Record attendance, increased traffic and heightened security expected at May 10 Commencement

Record attendance, increased traffic and heightened security expected at May 10 Commencement April 15, 2009Jaime Winne Alvarez jlwinne@syr.edu

On Sunday, May 10, Syracuse University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry will hold joint Commencement exercises in the Carrier Dome. The student procession begins at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., an honored member of the SU College of Law‘s Class of 1968, is the 2009 Commencement speaker; his address is open to the public.

A sizable crowd is expected, both because of Vice President Biden’s presence and the fact that this year’s graduating class is the largest to take part in Commencement exercises in recent years. In addition, increased security measures will be in place.

To allow ample time for the security process, doors at the Dome will open at 7:15 a.m. Metal detectors will be utilized at every entrance. Everyone entering the Dome will be screened upon entry. All graduating students participating in Commencement exercises will need to show a valid SU or SUNY-ESF I.D. in order to enter.

Graduates, families, guests and members of the campus community and general public should plan their arrival to the Dome accordingly. Due to anticipated record attendance, increased traffic and security procedures, it will take additional time to get to campus, locate parking and enter the Dome, as compared to years past.

Space permitting, free parking is available in SU’s Harrison, Lehman, Manley and Waverly lots, and the University Avenue and Booth garages. Parking in West Campus and Quad lots will be restricted to permit holders.

For a map of available campus parking and additional information on the 2009 Commencement exercises, visit http://commencement.syr.edu.