More than 200 graduates are expected to cross the stage and receive their degrees on Dec. 16, 2017, during Lander University's 156th commencement.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in Finis Horne Arena - and all guests entering the arena will be required to have a ticket.
This year each graduate will be allotted 11 tickets for family and friends - which means that a crowd of more than 2,000 is expected.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, security checks, and to avoid standing in the usual long lines.
"Many people come at the last minute and risk not getting in," said campus Police Chief Eddie Briggs. "The doors will be locked 15 minutes prior to the start of the event, and even though we have the drop-off at the PEES circle in front of the arena, you still have to park and walk back and go through security."
Late arrivers or guests without tickets will be directed to watch the ceremony on closed-circuit TV in the Abney Cultural Center auditorium.
Security measures will include metal detectors at both main entrances. No bookbags or large packages will be allowed inside the arena. All items are subject to search.
A live stream of the ceremony will begin shortly on this site before 11 a.m. that morning.