This year’s Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m. on the Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall, allowing graduating seniors to celebrate their achievements in the heart of our picturesque campus. From directions and parking to lodging and dining, we are here to ensure your weekend flows as smoothly as possible.

Click Here for Full Commencement Details

We are pleased to offer special needs parking on a first-come, first-served basis in the Finch Plaza Parking Lot, located north of the Lois Perkins Chapel, and in the Fine Arts Parking Lot, located east of the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center along Highway 29. There will also be a designated special needs drop-off area in the McCombs Campus Center Parking Lot, located on the northwest side of the McCombs Campus Center. Golf carts will be available around campus from 7:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 to assist those who park further away.

Mark your calendars for Commencement events

Southwestern’s Student Success & Belonging Graduate Recognition Ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Alma Thomas Theater. The Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony is at 4:00 p.m. inside the McCombs Ballrooms. Finally, the Baccalaureate Worship Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Lois Perkins Chapel. 

Click Here for a Full Schedule of Events

Dress for success at Commencement

Graduates will process from the Corbin J. Robertson Center to the Commencement ceremony on the Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall. Keep in mind that the processional will be long, and most of it will take place outdoors on natural grass. Graduates, families, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, especially footwear. Stiletto high-heeled shoes are not encouraged. After the ceremony, graduates will process back to the Robertson Center. It is highly recommended to plan in advance a designated spot on campus to meet family and guests after the ceremony. 

Southwestern Bookstore open after Commencement

The Southwestern University bookstore will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., following the Commencement ceremony, so that graduates and their guests can stock up on the latest Southwestern Pirate gear. The Bookstore is located on the first floor of the McCombs Campus Center. 

Spanish translation services now available at Commencement

Southwestern University will be providing Spanish translation services during the Commencement ceremony. Devices may be picked up at a station located on the west side of the Academic Mall. For the best reception, those using this service are encouraged to sit in the identified section near the video village. 

Servicios de traducción al español ahora disponibles en la ceremonia de graduación
Los dispositivos de traducción al español se pueden recoger en una estación ubicada al oeste del Centro Comercial Académico. Para una mejor recepción, se recomienda a quienes utilicen este servicio sentarse en la sección designada cerca de la zona de video.

Share the Commencement live-stream link with friends and family

Southwestern University’s Commencement ceremony will be live-streamed online so that friends and family who cannot attend the event in person can still celebrate their graduates. Visit the link below to watch the live stream, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10.

Click Here to Watch the Live-Stream

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and information leading up to graduation by visiting southwestern.edu/seniors.