Graduating Students

Groups form at 7:20 p.m. on the walks in the quadrangle in front of McFarlin Auditorium at locations marked by signs indicating the three columns. It doesn't matter in which column you choose to march. (You may be asked to change columns because each column must be of a certain size). The candidates, lined up two abreast, begin moving at 7:58 p.m. All candidates wear caps and gowns.

In the line of march, keep a distance of four feet between pairs. On reaching your seat, remain standing until the President of the University is seated.

In case of rain, there is no procession. Each candidate goes directly to the foyer of the auditorium no later than 7:30 p.m. where faculty marshals give directions to the seating section reserved for candidates.


Guests

Doors to McFarlin Auditorium will open at 7:00 p.m. Candidates for undergraduate degrees are entitled to three guest tickets. Early arrival is advised. These seats will only be held until 7:30 p.m. All guests need to be in their seats by 7:30 p.m. Guests unable to be seated in McFarlin Auditorium will be directed to the Theatre, Hughes-Trigg Student Center where the Baccalaureate Service will be simulcast.

Guests with disabilities can park in the parking lot located on the northwest side of McFarlin Auditorium facing Hillcrest Avenue. A special SMU disabled parking pass is needed for parking in this lot and will be available in the Office of the University Registrar, Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building. Entrance to this lot is from McFarlin Boulevard. You may enter McFarlin Auditorium using the ramp on the southeast (McFarlin Blvd.) side of the building. Ushers will be available to escort you to the appropriate area.

The Rotunda Recessional, McFarlin Auditorium and Dallas Hall
     Friday, May 16, following Baccalaureate Service

Graduating Students and Guests

The Rotunda Recessional will commence at the conclusion of Baccalaureate. This ceremony recognizes the changed relationship of graduates to the community -- the passage from students to alumni. The Rotunda Recessional will begin in McFarlin Auditorium.

After the singing of Varsity, guests will be seated. The Platform Party will lead graduating students from McFarlin, across the quadrangle, and through the Rotunda of Dallas Hall. Alumni Marshals will assist in this passage. Guests will then be dismissed and invited to follow the candidates down the walk to Dallas Hall and the reception.

In case of rain, there will be no formal recessional, but Dallas Hall will be open for an informal recessional walk.

 

Graduating Students

You must present a procession pass for access to the Dedman Center and Moody floor. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Groups begin forming at 8:40 a.m. at designated places in the Dedman Center.  Doors will close at 9:20 a.m. 

Assemble with your degree group. Signs will be posted and faculty marshals will be on duty.      

Ph.D. and D.E. candidates assemble in Studio II of The Dedman Center.

The graduating student procession will begin moving at 9:25 a.m. Faculty marshals will direct you to your seat; please follow the marshal's directions. Remain standing until invited to sit.

All participating candidates must wear academic regalia. 

No honor ribbons or other decorations or adornments are worn to the morning ceremony. Honor ribbons and other decorations may be worn for the afternoon diploma presentation ceremonies.


Baccalaureate candidates - You will not wear a hood. When directed to do so by President Turner after conferring of degrees, change your mortarboard tassel from right to left.

Post baccalaureate candidates - You may wear the hood for the highest degree previously earned.

Ph.D. and D.E. candidates - Do not wear a hood. You will be hooded at the ceremony.


Regalia rented from the SMU Bookstore must be returned there immediately following your afternoon Diploma Presentation ceremony.  The bookstore is open until 9:00 p.m.


Guests

Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:15 a.m. Guests do not need tickets for the ceremony. When taking your seat, please do not leave empty seats between your group and others or within your group. 

It is recommended that infants and young children not be brought to the Commencement, as it is a lengthy, formal ceremony.

Guests with disabilities may park on Binkley between Airline Road and Dublin. Parking passes for disabled people will be available in the Office of the University Registrar, Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building. Show the disabled parking pass to the officer on duty. Persons with disabilities or unable to climb stairs should use the northeast entrance to Moody Coliseum at the ramp. Ushers will be available to escort you to the proper area. 

 

Following the Commencement Convocation in Moody Coliseum, the Diploma Presentation Ceremonies will be held. Check with your degree school Dean's office for instructions regarding your presentation ceremony.

Check the Events Schedule for the time and location of your presentation ceremony.