Wearing full regalia, which includes a mortar board, robe and stole of gratitude, the candidates process formally into McFarlin Auditorium and are seated together.  Weather permitting, the procession begins on the main quadrangle where students are lined up in the order of their arrival, students are not seated by school group.  In the event of rain, candidates will be seated together directly upon arrival on the main floor of the auditorium.

This religious service is a small and intimate ceremony in which students participate in a beginning processional and the Rotunda  Recessional. Commencement Convocation takes place the following Saturday morning.  Baccalaureate is ticketed to ensure that each candidate is able to have at least two guests present.  Additionally, seating in McFarlin Auditorium is very limited; therefore, candidates are entitled to two guest tickets only.  Additional tickets for the Baccalaureate Service in McFarlin Auditorium are not available. For more information regarding the ticketing process please go to Candidate Information.

Guests, for more information please go to Guest Information.

Students, for more information and ceremony instructions, please go to Candidate Information.
 

The Rotunda Recessional will follow the Baccalaureate Service. Undergraduate candidates, led by faculty and alumni marshals, will march through the front doors of Dallas Hall, through the Rotunda and around to the quad. This tradition welcomes graduates into their new phase of membership of the SMU community - their life as alumni.

One of the University's most symbolic traditions is Rotunda Passage, which includes both a processional and a recessional. The processional occurs before Opening Convocation, held the day before their first day of classes as a first-year. Students process through the back of Dallas Hall, through the Rotunda and onto the quad as a new member of the SMU student body. This tradition is concluded with the Rotunda Recessional following the Baccalaureate Service during Commencement Weekend. Rotunda Recessional is a symbolic departure from campus and a welcome as the newest members of the SMU Alumni family.

Alumni who are parents of graduating seniors are welcome to participate as marshals for Baccalaureate, please contact Mindy Rowland at 214-768-4741.
 

On Saturday morning, the all-University Commencement Convocation assembles degree candidates from all of SMU's schools and professional programs. Moody Coliseum becomes transformed by the pageantry. Students and faculty in academic regalia march following the colorful banners of their respective schools, accompanied by music and applause from proud families. Our Commencement speakers provide words of timeless wisdom. The personal attention so important to SMU takes center stage at the Diploma Presentation Ceremonies later in the day, when the schools and departments individually recognize each graduate.
 

Commencement Convocation is a formal ceremony in which graduation candidates, faculty and other University guests wear academic regalia and formally process 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 one hour and a half. Guests do not need tickets.

Guests, for more information please go to Guest Information.

Students, for more information and ceremony instructions, please go to Candidate Information.
 

Wearing full academic regalia, graduates are individually recognized in school or departmental ceremonies.

Please see Guest Information for more details.
 

The SMU Class of 1962 celebrates their 50-year reunion the weekend of May 11-12, 2012.  Led by reunion co-chairs, our newest Golden Mustangs receive special recognition as they process to the Commencement ceremony.  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/62.