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 one hour. Seating in McFarlin Auditorium is very limited. Candidates are entitled to two guest tickets. Doors to McFarlin Auditorium open at 6:45 p.m. Early arrival is advised as all seats are released at 7:30 p.m. 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 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 process formally into Moody Coliseum. Doctoral candidates and honorary degree recipients are hooded, the President confers degrees, 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 individually recognized in school or departmental ceremonies. Please check with your Dean's Office to see if guest tickets are required.
 

The SMU Class of 1959 celebrates their 50-year reunion the weekend of May 15-16, 2009.  Led by reunion co-chairs Marty Leonard, Elizabeth Dickey Mills, and Phillip E. Williams, Jr., our newest Golden Mustangs receive special recognition as they process to the Commencement ceremony.  The celebration culminates at the SMU 50-Year Reunion Class Party on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Stoneleigh Hotel.  For more information or to register for your 50th reunion, please contact SMU Reunion Programs at 1-800-766-4371, by e-mail at reunionyear@smu.edu or by visiting www.smu.edu/59.