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Commencement FAQs
Undergraduate Commencement
Graduate and Professional Studies Commencement
Information for Family and Friends
Commencement Partners
General FAQs for Commencement 2018
The traditional undergraduate ceremony is on Saturday, May 26th, 2018.
The Graduate and Professional Studies ceremony is on Sunday, May 27th 2018.
What time does Commencement start?
The undergraduate processional will begin at 9:00 AM. The Ceremony is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
The graduate and professional studies processional will begin at 9:30 AM. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and will last approximately 2 hours.
What time should I arrive at Saint Mary’s?
We recommend that you arrive 2 hours prior to the ceremony on Saturday and 1.5 hours on Sunday.
Why should I arrive so early?
Traffic will be extremely heavy both of those mornings, which may impact your arrival time. Parking will also become limited. The later you arrive, the more congested parking and traffic will be as you near SMC.
When and where can I take my senior portraits?
Grad Images will be our photographer for senior portraits.
They will be on-campus the following dates:
Friday, January 26th from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Saturday, January 27th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Thursday, February 22nd from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Friday, February 23rd from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Wednesday, March 14th from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Thursday, March 15th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Friday, March 16th from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Thursday, April 12th from 10:00AM - 5:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
Friday, April 13th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lafayette Room in Soda Center
How can I schedule my appointment?
More information regarding senior portraits will be available in November 2017.
I haven't received my photo proofs, can I access them online?
More information regarding proofs will be available in January 2018.
Do senior portraits cost money?
No. As long as you sign-up via the link provided, you will be able to sign-up for your sitting. Once your proofs have been delivered and you place an order, you will be prompted to pay.
Can I bring my dog to the stadium?
We only welcome service dogs to the stadium during both undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.
Where do I park for Commencement?
Can I park an RV on campus? Parking is very limited on Commencement Weekend. For this reason, we do not allow RV parking on campus.
Where I can stay that is near Saint Mary’s?
Where do I sit for Commencement?
Seating for guests is available on a first come, first served basis. Seatingon Saturday opens at 6:00 AM. Seating on Sunday opens at 7:00 AM. on Sunday. Commencement takes place in the stadium with open seating for family, friends and guests. No special tickets are required.
What if I need ADA seating accommodations?
Do I need tickets for Commencement?
Tickets for Commencement are not necessary since seating for guests is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Do I need to RSVP for Commencement?
RSVPs are not needed because seating for family and friends is available on a first come, first serve basis.
My family has a drone. Can I bring it the Commencement ceremonies to take pictures?
Drones will not be allowed in the Stadium or Turf Field during Commencement Weekend (Friday, May 26, 2017 - Sunday, May 28, 2017).
When are the 2018 Grad Fairs?
The undergraduate Grad Fair is on Wednesday, March 14th, 2018.
The graduate and professional studies Grad Fair is on Thursday, March 15th, 2018.
I’d like to attend a cultural graduation. How can I find out more information?
I’ve heard about “the plots”. What are they?
Undergraduate Commencement will be on Saturday, May 26th at 8:30am in the Stadium.
Here, you will find all the information needed as you prepare for the Undergraduate Commencement in May 2018.
As we near Commencement 2018, you will find more information regarding the:
- 2018 Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
- Academic Honors and Awards
- Weekend Volunteers
Graduate and Professional Studies Commencement will be on Sunday, May 27th at 9:00am in the Stadium.
Here, you will find all the information needed as you prepare for the GPS Commencement in May 2018.
As we near Commencement 2018, you will find more information regarding the:
- 2018 Graduate and Professional Studies Commencement Speaker
- Dean's Awards
- Graduate Commencement Staff Form
Please visit any of the pages for more information regarding directions to SMC, parking and seating, special accomodations, and lodging.
For questions regarding Grad Grounds - Post-Commencement Receptions (plots), please visit the Office of Meetings, Events, and Conference Services.
For any additional questions, please email us at commencement@stmarys-ca.edu.
Please visit our Commencement partners for more information.
