SMU Live

All-University Commencement

On Saturday evening, May 16, 2026, the All-University Commencement will assemble degree candidates from all of SMU's schools and professional programs. Commencement speakers will offer their congratulations to our newest class of graduates and President Hartzell will confer degrees.

Baccalaureate Service

The Baccalaureate Service is a ceremony held the Friday evening before May Commencement. This small and intimate service features a special sermon for undergraduate candidates and their guests.

One of the University’s most symbolic traditions is Rotunda Passage, which includes both a processional and a recessional. The processional welcomes new undergraduate students to the University and is held the day before classes start. Students process through the back of Dallas Hall, through the rotunda and onto the Quad as new members of the SMU student body. This tradition is concluded with the Rotunda Recessional following the Baccalaureate Service during Commencement Weekend. Undergraduate candidates, led by faculty and alumni marshals, march through the front doors of Dallas Hall, through the rotunda and around to the Quad.

This is a symbolic departure from campus and serves as a welcome to the newest members of the SMU alumni family.