Day of the Ceremony

Online Viewing Information

Bellevue University streams the Commencement live so those who cannot attend still have an opportunity to watch their graduate walk across the stage.

The link for viewing the Commencement ceremony live will be available here approximately three to five days before the ceremony.

Schedule of Events on June 2, 2012

• 8 am — Graduate arrive for formation
• 8:30 am — Final count of participants (please be in your seat by this time as this will determine whether or not your name is read while crossing the stage)
• 9:10 am — Procession of graduates
• 9:30 am — Ceremony begins promptly at 9:30

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Directions — Omaha Civic Auditorium

From I-80 West

1. Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, take Interstate 29 North.
2. Get in the left lane and follow signs for Interstate 480 West into downtown Omaha.
3. Go to the 14th Street exit.
4. Take the 14th Street exit to the stop sign and turn left (south).
5. Continue south on 14th Street to Capitol Avenue and turn right (west).
6. The Omaha Civic Auditorium is on the right at 18th Street and Capitol Avenue. Enter South entrance.

From I-29 North

1. Traveling north on Interstate 29, follow I-80 West at the convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
2. Follow the above directions from I-80 West.

From I-80 East

1. Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, Nebraska, take Interstate 480 North to downtown Omaha.
2. Continue on I-480 to the Dodge Street exit.
3. At the top of the exit ramp, continue straight north to Douglas Street and turn right (east).

From Eppley Airfield

1. When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbot Drive and continue south to downtown Omaha.
2. Turn right (west) on Capitol Street and the Omaha Civic Auditorium will be on the right at the intersection of 18th Street and Capitol Avenue.

Parking

There are two parking garages and several parking lots available in the vicinity of the Civic Auditorium for a fee and limited street parking at no cost. Limited handicapped parking spaces are available on the south side of the auditorium. In addition, all parking garages contain handicapped spaces. A state issued plate or placard is required for parking in a marked handicap space.

Guests

We do not limit the number of guests you can invite. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Your guests should enter the Civic Auditorium from the main entrance off Capitol Avenue (south entrance). Your guests will not be allowed on the main floor of the Civic Auditorium, as the arena is reserved for graduates. There are three levels of seating with access by stairs, escalator, or elevator, which will be available at 8 AM.

Personal Items

We recommend you have a family member or friend hold your personal items, as there will be no one available to guard your belongings during the ceremony. Please give your valuables to your family or friends before you go to the dressing area, located in the Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the auditorium. If you would like to take your belongings with you to the dressing area, make sure you can keep them on your person by using a pocket or fanny pack. Please take care of all personal business before going downstairs to the dressing area. Once you are downstairs, dressed in your cap and gown, counted and seated by Student Records, and given instructions for the ceremony, you will not be able to go back upstairs to visit with family and friends.

Disability Access

We strive to make the ceremony comfortable and accessible for all graduates and guests . The Omaha Civic Auditorium is accessible . If you require special seating for the Commencement Ceremony, please contact Disability Services, at 800-756-7920, ext. 5577422 or email disability@bellevue.edu no later than April 1, 2012.

The south entrance of the Omaha Civic Auditorium is an optimum location to let individuals off who have mobility limitations. All guest entrances to the arena are fully accessible, featuring power assist doors.

Guests with mobility limitations are welcome to utilize the elevator or escalator to 2nd floor general seating areas.

Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the general seating areas on a first come, first served basis.

Services for Guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing

The University's Commencement exercises will include American sign language interpretation.

Services for Guests with Visual Disabilities

Large print commencement programs will be available in the front lobby and from all Disability Services staff and volunteers.

Staff Assistance

Disability Services staff and volunteers are available to assist guests to accessible seating . The team will be wearing name badges to identify themselves. Staff will be available at the south entrance near the elevators and on the second floor to assist guests.

Wheelchairs for Guests

Bellevue University is not equipped to provide wheelchairs . A list of wheelchair rental companies is available; please contact Disability Services for further information . Pick up and drop off of wheelchairs should be arranged directly with the rental company . In addition, the Omaha Civic Auditorium may have wheelchairs available for guest use . For more information, please contact the Omaha Civic Auditorium at 402-444-3353.

Online Viewing

Our Commencement is available for live viewing via the web for those unable to attend. The link for viewing the Commencement ceremony live will be available at bellevue.edu/thebigday approximately three to five days before the ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony DVDs will be available for purchase approximately four weeks after the ceremony. Each DVD costs $8. To order a DVD, please log in to BRUIN, click on e-Services and locate the Commencement Video Order Form under Graduation Events.