The tradition of the Rotunda Passage is made up of two events – Rotunda Processional and Rotunda Recessional – that symbolize students’ formal introduction and completion of their SMU journey.
Rotunda Processional
This first part of this symbolic tradition takes begins before Convocation prior to their first day of class.
Each year, we ask alumni family members and SMU faculty and staff who are parents of incoming students to serve as alumni marshals or faculty and staff parent marshals during Rotunda Processional.
Sign up today to be part of this special celebration. Please register by August 14, 2023, and contact Cherlyn Haynes at cnhaynes@smu.edu with any questions.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, August 20:
| 12:15 p.m. |
Check-in and robing, Dallas Hall Rotunda |
| 12:40 p.m. |
Legacy Welcome, Dallas Hall Rotunda |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Alumni marshals are escorted to their positions |
| 1 p.m. |
Rotunda Processional begins |
| 1:20 p.m. |
Alumni marshals escorted to McFarlin Auditorium |
| 1:45 p.m. |
Convocation begins, McFarlin Auditorium (approximately one hour long) |
| 2:45 p.m. |
Alumni marshals exit McFarlin Auditorium and return robes |
Rotunda Recessional
The second part of this tradition takes place after Baccalaureate during Commencement Weekend.
Similarly, we ask alumni family members and SMU faculty and staff who are parents of graduating seniors to serve as alumni marshals or faculty and staff parent marshals during the Rotunda Recessional.
Details about SMU academic ceremonies.