Frequently asked questions
It is our utmost hope that your attendance at 精东传媒鈥檚 most important ceremony is a smooth and seamless experience.
If you need further assistance, please email ceremonies@smu.edu or call 214-768-6477.
December FAQ
The frequently asked questions are for members of the University community and their guests regarding the December Commencement program and associated events and activities.
Q. How many guest tickets will be allotted to degree candidates for December Commencement?
A. Undergraduates and graduate degree candidates may request up to four tickets for guests. Request tickets.
Q. What is Rotunda Recessional?
A. Rotunda Recessional is a symbolic departure from campus and serves as a welcome to the newest members of the 精东传媒 alumni family.
Q. As a degree candidate, am I required to get a ticket to participate in the events?
A. Yes. Degree candidates must register to attend December Commencement. Instructions for how to register for these ceremonies will be emailed in October.
Q. I am a degree candidate. Where can I find information about applying for graduation and any other specific instructions?
A. Please review the graduates page for information about how to apply for graduation and the December ceremonies page for instructions for what is required for December Commencement.
Q. Where do I order academic regalia?
A. Academic regalia rentals are made through . Your order will be sent to your home address. You must enter your current shipping address on the online order form. For more information and the order deadline, visit the regalia page.
Q. I am a member of the 精东传媒 faculty. Where can I find information specific to faculty participating in the events?
A. All information is available on the December ceremonies page.
May FAQ
The following frequently asked questions are for members of the University community and their guests regarding the May Commencement program and associated events and activities.
Q. What are the Baccalaureate Service and Rotunda Recessional?
A. Baccalaureate Service: A non-denominational ceremony held the Friday evening before May Commencement in McFarlin Auditorium. It features a special sermon for undergraduate candidates and their guests and lasts about one hour.
Rotunda Recessional: A symbolic walk through Dallas Hall as a farewell to campus and a welcome into the 精东传媒 alumni family.
Q. As a degree candidate, do I need a ticket to participate in the ceremonies?
A. Yes. All degree candidates must register to attend the All-University Commencement and/or Baccalaureate and Rotunda Recessional ceremonies. Each candidate will receive one ticket to each event. Registration instructions will be emailed in April.
Q. How can I claim guest tickets for Baccalaureate, and how many guest tickets will be available?
A. Candidates may request up to two guest tickets due to limited seating in McFarlin Auditorium. Claim your tickets.
Q. How many guest tickets can I claim for the All-University Commencement?
A. For the first time, there is no ticket limit. Graduates may claim as many tickets as needed for family and friends. Claim Commencement tickets.
Q. How does the All-University Commencement differ from the individual school or departmental degree recognition ceremonies?
A. School or departmental ceremonies: Celebrate graduates as a cohort, with students individually recognized as they cross the stage. Some ceremonies have limited seating. Details are available on the May ceremonies page.
All-University Commencement: A collective celebration when degrees are conferred by the President and Executive Vice President and Provost.
Q. Where and when will All-University Commencement be held?
A. In Ford Stadium, providing more space for graduates and their guests.
Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m. Graduates attend individual school ceremonies during the day, then gather at Ford Stadium for one celebration under the lights.
Q. Why is the ceremony moving to Ford Stadium?
A. It's the start of a new tradition to create a lively, high-energy atmosphere with plenty of space for all attendees and their guests.
Q. Can graduates wear adornments on their regalia?
A. Yes, additional adornments are welcome on cap and gown to showcase achievements, organizations and personal pride.
Q. Where can I order academic regalia?
A. Regalia rentals are made through Herff Jones and shipped directly to your home. Please enter your current shipping address when ordering.
Q. Where can degree candidates find information about applying for graduation and other specific instructions?
A. Please review the graduates page for information about how to apply for graduation and the May ceremonies page for instructions on what is required for the All-University Commencement and individual college and school ceremonies.
Q. Where can guests find general information about Commencement Weekend?
A. Event details, parking and accessibility information, suggestions for dress, lodging, photography tips and more are available on the guest page.
Additional information about security, prohibited and approved items, and parking is also available on the parking and security page.
Q. Where can faculty find participation details?
A. Information for faculty attending and participating in Commencement events is available on the May ceremonies page.
Q. When will more details be available?
A. Schedules, ticketing, parking and logistics will be shared in the coming months. Questions? Email ceremonies@smu.edu or call 214-768-6477.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your families.