Commencement Information

Download Invitation

Download Save the Date

Announcements & Invitations

Formal announcements can be purchased at the bookstore. Click HERE for more information.  Formal announcements are optional. Not all students order formal announcements; some have elected to create their own announcements and invitations.

Guest Information

No tickets are necessary for this event, it is open to the public. Students are not limited to the number of guests they can invite. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can line up and gates will open at 4:00 p.m. The event will not be livestreamed.

Parking Information

We recommend parking in the Zone 20 parking structure. Map here.  Students should note that their Spring 2025 semester parking pass will no longer be valid after the semester has ended. Campus parking should be accessible on the day of the commencement.  Event parking rates may apply as there is a UH Baseball game scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Participants and attendees should consult the Commuter Services website to learn more information as the Commuter Services office oversees parking matters, not the Law School. 

Students and guests should not convene or loiter in the parking lot.

Entry Information

Gates to Andrews Amphitheater will open at 4 p.m.  Guests can access seating on a first come, first served basis. No tickets are required. Accessible seating is available for those with ambulatory concerns. Please see the “Disability Accommodations” section.

Prohibited Items

The following items will not be allowed so all can enjoy the event and the Law School can return the Amphitheater to the University free of trash, with the least impact on the environment.  The list is not comprehensive and may change. 

• Balloons
• Signs / Banners
• Coolers / Any equipment to cook food (hot pot, hibachi, grill, etc.)
• Umbrellas
• Weapons / Objects that can be used as projectiles
• Noise makers (airhorns) / amplified music devices (i.e. boom boxes, speakers, etc.)
• Fireworks / poppers
• Illegal drugs
• Alcohol
• Pets (except service animals)
• Tripod / monopod extended to the floor
• Laser or flashing lights
• Seat backs
• Confetti
• Items that are affixed to a pole or stick that are not handheld and designed to be placed into the ground (i.e. flags, banners, signs, etc.) 
• Tents or free-standing structures

Items not listed but that are determined by event personnel or venue management to be a risk to the safety or enjoyment of guests will not be allowed into the venue.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

In accordance with Hawaiʻi state law (SB 134, Act 160, SLH 2018) the use of tobacco products is prohibited on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus, and all 10 UH campuses and university- owned facilities. “Tobacco products” include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smoking tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapes and chewing tobacco.

Lei

The Andrews Amphitheater field and stage will serve as the location for our graduates to receive their guests after the commencement ceremony.  Guests may present lei there.  Guests will not be allowed onto the field or stage until the program has concluded.  Signs will indicate where to meet with your graduate. Throwing of confetti is strictly prohibited.  Trash must be picked up and placed in bins throughout the Amphitheater.

Please review the list of prohibited items above in order to preserve the Amphitheater.

(Guests who come to the Law School prior to the event to present lei will be asked to leave and directed to Andrews Amphitheater.)

Disability Accommodations

Parking

There are accessible parking stalls throughout campus. The majority of the accessible stalls are located on the Diamond Head side of the third floor of the lower campus parking structure. From the third floor, take the elevator to the fifth floor where there is a pathway that leads to Dole Street, where there is a crosswalk at a traffic light to Andrews Amphitheater.  

Passenger Drop-Off and Pick-Up Areas

It is recommended that passengers be dropped off near the elevators on the Diamond Head side of the parking structure.  The elevators can be used to get to the fifth floor where there is a pathway that leads to Dole Street, which must be crossed at a traffic light/crosswalk to Andrews Amphitheater.  This is the closest area for a drop-off.  There are no porte cocheres or other driveways closer to Andrews Amphitheater for a drop-off away from traffic.

Seating

People with mobility needs can enter the Amphitheater at gate B and C.  There, ushers will be available to provide assistance with finding seating.  See the map below.

Restrooms 

There is an accessible restroom.  The restroom is located outside of the Amphitheater.  Guests are encouraged to use the restroom at the Law School prior to heading to Andrews Amphitheater.  Once at the Amphitheater, guests can find accessible restrooms near gate C. See the map below.

Download the map above

American Sign Language Interpreter

There will be American Sign Language interpretation during the commencement activities.  The interpreter(s) will be at stage right (from the vantage point of the audience, on the left side of the stage.)  The interpreter(s) will not interpret individual recognition of students.

Large-Type Programs

Large-type programs are available upon request.  Please ask an usher for assistance.  

Lei Giving

Andrews Amphitheater is an old venue with limited access to the grass areas where graduates will meet their friends and families.  The Law School is encouraging its students to meet their family and friends with special needs where the guest may be sitting or outside of the venue. 

Wheelchairs

The Law School does not provide wheelchairs or other transportation for the ceremony.  If you need a wheelchair or walker, please make your arrangements prior to the ceremony.  The following wheelchair and scooter rental companies may be of service to you:

-Better Home Appliances, Inc. (808) 737-3055

-Hawaii Wheelchair Rental (808) 772-9723

-Hawaiian Islands Medical Corp (808) 597-8087