Congratulations Class of 2022!
St. Edward’s is excited to honor both our Undergraduate and Graduate degree recipients with special in-person festivities occurring on and off campus. The commencement experience is being carefully planned to align with the university’s health and safety protocols.
Event Schedule
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Graduation Rehearsal | Location: Mabee Ballroom
Graduation practice will be held the afternoon of Thursday, May 5th in Mabee Ballrooms (Ragsdale). The Office of Academic Affairs will provide further information via email. Practice is not required but highly recommended. Attending helps to keep the ceremonies running smoothly. Feel free to attend either time if you're unable to make it to your school's assigned time. You can also pick up tickets at the end of each practice.
Rehearsal Times:
2:30 p.m. – School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences graduates
3:15 p.m. – School of Arts and Humanities and The Bill Munday School of Business.
Friday, May 6, 2022
Legacy Walk | Time: 4:30 p.m. | Location: Main Building
Take part in a St. Edward’s University tradition in a special procession through the red doors of Main Building and the heart of campus, marking your time as a Hilltopper.
Red Door Revelry | Time: 4:30 p.m. | Location: On Campus
The Legacy Walk will take 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. Alumni, faculty, staff and classmates are invited to await the graduates' arrival as they exit the red doors of Main Building.
Baccalaureate Mass | Time: 6:30 p.m. | Location: Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC)
This Catholic Mass will honor all graduates. All are welcome – you do not have to be Catholic to attend. Bishop Joe Vasquez of the Diocese of Austin will be the celebrant and Fr. James Misko, Vicar General, will concelebrate (Fr. Misko is an alumnus of St. Edward’s). Baccalaureate Mass is open to all graduates, as well as their families and friends. Graduates: Meet in your gown only (no cap and no hood) at the UFCU Alumni Gym by 6:15 PM.
All graduates (Undergraduate and Graduate degree recipients) are invited to the Hilltopper Graduation reception hosted by the SEU Alumni Association that will occur after Mass.
Hilltopper Graduation Celebration | Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: Andre Lawn
Class of 2022 graduates — this is your chance to mix and mingle with your fellow new alumni on the Hilltop! Hosted by the St. Edward's University Alumni Association, the Hilltopper Graduation Celebration is open to you and your families.
We invite you to enjoy a reception filled with fellowship, memories, and celebration! Come to meet your Alumni Association leadership, learn about opportunities to connect beyond graduation, and enjoy your last moments as students on the Hilltop. See the Hilltopper Graduation Celebration event page or email seualumni@stedwards.edu for more information!
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Commencement | Time: 10 a.m. | Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Ceremony for all graduates (Undergraduate and Graduate degree recipients) from the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences.
Commencement | Time: 3 p.m. | Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Ceremony for all graduates (Undergraduate and Graduate degree recipients) from the School of Arts and Humanities and The Bill Munday School of Business.
For more information regarding Commencement, you can refer to the 2022 St Edwards University Graduation Info Packet or email us at commencement@stedwards.edu.
*Guests attending the Commencement ceremonies will need to present a ticket at the door to gain entrance to the event. Each graduate can request up to 10 guest tickets for their school's ceremony. Additional details regarding ticket pick-up can be found on the 2022 Commencement Ticket Pickup Schedule & Details note. Tickets are complimentary so there is no purchase necessary.
Unable to Join the Celebration in Person?
If you are unable to attend our in-person ceremony and would like to participate, you're welcome to view each ceremony using the virtual options:
- Commencement: School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences
- Commencement: School of Arts and Humanities and The Bill Munday School of Business
FAQs
Commencement Hotel Booking Details
St. Edward's has worked with hotels both near campus and the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park to offer discounted hotel rates for our commencement guests. These rates are guaranteed for either one or both nights during commencement weekend, May 6-8, 2022.
*It’s important to confirm the dates are correct when using the booking links, as they might not default to commencement weekend dates when the link is opened.
Hotels near the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park:
Hyatt Place Austin / Cedar Park
Book by phone or the link provided: 512-337-3001 / St Edwards University Graduation Block
Standard King or Double Queen - $139 per night + tax
Breakfast included for up to 4 guests
*Discounted rooms available for booking through Wednesday, April 6, 2022
LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin / Cedar Park
Book by phone or the link provided: 512-379-7218 / https://tinyurl.com/ndwzbv24
Single King or Double Queen - $119 per night + tax
*Discounted rooms available for booking through Friday, April 15, 2022
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cedar Park
Book by phone or the link provided: 512-986-4825 / St. Edwards University Graduation
Double Queen or Single King/Queen - $165 per night + tax
*Discounted rooms available for booking through Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Hotel's near St. Edwards:
Austin Southpark Hotel
Book by using the link provided: https://tinyurl.com/2p8mpm3d
Discount applied to any size room available.
*Discounted rooms available for booking through Thursday, May 5, 2022
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin South
Book by phone or the link provided: 512-851-1000 (mention St. Ed's Graduation) / St. Edwards Univ Graduation (block code STE)
Double Queen Standard or King Standard - $149 per night + tax
If suites are available - $159 per night + tax
*Discounted rooms available for booking through Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Venue Details, Safety & Protocols
Where can I park?
You may park in any of the HEB Center lots
Are there any security protocols in place that I need to be aware of?
All bags entering H-E-B Center will be searched. Clear bags cannot be any larger than 16" x 8" x 16" (clear bags cannot have any colored tinting or obstructive patterns). Non-clear bags cannot be any larger than 4.5" x 6.5."
*Exceptions may be made for diaper bags (with child present) or bags required for medical purposes.
The H-E-B Center has a select number of prohibited items that CANNOT enter the facility. These items include but are not limited to:
- firearms
- knives
- weapons and objects that may be used as weapons (i.e. bats, rocks, brooms / Exception: hockey sticks are permitted at Texas Stars games only)
- laser pointers
- air horns
- noisemakers
- umbrellas larger than 12 inches
- laptop computers
- wrapped gifts
- Clear Bags larger than 16" x 8" x 16"
- Non-clear bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5" *Exceptions may be made for diaper bags (with child present) or bags required for medical purposes.
- confetti, streamers
- banners or signs larger than 22” x 28” in size, see Banners, Signs & Noisemakers section for full details
- outside food and beverage
- cans, bottles, alcohol, and coolers
- professional cameras (detachable lenses), visit the Camera & Recording Devices section for exceptions
- video recording devices (i.e. GoPro), approved and credentialed media excluded
- tripods and camera stands of any size or dimension (including selfie-sticks), approved and credentialed media excluded
- cowbells larger than 8” in length
- explosives or explosive devices including, but not limited to, fireworks, poppers, cap guns
- alcoholic beverages
- helium balloons, and inflatable balls
- illicit/illegal drugs
Is video or drone equipment allowed to be used during the ceremonies?
Video cameras, tripods/camera stands, and drones are not permitted inside the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, this includes but is not limited to GoPros & selfie-sticks.
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park management reserves the right to ask the patron to take the camera back to their car should the camera, or the process of using the camera, obscure, block or interfere with another patron during an event.
Is there a Mother's Room available?
A room exclusively designated for nursing moms is located on the main concourse outside sections 103 & 104.
Are strollers allowed inside the seating area?
Strollers are not permitted inside the seating area at any time. If necessary, strollers may be checked in at the Guest Services Desk behind Section 121 upon entering the facility. H-E-B Center is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged strollers.
How do I order graduation announcements?
Graduation announcements can be purchased through Balfour.
What date should be listed on my graduation announcements?
Although the decision is ultimately up to the graduate, the university recommends that graduates list the official commencement date on announcements. This date is Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Where is commencement located?
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park
TX 78613
What time will doors open?
Doors will open at 9:00am for the morning ceremony and 2:00pm for the afternoon ceremony.
How long is commencement?
Each ceremony will last approximately 1.5-2 hours.
What should I bring to Commencement? What should I leave at home?
Graduates please come in your regalia, leave as much as possible with family and friends. Air horns, whistles, rattlers, cowbells or any other item that would distract from the ceremony are prohibited. Please refrain from the use of confetti both in buildings and on the campus grounds. Outside food Come in your regalia, leave as much as possible with family and friends.
What is the university doing to accommodate ADA requests for graduates and/or guests? All HEB Center facilities are ADA accessible. Graduates that may need assistance crossing the stage should contact commencement@stedwards.edu prior to the ceremony for accommodations.
H-E-B Center offers wheelchair service for guests who may need assistance to and from entrances and/or seats. Please contact a Guest Services representative for assistance. Wheelchair assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the limited number of wheelchairs available, they may not be borrowed or rented as seating during an event. If wheelchair assistance is necessary during an event, please notify the nearest staff member.
Assisted Listening Devices (ALD) may be checked out, free of charge, on a first come, first served basis, at the Guest Services Desk located behind Section 121. A valid I.D. is required to ensure the return of equipment.
When my name is called and I walk across the stage, what can I expect?
Graduates will receive a diploma cover and briefly pause to have their picture taken by a professional photographer.
Commencement Details
Do babies need a ticket?
Kids 2 years and under DO NOT need a ticket for entry.
How long will each commencement be?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours per commencement.
Are face coverings required?
Face coverings are optional.
Is there security at the venue?
Everyone will enter through security. Bring minimal items backstage - there will not be security backstage so it's best to leave personal items with guests. All items must be in a CLEAR BAG; see the Info Packet attached for more details regarding the clear bag policy and other important details..
Where do I pick up tickets at HEB Center?
If you need to pick up your tickets the day of the ceremony, visit will call and arrive early enough (8:30am / 1:30pm) to ensure that you can pickup your tickets and give them to your guests BEFORE you check in. All guests MUST have a ticket to enter the building.
When should I arrive at HEB Center?
Please arrive between 9:00-9:15am / 2:00-2:15pm for check-in. You need to be wearing your cap/gown/tassel and carrying your hood. You will enter the building on the WEST side (opposite of highway 183), where the warehouse doors will be located.
Should I bring a jacket or coat for the ceremony?
Come prepared for it to be chilly inside the venue, as there is ice underneath the main floor - it's hockey season! But remember that it can also be warm under your gowns.
Where can I purchase my cap and gown?
Cap & Gowns can be purchased at GradFest (March 23rd), at the Campus Bookstore in-person or online. If ordering online, please see the order cut-off dates below to guarantee your order arrives on time for your commencement ceremony.
Can I bring guests to the events on Friday (Legacy Walk, Red Doors Revelry)?
Guests can wait out in front of the Red Doors to watch their graduates exit the doors.
Why am I not able to graduate with my friends who belong to a different school than I do?
We’ve chosen to split commencement into two ceremonies this year so that each student has the opportunity to invite up to 10 guests. This will also shorten the time for each ceremony so that students have more time to spend celebrating with friends and family.
Why is commencement at the HEB Center this year?
This year commencement is held off-campus so that we can offer a larger space where all students have the opportunity to invite up to 10 guests.
How many guest tickets am I allowed for my commencement ceremony? Why am I limited to X number of tickets? May I bring more people? If I'm bringing fewer than X people, may I transfer my tickets to another graduate?
Each student is allotted 10 tickets for their guests to attend their ceremony. You're welcome to ask other students if they have spare tickets for your ceremony time. There is no need for you to submit a guest list to our office. Information regarding ticket pick-up will be communicated via email and on the website soon.
Am I able to attend my friend's ceremony (we belong to different schools, so we have different ceremonies)?
You’re able to attend your friend’s ceremony if you have a ticket for attendance.
Do I need guest tickets for Bacc Mass? If so, how many tickets will I be given?
No ticket is necessary.
Will there be a commencement walk-through? Am I required to attend?
Graduation practice will be held the afternoon of Thursday, May 5th in Mabee Ballrooms (Ragsdale).
2:30 p.m. - School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences graduates
3:15 p.m. - School of Arts and Humanities and The Bill Munday School of Business.
The Office of Academic Affairs will provide further information via email. Practice is not required, but highly recommended. Attending helps to keep the ceremonies running smoothly.
At the HEB Center, where should I park? Is parking free?
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is equipped with 2,600 general parking spaces. Handicap parking spaces are available closest to the building. These spaces are limited and fill up fast, please plan to arrive early.
The university will cover parking fees for all guests attending both ceremonies.
Will a photographer be available? Am I able to purchase photos of myself walking across the stage?
Every student will be photographed twice during their commencement ceremony. Flash Photography will email students 1-2 weeks before the event to provide pricing details.
Free proofs will be mailed and emailed within a week of the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography
Can guests purchase celebratory gifts (flowers, etc.) for graduates on-campus?
Be sure to visit The Commencement Group to pre-order flowers and a commemorative class t-shirt for pick-up on the day of graduation. Bouquets and shirts will also be available for purchase onsite!
For on-campus events, where do I park? Is parking free?
Parking for the on-campus Graduation festivities from May 2- 8 is free. Please register your car with the SEU parking system using this link. Attendees can park in the Standard (green) and Economy (yellow) lots. A campus parking map can be found here.
How is the university keeping me and my guests healthy and safe? Are Topper Safe screenings required for this event?
Both Williamson County (where the H-E-B Center is located) and Travis County are currently at a Low COVID Community Level, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Face coverings are optional for attendees. TopperSafe screening is not required at the H-E-B Center; we do ask that anyone who is feeling sick please NOT attend the ceremony, but take advantage of the simulcast
Celebrate Fully
Connect with your classmates using #SEUGRAD and wish them a happy graduation. Use the hashtag and tag @stedwardsu to be re-shared on university social!