December Commencement

Guest Information

Ceremony Instructions

Rotunda Recessional for Undergraduate Candidates

Friday, December 20, 2019
5:00 p.m. Fondren Library Commons (Starbucks area)

Student line-up begins at 4:45 p.m. at the Fondren Library Commons. Family and friends are invited to watch the candidates walk through the historic Main Quadrangle through Dallas Hall. You do not need to RSVP for this event.

December Commencement

Saturday, December 21, 2019
9:30 a.m. Moody Colliseum
3009 Binkley Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205

Doors open at 8:00 a.m., guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:15 a.m. Security screening is in place. Candidates are not limited on the number of guests at December Commencement, and as such, tickets are not required. Seating in Moody Coliseum is not guaranteed and is on a first come basis. Saving seats is not permitted. If the venue reaches capacity, guests will be directed to a simulcast location. The ceremony is a lengthy and formal event not suitable for infants or young children. The ceremony will also be live streamed at smu.edu/live .

Parking and Access

Candidates and guests attending Commencement activities at SMU on Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21, may park in any of the University's parking facilities:

Binkley Parking Center Located at the corner of Binkley Avenue and Ownby Drive
Mustang Parking Center Located off Bush Avenue by the Residential Commons
Moody Parking Center Located at Airline Road and SMU Boulevard
Airline Parking Center Located at Airline Road and Daniel Avenue
Meadows Parking Center Located between Bishop Blvd and Ownby Drive
U Lot Located at Airline Road and University Blvd

Maps showing the location of parking lots and campus buildings, and directions to campus are available here:

PDF Parking Map SMU Parking Services

Guests with Impairments

Guests with impairments may park on the second level of Binkley Garage (space is limited) located at the corner of Binkley Avenue and Ownby Drive. To park on this level, a current state-issued disabled parking placard and/or license plate are needed. Otherwise, guests may be dropped off on this level and cars are directed to park on the upper levels of Binkley.

Please note that mobility-impaired seating is limited. Guests seated in the mobility-impaired seating area are allowed one attendant to accompany them.

Please contact 214-768-3417 or ceremonies@smu.edu with questions regarding guests with mobility or sensory impairments.

Decorum and Attire

December Commencement is a true milestone in the lives of our candidates, their guests, and the SMU community at large. Excitement, joy, and enthusiasm are expected and welcomed!

We ask, however, that all graduates and guests respect the importance and dignity of this occasion. Please remain seated throughout the ceremony and do not bring items that might disrupt the ceremony. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced. We ask that you express your excitement in ways that will not prevent others from hearing the speakers and enjoying the ceremony.

Guests are encouraged to dress in layers to manage their comfort level throughout the ceremony as the temperature inside Moody Coliseum is generally cool. Men traditionally wear pants and sport coats or suits. Women typically wear dress slacks and blouses or dresses.

Places to Stay

There are many options for a place to stay overnight in the Dallas area. Commencement weekend is a very busy time, so make sure to secure your reservations early! Please visit campus travel for more information.

Photography

Personal photographs may be taken before and after the Commencement Convocation ceremony. No one is permitted in the aisles during the ceremony. Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take candidates' photographs as they walk across the stage. If you have questions concerning photographs, please contact Flash Photography at 214-443-9393.

SMU has a variety of iconic photo opportunities on campus. Be sure to check them out!