Commencement Logistics and Seating Logistics Shaw University’s Commencement Exercise will be held in the downtown Raleigh Convention Center on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be required for admittance, and seating is first-come, first-seated. The ceremony is approximately two (2) hours in duration. Seating Doors open approximately two (2) hours before the ceremony (i.e., approximately 8:00 a.m.). No one will be permitted inside prior to that time. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Guests should arrive in time to park and be seated at the Raleigh Convention Center no later than thirty (30) minutes before the start of the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. No one will be admitted during the processional. To ensure the comfort of our guests and in accordance with local fire safety laws, aisles must be kept clear at all times. Guests are asked to cooperate with ushers and public safety officers and to keep designated areas clear.