Baccalaureate is a religious service with a special sermon for the graduation candidates and their guests. Wearing caps and gowns, the candidates proceed formally into McFarlin Auditorium and are seated together. Weather permitting, the procession begins in the main quadrangle; in case of rain, candidates will be seated on the main floor of the auditorium. The service lasts approximately an hour. Seating in McFarlin Auditorium is very limited. Candidates are entitled to three guest tickets. Early arrival is advised. A live simulcast of the Baccalaureate Service will be offered in the Theater of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
 

The Rotunda Recessional will follow Baccalaureate. Graduates, led by faculty and alumni marshals, will march to, and through, the Rotunda of Dallas Hall. This ceremony welcomes graduates into their new phase of membership of the SMU community - their life as alumni.
 

Commencement Convocation is a formal ceremony in which all schools participate. Graduation candidates, faculty, and other University guests wear academic regalia and proceed formally into Moody Coliseum. Doctoral candidates and honorary degree recipients are hooded, the President confers degrees, the Senior Class President presents the class gift, and a formal address is delivered. The ceremony lasts approximately an hour and a half.  Graduation candidates must have a procession pass to participate in the Saturday morning Commencement ceremony.  Guests do not need tickets.
 

Wearing caps and gowns, graduates are personally presented with their diplomas in school or departmental ceremonies. Please check with your Dean's Office to see if guest tickets are required.