**This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU**

Graduation is around the corner. Remember how when our kids were little we couldn’t envision them leaving us and going off to college? Now, if you are like me, you can’t believe how quickly the time went. It continues to rush by and before you know it, college graduation will be here.

Allow ample time to make those hotel reservations. Similar to football and Parent weekends, graduation weekend hotels are at a premium if you want to stay close to campus. Some people book them a year out in order to get the hotel they want. I literally booked my room a solid year before my daughter graduated. Being in Boca Raton though, we definitely have an advantage if you don’t mind staying a tad bit further from campus. (Don’t know where to stay, check out our blog on hotels.)

Be sure to check the policy with whichever hotel you choose, but if possible, book more rooms and cancel later when Grandpa decides he isn’t up to the three-plus hour drive. It is far easier to cancel than to try to find a room in February for May graduation. I actually booked three rooms, but only used two. Instead of canceling the last one though I passed it to a friend who found herself short a room. There is always someone in need. If you are booking multiple rooms, just a tip; put them in different names because if you have them all in your name, and you need to cancel a room, the hotel may have to cancel the entire reservation. This actually happened to a friend of mine. Boca Raton does have quite a few hotel options in the surrounding areas, however, it is important to remember that South Florida is a popular vacation destination. While there may be plenty of options, it’s still crucial to book early.

August and December graduation reservations may be a tad easier, but there are far more students graduating then than you may think, so don’t hesitate to book early. Besides, in December, there is still a lot going on with students moving out for winter break.  The next commencement ceremonies are the weekends of May 7th, 2020, August 11, 2020, and December 17, 2020. You might not know which of these days and time is for your student’s major until a few months before though. Particularly for the May graduation, there are so many students graduating they split it into multiple ceremonies throughout the day and evenings, and information about the specifics of Graduation day.

Graduation is held at Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Center located in the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus. Seating is limited but tickets are required. Guest tickets go by the number of applications received. For deadlines and additional information. Those who respond to email can expect to receive three to four guest tickets.

Disabled or Special Needs Info

Should you require disability accommodations for guests, it is on a first come first serve basis; however, the auditorium staff has always been able to accommodate guests who require special assistance. Graduates requiring special accommodations should contact the Office of the Registrar, 561-297-3050, at least ten days in advance.

Graduation Cap & Gown Isn’t Cheap!

Wondering how much your student will need to pay to rent the cap and gown which is required if they are walking? Prices range from $67.98 to $360.00, depending on the degree level. All graduates are required to wear the cap and gown from the FAU bookstore in order to participate in the ceremony. Ordering your regalia late will result in a $25 late fee.

Reserve, Reserve, Reserve!

Remember to make restaurant reservations as well. Generally, restaurant reservations can’t be made as far in advance as hotels, but due to the crowds, you will definitely want a reservation. I actually called so far in advance they couldn’t make it yet but told me when to call back so I could be one of the first to reserve the date and time I needed. I marked my calendar and all worked out beautifully. Check out our blog on Graduation Restaurants and Restaurants. Keep your gifts, balloons, and noisemakers at the hotel as they are prohibited inside the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Center. Flowers are available for purchase in the lobby of the auditorium.

FAU does have a live webcast of graduation. Many of my northern family members utilized this option. They also use GradImages, an outside company, to take pictures of each graduate in three places as they cross the stage. If you register in advance, they offer a 20% discount. Finally, we’ve got some great graduation gift suggestions including diploma and tassel frames. Should you need to order a duplicate diploma (lost, damaged, or whatever reason you may have), it will cost you $10 but you can do so.

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Boca Raton is not only a college town but also a vacation destination for families looking to hit the beach and indulge in some of the luxurious offerings available around town. Boca Raton has a vast selection of hotel options; all in varying price ranges and distances from the Florida Atlantic University campus. There are a few different things to consider when booking a hotel to visit your student. Some may want a suite, free breakfast, close proximity to campus, or perhaps a hotel with a beach view. Some parents may want to bring the family dog along for the visit. And some may want to make a full vacation out of the trip and opt to stay in Delray Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. Whatever your personal preference may be, there is an option to suit your needs.

Loyalty

When it came time for my husband and me to attend parent’s weekends at FAU, we often booked with the same hotel chain. We knew what to expect and after four years of football games and sorority family weekends, we acquired many points. These points can earn you free nights and breakfasts. Also, compare prices online. Oddly, you can find various prices for the same hotel on different sites. Another idea is to book through a website like Reservations.com or Hotels.com or Expedia so you can accumulate points there as well. Perhaps by graduation, your stay will be free, but it is strongly recommended that you try to book that graduation hotel a year in advance. (Same goes for football games and parents weekend.)

Hilton

There are several Hilton owned hotels within close proximity of the Boca Raton area, however, some are closer to FAU than others. The Hilton hotels closest to FAU are Hilton Boca Raton Suites, the Hampton Inn Boca Raton, and The Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton. Both of these hotels are about 3 miles from campus. But before you pull out your Hilton honors cards, there are a few other Hilton options to consider.

For those wanting to stay closer to the beach, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa is a great option. This hotel is beachfront, with a large pool and located near several popular restaurants. This hotel is about six miles from the FAU campus.

The Waterstone Resort and Marina will give you more of a resort feel, they have a few restaurants on-site and every room has a water view with a balcony. The Waterstone resort is located on Lake Boca and is about 1 mile from the beach. The Waterstone is about 4 miles from FAU’s campus. The Waterstone is pet-friendly, however, you must pay a pet fee of $125 a day.

We couldn’t talk about Boca Raton and not mention the Boca Raton Resort. The Boca Raton Resort was originally built in 1926 and was designed, partially, by Addison Mizner. (You learn more about him as you visit popular sights around town) The Boca Raton Resort is a Waldorf Astoria hotel, (which is owned by Hilton) it is a renowned, luxury resort. Situated along the Intercostals, guests have access to a private beach and world-class service. The Boca Raton Resort offers spa services, golf, ten dining locations, boating, shopping, and much more. Stays at the Boca Resort can be difficult, it does book up during the high season and prices can be high.

If you are looking for more of an extended stay hotel, close by in Deerfield is WoodSpring Suites. They offer free basic Wi-Fi and parking. queen beds. 100% Smoke-Free. Pet-Friendly. Great location near the ocean and beaches and Everglades. Between I-95 and 811 close to Boca Raton.

Marriott

There are several Marriott brand hotels near FAU, the closest being Fairfield Inn & Suites, Courtyard, Boca Raton Marriott, Towneplace Suites, and Springhill Inn & Suites. These are just to name a few, there are several more within the area. All of the hotels listed are within a 3-mile radius of FAU. The closest, however, being Fairfield inn followed by the Courtyard.

The Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites are both pet-friendly, both with an extra charge of $100-$125 for the entire length of stay.

Marriott also has quite a few beachfront resorts. One that I have stayed at was the Delray Beach Marriott. This Marriott is about 20 minutes from the FAU campus, however, it is a great option for those looking to tie in a getaway while visiting their student in sunny South Florida. The Delray Beach Marriott is located in the heart of Delray Beach, FL. It is situated on Atlantic Avenue, which is bustling with restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, and boutiques. The hotel is directly across the street from the beach. The Delray Beach Marriott also boasts a full-service spa.

Holiday Inn

There are two Holiday Inns located near FAU’s campus. Holiday Inn North Boca is less than 2 miles from campus. A stay at the Holiday Inn includes a free breakfast. It is just a short drive from campus and located near many shops and restaurants.  Holiday Inn Express Boca Raton is a little further west, approximately 5 miles west of FAU.

FAU discounts

Some hotels within the area offer FAU special rates:

Best Western Plus University Inn: 10% off and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Fairfield Inn & Suites Boca Raton: Special FAU rates available

Hilton Boca Raton Suites: Special FAU rates and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center: Special seasonal rates

Wyndham Boca Raton: Complimentary shuttle service to FAU

For more information on special rates, click here. Book that hotel, pack up your Owl gear, and head on down to Boca Raton! Go Owls!

Finally, while visiting, make sure you see our list of recommended restaurants.

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**This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU**

Do you really make your graduation restaurant reservations now? The resounding answer is YES! Graduation is a time to celebrate and a celebration requires a nice meal, a nice meal needs a reserved spot! FAU holds graduation ceremonies three times per year with May being the largest ceremony, broken down by college. Spring Graduation is May 3rd and 4th. Hopefully, you have read our hotel blog and made your hotel reservations. But if you are coming up with your entire family, you may want to reserve your favorite restaurant in plenty of time, as many of the restaurants get extremely busy.

To help you out, we are listing the restaurants that take reservations, and if they require a deposit to hold the reservation (some do). Obviously not a list of all possible places but these are some of our favorites. For other restaurant recommendations, see our blog on restaurants for lunch, dinner, and brunch. We will continue to add to this list regularly as we find more information but our suggestion to make your plans early, especially for the Fall and Spring graduation weekends, is strongly advised. Make your plans early and you will have a smooth graduation celebration.

Reservations and Restaurants that are taking reservations for Graduation

• Chop’s Lobster Bar– 101 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton, FL 33432  561-395-2675
• Farmhouse Kitchen – 399 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432,  561-826-2625
• Farmer’s Table– 1901 N Military Trl, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-417-5836
• Grand Lux Café– 6000 Glades Rd in Town Center Mall, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-392-2141
• J. Alexander’s Boca Raton– 1400 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-347-9875
• Madison’s New York Grille and Bar-2006 NW Executive Center Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-994-0808
• Maggiano’s– 21090 St Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33433, 561-361-8244
• Mario’s Osteria – 1400 Glades Rd #210, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-239-7000
• Max’s Grille –  404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-368-0080
• Morton’s Steakhouse – 5050 Town Center Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33486, 561-392-7724
• Ouzo Bay Greek–  201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-757-0082
• Rack’s Downtown Eatery & Tavern– 402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-395-1662
• Ruth Chris Steakhouse– 225 NE Mizner Blvd Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-392-6746
• Seasons 52– 2300 NW Executive Center Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-998-9952
• Tanzy Boca Raton – 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-922-6699
• The Capital Grille – 6000 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, 561-368-1077
• The Melting Pot– 5455 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487, 561-997-7472
• The Rebel House -297 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-353-5888
• Yard House Boca Raton– 201 Plaza Real #1201, Boca Raton, FL 33432, 561-417-6124

…but The Cheesecake Factory– Does not take reservations…

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One of the highlights of the fall semester is Homecoming. It’s a time for Owls young and old to celebrate their Owl Spirit. Homecoming has grown into a major event that students and alumni look forward to. Homecoming week for 2019 is October 13th – 19th, 2019. The anticipation builds for so long that there is literally a countdown timer to the beginning of festivities on the Homecoming website.

Homecoming Festivities kick off on Friday night with a pep rally for all students on the housing lawn. Owlsley (the beloved mascot) and the FAU marching band help to kick off the festivities. The next event is the annual homecoming Drag show put on by the office of diversity and multicultural affairs. Sunday is the annual 5K Fun run. The run is open to both children and adults in the community and raises money for Autism Awareness. The run has a theme each year. Last year, the theme was color run complete with paint powder, DJ’s, and bounce houses. Fraternities and Sororities take a big part in the homecoming festivities. Each sorority and fraternity pair up to make teams. These teams then compete in an event called ExtravaCANza. Students are challenged to bring in as many cans as they are able and then construct a sculpture with them based on the theme of homecoming week. These cans are then donated to Boca’s Helping Hands. Another highlight of the week is the Family Fest. On the housing lawn, students can find carnival rides, games, food, bounce houses, and more. This event is open to the public. The remainder of the week is filled with movie nights, talent shows, stroll-offs, comedy shows, a day of service, and Owl Fest (the big concert). Owl fest is one of the last events and it is held in the Barry-Kaye auditorium. Tickets are available at the FAU box office.

While just about any Owl Football game is exciting, the Homecoming game is extra sensational. This is the game that many alumni come to so the spirit is extra high. If you plan to go, you may want to get there a few days before to indulge in some of the fun; you are practically guaranteed a good time. Book your hotel near campus early.  Buy tickets early for the Homecoming game (and try to sit on the shady side of the stadium just in case it is a day game.) Remember too that traffic and parking will be a basic nightmare, so the closer to campus you stay the better – or plan to indulge in many Ubers (which will undoubtedly include exorbitant surcharges). Arrive early to partake in the parade and wish our Owls luck as they take the Owl walk into the stadium.

Happy Homecoming and Go Owls!

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I had been accustomed to booking for Parent’s Weekend the second it was announced, based on my older children who went to other colleges. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that availability is not as big an issue at the hotels near FAU.

Parent’s Weekend is scheduled for Fall 2020. The earlier you book your hotel, the better your choices will be. Some hotels close to campus offer discounts if you mention you are coming for FAU parent weekend. Most of the local hotels are pretty flexible on cancellations (48 hours being the norm), but be sure to check all this out when booking. Our blog on hotels may help.

Parent’s weekend is a wonderful weekend to see your students in their new home. They will want to show you all their new favorite places around campus and town and introduce you to their new friends. FAU has many planned events for the weekend that you can sign up for. The highlight of the weekend is the football game. This year the Owls are going against Old Dominion, tickets; we suggest buying them early. If you want to sit with your student, then purchase them a ticket as it is very uncommon for any parent to be in the student section of the football stadium and their student ticket (which is free), will not allow them to sit outside the student section.

If your student is in a sorority or fraternity, there will undoubtedly be activities planned with their respective houses. Both Sororities and Fraternities usually have a tailgate planned before the game. Sororities typically also plan an activity or two to enjoy with your daughter and other families. In the past, my daughter’s sorority held a breakfast, ice cream social, or trips to local activities around town.

Where to eat on Weekends

Don’t shoot the messenger, but restaurants are crazily crowded all weekend long. I have heard that the further from campus one goes, the better luck they have had in this regard. Of course, that also means daring to get into your car and navigate through the traffic and find parking again later. Try to eat at off times. We have even picked up subs and brought them back to our hotel. Check out our blog on restaurants.

Don’t forget to get your Owl gear for the football game. From sweatpants to sweatshirts, from hats to shorts to tees, we have some great recommendations for students and parents. If you are looking for some other fun things to do, check out our recommendations.

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