夜色王朝Commencement Weekend
We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2026 with students, families, faculty and friends. Commencement Weekend honors SMU’s proud traditions while marking the beginning of life as alumni.
May ceremonies
Commencement Weekend at a glance
Baccalaureate Service and Rotunda Recessional
Friday, May 15, 2026, 5 p.m.McFarlin Auditorium
All-University Commencement
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 7 p.m.Gerald J. Ford Stadium
About the traditions
Baccalaureate Service: A nondenominational religious service for undergraduate candidates and their guests, featuring a special sermon. The service lasts approximately one hour.
Rotunda Recessional: One of SMU’s most symbolic traditions. Students who entered through Dallas Hall during the Rotunda Processional as new undergraduates now march out through the front doors of Dallas Hall, led by faculty and alumni marshals, symbolizing their departure from campus and their welcome into the alumni family.
All-University Commencement: Brings together degree candidates from all schools and programs. The Commencement speaker will share remarks and offer their congratulations to our newest class of graduates, and the University president will confer degrees. The ceremony concludes with the playing of Varsity and a prayer for the new alumni.
Ceremony details
Baccalaureate Service
Arrival and regalia: Arrive by 4:30 p.m. in full regalia and be seated in McFarlin Auditorium. Learn more about regalia.
Tickets: Required for all candidates and guests. Graduates must declare their intention to participate to request tickets. Learn more about tickets.
All-University Commencement
Arrival: Details for lineup and procession will be shared closer to the ceremony. Please arrive early for security and traffic; doors will close promptly at the start.
Regalia: Wear full 夜色王朝regalia. Additional adornments and decorated mortarboards are welcome. Students without regalia will be directed to the bookstore. Learn more about regalia.
Tickets: Required for all candidates and guests into Ford Stadium. New: Graduates may claim unlimited tickets after declaring their intention to participate. Learn more about tickets.
Security: Leave bags, purses, coats and other personal belongings at home or in your car. Cell phones should be silenced. Learn more about prohibited items.
Baccalaureate Ceremony
• Simulcast available in Hughes-Trigg Theater.
• Livestream option for those unable to attend in person.
• Alumni who are parents of graduating seniors may serve as marshals. Please contact Amy Thompson at amythompson@smu.edu.
All-University Commencement
Arrival: Doors open at 6 p.m. Guests should be seated by 6:50 p.m.
Tickets: Required for all guests in Ford Stadium. Learn more about tickets.
Security: Leave bags and personal items at home or in vehicles. Please silence cell phones. Learn more about prohibited items.
All-University Commencement
• RSVP is required. Invitation to follow.
• Assemble in academic dress no later than 6:30 p.m. (security screening required). Event staff will provide directions.
• Faculty marshal will line up participants at 6:50 p.m.; procession follows immediately after.
• Faculty remain standing until President Jay Hartzell is seated and follow his lead for mortarboard removal.
• At the close of the ceremony, faculty recess after the Platform Party, led by the marshal.
Degree recognition ceremonies
The academic school or departmental ceremony is an opportunity for each program to celebrate as a cohort group and honor each graduate as they walk across the stage. Contact your particular school or department for more information.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5 p.m.
Oren Auditorium, Hughes-Trigg
Contact: Alan Itkin, aitkin@smu.edu
Friday, May 15, 2026
8 a.m.
Moody Coliseum
Contact: Stev'anne Horton stevanneh@smu.edu
11:30 a.m.
Moody Coliseum
Contact: Christine Leatherberry, cleatherberry@smu.edu
3 p.m.
Moody Coliseum
Contacts: Julie Maass, jmaass@smu.edu
Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:30 a.m.
Moody Coliseum
Contacts: Barbara Thomas Cook, bcthomas@smu.edu and Scot Montague, smontagu@smu.edu
Noon
Moody Coliseum
Contact: Jim Dees, jdees@smu.edu
Noon
McFarlin Auditorium
Contact: Jay Hengst, jhengst@smu.edu
2 p.m.
Highland Park United Methodist Church
Contact: Melissa Gooch, mgooch@smu.edu
3 p.m.
Moody Coliseum
Contact: Barbara Mohrle, bmohrle@smu.edu
3 p.m.
Oren Auditorium, Hughes-Trigg
Contact: Mary Endsley, mendsley@smu.edu
4:30 p.m.
McFarlin Auditorium
Baccalaureate featured speaker
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming event speakers. This website will always reflect the latest information, as it鈥檚 available.
May Commencement featured speaker
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming event speakers. This website will always reflect the latest information, as it鈥檚 available.
