As part of the university’s steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, the May 9 traditional commencement ceremonies and all related commencement events are now canceled. Alternative events and plans are being developed.
It saddens us to make this tough decision, and we share the shock and disappointment of our graduating students, who will not spend their final months of college together and will miss out on this unique and important rite of passage at St. Edward’s. Yet, our community is meeting these times with astounding ingenuity, adaptability and resilience. Who would expect anything less from Hilltoppers?
We are developing plans for a virtual commencement ceremony. Answers to commencement-related questions are posted on our coronavirus Alerts page and FAQs as they become available. We will also update this page.
GradFest
The March 2020 event is canceled.
GradFest is one-stop shopping for all of your graduation needs. At GradFest you can:
- Order your cap and gown (You may also purchase your cap and gown online.)
- Order your announcements and class ring (You may also order your announcements and class ring online. Allow five business days for delivery. To learn more, contact CB Graduation Announcements at 1-800-433-0296.)
- Pose for your commencement portraits by Flash Photography (caps and gowns will be provided for the portraits)
- Confirm your graduation certification and how your name will appear on your diploma
- Clear all financial holds
- Discover career services that can help with your job search
- Learn about graduate programs at St. Edward’s
Commencement Rehearsal
The May 2020 event is canceled.
Undergraduate Commencement Rehearsal:
The May 2020 commencement rehearsal has been canceled.
Graduate and OCAS/New College Commencement Rehearsal:
The May 2020 commencement rehearsal has been canceled.
Hilltop Send-Off
Please check back for updates regarding the status and format of the May 2020 event.
In the days leading to Commencement, St. Edward’s University invites all December, May and August graduation candidates to participate in the Hilltop Send-Off. This series of special events held on campus recognizes the achievements of our graduating seniors and welcomes them as new alumni.
Legacy Walk and Red Doors Revelry
Please check back for updates regarding the status and format of the May 2020 event.
Graduates: Meet in your cap and gown between 6:00-6:30 p.m. in the Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC). We will check IDs and issue wristbands for champagne.
The Legacy Walk takes graduates through the heart of campus and through the historic red doors of Main Building, symbolizing the completion of their academic careers and entry in the St. Edward’s alumni community. This portion of the event will only take place if weather permits. The Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to await the graduates’ arrival as they exit the red doors of Main Building.
The Red Doors Revelry immediately follows. Graduates will enjoy a champagne toast by the university president and Board chair along with faculty and staff. Trustees will hand each graduate a personalized special gift. Families of graduating seniors are invited to attend this event.
For more information about the Legacy Walk and Red Doors Revelry, contact Keaton West at kwest3 [at] stedwards.edu.
Baccalaureate Mass
The May 2020 event has been canceled.
Graduates: Meet in your gown only at the UFCU Alumni Gym by 6:15 p.m.
Baccalaureate Mass is a Catholic Mass honoring graduating seniors. All are welcome — you do not have to be Catholic to attend. Fr. Peter Walsh, CSC, Director of Campus Ministry will be the celebrant. Baccalaureate Mass is open to all graduates, as well as their families and friends.
For more information about the Baccalaureate Mass, contact Josh Stagni at jstagni [at] stedwards.edu.
Commencement Ceremonies
The May 2020 undergraduate ceremonies have been canceled. Alternate plans are being discussed, and will be shared here once confirmed.
For more information about the commencement ceremonies contact the Office of Academic Affairs at aaffairs [at] stedwards.edu.
The May 2020 undergraduate ceremony has been canceled. Alternate plans are being discussed, and will be shared here once confirmed.
Clear bag policy will be enforced by Frank Erwin Center.
The Undergraduate commencement ceremony typically lasts about two and one-half hours, depending on the number of graduates walking in the ceremony and the length of the speeches. Guest tickets are not required for this ceremony. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests should plan to arrive early.
The May 2020 Graduate/OACS commencement ceremony has been canceled. Alternate plans are being discussed, and will be shared here once confirmed.
*Note: Guests attending the 4 p.m. Graduate and OACS ceremony require a ticket. Each Graduate and OACS student walking in the ceremony will be issued guest tickets by the Office of Academic Affairs. Graduates will be notifed via their SEU email account in Spring 2020 with the number of guest tickets and the ticket pickup schedule. Doors will open for guests with tickets at 3:00 p.m.
Overflow seating for the Graduate and OACS commencement ceremony will be available in the Jones Global Events Center, where the ceremony will be live streamed on the large screen. Tickets are not required for seating in the Jones Global Events Center.
The Graduate and OACS/New College commencement ceremony typically lasts about one and one-half hours, depending on the number of graduates walking in the ceremony and the length of the speeches.
Photography
Flash Photography will photograph each graduate on the stage. Free proofs will be mailed to each graduate within a week of the ceremony. For discounted pricing and expedited service, order online using department code “SE7J.” If you have any questions, visit Flash Photography or call 214-443-9393.