at Bethel University?

We are not held to any COVID-19 protocols at this point.  There will be no distancing in the auditorium and families will be side-by-side with other guests.  

May I take photos?

Photography and videography are permitted in Benson Great Hall for brief timeframes. Guests should quickly return to their seat after taking photos of their graduate to free up the aisle for other guests. Tripods are not allowed; monopods are permitted. 

Are there printed programs available?

We will have a limited number of printed programs available for guests in addition to an identical digital version. A QR code will be available for those who wish to view the digital program on their smart device. If you take a printed program and do not intend to hold it as a keepsake, please return it at the conclusion of the ceremony so that it may be used by other guests at the later ceremonies.

What is the livestream link?

The ceremony is available to view on Bethel's Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

How many guests can watch the online ceremony?

There is no limit to the people who can watch the livestream of each ceremony! Please share the link, which will be posted soon on the commencement homepage.

Will I see my student cross the stage on the livestream view?

Yes, the livestream camera will capture each student as they cross the stage.

When will the ceremonies be available for on-demand viewing?

Each ceremony will be available to stream on-demand about 10-20 minutes following its conclusion.  To watch the recording, please visit our Facebook Page or YouTube Channel. 

What hotels are nearby?

Here is a list of hotels in the area.

Do you have any templates for yard signs?

Yes, we do! We have several yard sign templates to download and print at a vendor of your choice.