10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mandatory Commencement Walkthrough
Corbin J. Robertson Center, Walzel Courts
Congratulations, seniors! These pages provide important information that you’ll need to navigate your senior year on the way to Commencement. We encourage you to visit this resource often to stay up to date with the latest news, events, and information leading up to graduation.
Commencement
We are excited to share that for the third year in a row, Commencement will be an outdoor ceremony on campus. This year’s Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 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.
Save the Date
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Class of 2026 Commencement Convocation
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
No tickets required to attend.
Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall
Southwestern University
1001 E. University Ave.
Georgetown, TX 78626
Regalia, Announcements, Photography, and Class Rings
Regalia
All graduates must wear the University-approved regalia (cap, tassel, and gown) to participate in Commencement Convocation. Students are required to rent academic regalia through the SU Bookstore. No borrowed regalia or substitutions are allowed.
Regalia orders will open in February 2026.
Graduation Cords
Each individual academic department is responsible for issuing cords. Please reach out to your academic department to inquire about cords.
Announcements
Custom graduation announcements are available through Jostens.
Photography
Flash Photography photographs each graduate at Commencement Convocation and provides free proofs via mail within two weeks of the ceremony. Southwestern will provide the photographer with your home and/or e-mail address unless otherwise notified.
Class Rings
Commemorate your Southwestern Experience with a Southwestern Ring, exclusively for students who have completed 75 credits or more. Class rings can be ordered by contacting Balfour at 866.225.3687 or San Jose Jewelers at 254.666.5455.
The Ring Ceremony will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Schedule
Friday, May 9, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Graduate Robe Distribution
Corbin J. Robertson Center, Walzel Courts
2:30 p.m.
Student Success & Belonging Graduate Recognition Ceremony
Alma Thomas Theatre
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballrooms
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate Worship Service
Lois Perkins Chapel
Saturday, May 10, 2025
8:00 a.m.
Graduate Check-In
Corbin J. Robertson Center, Walzel Courts
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Commencement Convocation
Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Graduate Robe Return
Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bishops Lounge
Directions, Lodging, and Dining
Getting to Southwestern University
-
From Interstate Highway 35
Exit 261 (Georgetown). Follow Texas Highway 29 east into Georgetown, approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left at the Maple Street stoplight, the first street after the train tracks. -
From State Highway 130 (Tollway)
Exit 415 (Georgetown). Follow Texas Highway 29 west into Georgetown, approximately 2.2 miles. Turn right at Southwestern Blvd.
Parking
Please note that campus parking is limited. Carpooling is recommended.
Lodging
Georgetown and the surrounding communities are home to many hotels, motels, and short-term rental properties. Click here for a list lodging options that encompassing a variety of quality and prices. Southwestern discounts are available at select hotels.
Dining
There are plenty of great dining options in and around Georgetown. Click here for a list of restaurants and eateries nearby.
Additional Maps
Special Needs
Parking
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.
Seating
Please note that all seating will be on the same level, so there is no designated special needs seating.
Accessibility Map
If you have additional questions concerning special needs for Commencement Convocation, please contact sucommunications@southwestern.edu.
Additional Information
Southwestern Bookstore Special Hours
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
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.
Inclement Weather Plan
- Commencement will be held on the Academic Mall rain or shine.