Number of Guests to Bring to the Ceremony
Due to the growing number of graduates participating in the ceremony, this year admission tickets will be required from all guests to gain entrance into the gym. Each graduate participating in the ceremony will be given 6 tickets for their family and guests.
Timeline of Events
Gym doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is NO reserved seating, so we suggest guests arrive early to get a good seat (the best seats are higher on the bleachers).
Procession of graduates begins at 7:25 p.m. from the Quad where graduates line up.
The ceremony officially starts at 7:30 p.m. (usually over by 9:00 p.m.).
Parking and Directions
Parking will be free at the NVC Campus on commencement day.
Commencement will take place in the Gymnasium, Building 600, which is located on the north side of the campus next to the swimming pool area. The following campus map shows the location of the Gym (opens in new window).
Campus Address:
Napa Valley College (Main Napa Campus)
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 253-3000
For Driving Directions to Main Campus, please click on the following PDF Document.
Where to Meet your Graduate after the Ceremony
Meet your graduate outside the Gymnasium or in the Cafeteria. We ask all guests to remain in their seats after the ceremony ends. The Board of Trustees, faculty and all graduates must exit the gym first before the audience.
Disabilities Accommodations for Guests
Family members or guests requiring special accommodations due to a physical or mobility disability must arrive early to secure seats in the seating areas reserved for disabled or elderly guests. These areas are available on a first come, first serve basis, so we recommend you arrive by 6:30 p.m. when the doors of the gym are open to the public.
Procession of Graduates to and from the Gymnasium
Graduates will process/march out of the Quad and walk toward the Gymnasium to enter through the north entrance. Two faculty members and the valedictory speaker(s) will lead the march.
After the ceremony, graduates will march out down the middle of the aisle following the Board of Trustees and faculty who will line up outside of the gym to greet all graduates as they come out.
Guest must remain seated until all graduates are able to exit the gym. The aisles on the north side of the gym are temporary blocked to make room for the procession of graduates. It is easier and quicker for guests to exit the gym and join their graduates if they exit from the south entrance closest to the stage.
Reception
The Associated Students of Napa Valley College (ASNVC) will host a graduation reception in the Cafeteria following the ceremony. All graduates, guests and the campus community are invited to attend. More information to follow as details are confirmed.
Use of Cameras & Video Equipment
For the convenience of the graduates, the college provides a professional photography service. Only authorized photographers, including media photographers, are allowed within the restricted areas near the stage.
There will be designated areas near the stage ends for guests to take photographs; restricting access to the stage allows graduates to easily walk off the stage without being blocked and helps things run smoother.
Guests are allowed to take pictures or video during the ceremony but must be mindful of all restricted areas. Please do not block any aisles or the view of others by standing or squatting in the aisles to take pictures. Guests will be asked by ushers to move from these areas for safety reasons.
Use of Cell Phones
All cell phones must be completely turned off. No talking on cell phones is allowed even if you are standing in the lobby/entrance of the gym. We ask all guests to be considerate of others and allow everyone to enjoy the ceremony.
Because there is no easy or quiet way to exit the bleachers during the ceremony, we ask guests not to try to leave and come back during the ceremony unless it is extremely necessary or an emergency. The ceremony usually lasts about an hour and a half.
Lost and Found
If you loose an item while on campus, check with the College Police Department by calling (707) 253-3330. All lost and found items are turned in to them.
If anyone finds a lost item, please turn it in to the College Police (located in Bldg. 2250) or you can also turn it in at the table where you picked up a commencement program.
Restrooms
600 Bldg. Gymnasium – Near the north entrance to the right of the lobby area.
800 Bldg. Catacula Hall – South of the gymnasium, on the 1st floor.
900 Bldg. next to the QUAD area – Between the Cafeteria (southeast entrance) and the Bookstore.