Attention Class of 2025 Parents!

Graduation Week

📣 The countdown is on—only 25 days until Graduation Day! We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our future Army leaders and all their hard work over the past 47 months. Stay tuned as we prepare for this unforgettable milestone!

Graduation Speaker

The White House has announced that President Donald J. Trump will deliver the keynote speech for the 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

Graduation will take place on Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m.

🎟️ Graduation Event Tickets 🎟️

Each cadet will receive up to 10 digital tickets for their guests to sit together during the ceremony. If your cadet has more than 10 guests, additional general seating tickets can be requested and will be available for pickup at the beginning of graduation week. A ticket is required for stadium admission.

Additional Ticket Requests:
Please note: Additional tickets are for general public seating and will not be located near the 10 reserved seats.

• General Public & Additional Tickets | Visitors Center
  Dates & Times:
  • May 20–23: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • May 24: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    Guests should first confirm with their cadet whether tickets have already been provided before requesting additional tickets here.

Babies and Tickets:

• Infants on laps: No ticket needed.
• Children age 2 and older: Ticket required.
• Strollers: Allowed in the stadium, but not in bleacher areas.

Other Graduation Event Tickets: 

• Receptions: Cadet + 10 guests
• Convocation Dinner: Cadet + 2 guests
• Awards Ceremony: No guest limit
• Graduation Banquet: Cadet + 3 guests

📌 Only cadets may request these tickets. Make sure to confirm your attendance and any extra ticket needs in advance with your cadet to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration! 🎟️

🗓️ Excitement builds all week leading up to Graduation Day! Check out the current schedule from Tuesday, May 20th, to Saturday, May 24th. Visit the Parents Webpage for the latest information.

📌 When planning your trip, be sure to factor in your cadet’s Regimental Reception — you won’t want to miss this! Take note of your cadet's regimental reception in the schedule here. 

🛐 Baccalaureate Services will be held on Wednesday, May 21st at 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. at each chapel.

Saturday, May 24th

🥪 After the ceremony, cadets will have responsibilities—such as completing their clearing process and preparing for their commissioning ceremonies—which may take some time. So, between Graduation and Commissioning, having a lunch plan ready for you and your guests will make all the difference. This is your chance to relax, recharge, and escape the heat while waiting for your cadet to join you. Whether you choose to pack a cooler for a quick bite or take a stroll and explore, West Point offers several convenient dining options, including the West Point Club, Eisenhower Hall, and Grant Hall. 

Grad Guide: Must-Know Tips!

🔒 Security

All guests must have a valid ID to enter West Point. Guests who do not hold a CAC or Local Access Card (LAC) will need to obtain a pass from the Visitor Control Center (VCC) in order to attend receptions, awards, and other activities related to graduation. Please plan ahead to ensure smooth access to all events.

🪪 Plan ahead: Fill out your information for a pass from the Visitor Control Center ahead of time. This form will close Friday, May 10th at 11:59 p.m. Make sure to bring a valid ID to attain a visitor's pass for all guests 18 and up. Other primary forms of identification are accepted in case you do not have a Real ID driver's license.  Passes will be valid for May 21 - 25, 2025.

Access Requirements: Everyone must have an ID and a pass to enter West Point.  All vehicles need to show electronic or paper tickets, IDs, and pass to access West Point during Graduation Week. There will be increased security so be prepared and arrive well in advance at the event.

Pass Collection: One person (including the cadet) can collect passes for your group starting May 20^th at the Visitor Control Center located outside of Thayer Gate. If the cadet collects the passes, they must be able to deliver them outside the gate. The Visitor Control Center will not rewrite passes. *Foreign Nationals must present their VISA/Passport and pick up their passes in person.

Exceptions:

• CAC (Common Access Card) holders do not need a visitor pass and may escort their visitors onto post.
• LAC (Local Area Credential) holders, also known as 4-year parent ID holders, do not need a visitor pass but cannot escort others; they may only escort themselves.
• DOD ID Cards work the same as they always do.

🌍 Visitor Pass Information for Foreign Nationals

Please use the link below to enter the foreign nationals' information for the visitor pass. They should use their passport and indicate it as such. As long as the background checks are clear, they will receive a visitor pass. However, they will need to present their VISA/ESTA/Passport to pick up their pass and will need to be escorted by someone with a CAC (Common Access Card) or LAC (Local Access Credential).

👜 Only clear bags are allowed in Michie Stadium. Click here to see a list of what to pack!

Shuttle Hours:

Wednesday and Thursday: 

• Regimental Receptions and Academic Awards (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): BSF- Parade Field (Clinton Lot)

Friday Shuttle Buses:

• Graduation Parade (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.): BSF- Parade Field (Clinton Lot) 
• Pre-Banquet (4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.): BSF to Ike/Cadet Mess 
• Post-Grad Banquet (5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.): Cadet Mess to BSF 1930-2200 

Saturday Shuttle Buses (0630-1800):

• Green Route: shuttles available from BSF to South of Foley for entry at Gates 6 & 7
• Blue Route: shuttles from Supt’s Box to K-Lot to WPMS, Keller, USMAPS
• Red Route: shuttles from H-Lot to A-Lot
• Orange Route: North Dock to K-Lot;
• Purple Handicap Route: F-Lot to Stadium circuit

♿ Handicap & Accessibility Options

If a family member requires medical accommodations for Graduation, please ensure that your cadet has notified their Chain of Command by April 7th to arrange the necessary services. Pre-arranged tickets will allow the eligible person and one additional family member to join them in the Kimsey Center at the Stadium.

For those with mobility challenges who prefer an indoor viewing option with the whole family, the Class of '63 Lounge on the 3rd level of Eisenhower Hall will be available.

If you're using a rental car, be sure to bring your own handicap hangtags for parking. We’re committed to making this celebration accessible to everyone!

If you are traveling with someone who needs a transport chair, we recommend bringing it with you (if possible) or contact Home Health Pavilion, (845) 569-1250, for a rental. It is located in Newburgh and has been very accommodating.

For those who can walk but have some challenges, a wheelchair may still be a good idea as there is a lot of walking required.

♿ Handicap Parking & Shuttle Information

Graduation Week: Handicap parking will be available in the Clinton and Trophy Point Lots. To utilize these spots, you must have a hangtag or handicap plate displayed in your vehicle. Shuttles will be available to transport guests from these parking lots to the stadium for easy access. 

Graduation Day: Handicap parking will be limited to F Lot. 

Ferry and Tours

Looking for something to do during your down time? Visit Constitution Island!

Wednesday & Thursday Ferry Schedule

• Boat capacity: 35 passengers
• No reservations – first come, first served
• All passengers must disembark upon arrival
• No strollers or ADA access onboard

Constitution Island Tours – Graduation Week 2025

Afternoon tours of Constitution Island are scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22, 2025. Access to the island is provided by the West Point ferry departing from South Dock.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the island’s historic gardens, education center, and short hiking trails (approximately 15–30 minutes). Each tour, including the boat ride, lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Last boat to the island departs at 3:45 p.m.

• Last return trip is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

We recommend bringing bottled water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear.

Parent Resources

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West Point Insider by the Pointer View is an authorized publication for West Point’s service members, families, and civilian employees. Its contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the U.S. Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the West Point Public Affairs office.

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