Commencement

Graduation Checklist

Countdown to Commencement: 10 Steps to Graduation Success

Congratulations, Class of 2025! To get ready for the big day, follow this step-by-step guide to graduation. The checklist covers everything you need, from applying to graduate and picking up your cap and gown to requesting tickets for your friends and family. We can't wait to celebrate with you during commencement weekend!

1. Apply to Graduate

All students must apply to graduate with the Office of the Registrar to participate in the commencement ceremony. Applications to graduate open Monday, January 6, 2025.

Current Students: Apply through MySMC > GaelXpress
Recently graduated alums: contact the Office of the Registrar
- Deadline to Register for Commencement: Saturday, March 1
  Having difficulty registering? Contact the Office of the Registrar

2. Attend Grad Fair

Attend Grad Fair on Monday, March 3 and/or Tuesday, March 4 to pick up your cap and gown, take your grad portrait, and order your custom stoles! Student ID is required at Grad Fair for check-in and ticket pickup. Family members are invited to attend too!

Grad Fair:

Monday, March 3: 11 am to 7 pm
Tuesday, March 4: 9 am to 5 pm

Grad Fair Make Up Day

Tuesday, May 6 from 12 pm to 6 pm, Claey's Lounge, Soda Activity Center

Exchange/Pick up complimentary regalia
Pick up complimentary Undergraduate Commencement Tickets
Purchase Diploma frames, stoles, accessories & more
Place your Grad Grounds plot event rental order with Elegance Event Rentals

3. Request Commencement Tickets for Guests

Tickets are required for entry to Commencement on Saturday, May 24 and on Sunday, May 25. Photo or SMC Student ID is required at Grad Fair for check-in and ticket pickup.

Additional Tickets for Undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 24 may be requested through the Extra Ticket Request Form on Friday, April 25 at 9 am.

Graduates must be registered to participate in Commencement on Saturday, May 24 to be eligible to request extra tickets.
This form will close on Friday, May 2 at 4 pm.
Extra Ticket distribution will begin at Grad Fair Make Up Day on Tuesday, May 6.

Graduate & Professional Studies Commencement Tickets for Sunday, May 25 may be requested by clicking here.

4. Apply for a Grad Grounds Post-Commencement Site

Participate in this beloved Saint Mary's tradition, and host your friends and family on a reserved site at Saint Mary's right after Commencement.

5. Order Your Class of 2025 Mementos

Campus Store: Alumni Gear & Grad Accessories
Jostens: Class Jewelry, Diploma Frame, Personalized Announcements, Regalia and Accessories
CollegeWear: Custom Stoles

6. Prepare to Cross the Stage

Learn how to wear your regalia, where to park, when to arrive, and more.

Guests requiring accommodations, please compete the Accommodation Request Form (coming soon)

7. Celebrate at Commencement Weekend

You did it! Enjoy your day, and don’t forget to pick up your alumni license plate frame! Stop by the Alumni Association table next to the De La Salle statue during Grad Grounds.

8. Connect with the Alumni Network

Create your alumni record, attend an alumni event, and join the alumni group on LinkedIn.

Sign Up for GaelConnect
GaelConnect allows you to network with professional Gael Alumni and seek their career guidance and advice.
Update Your Contact Info
Your student account will be disabled in the next few months, so make sure to notify us of your new email address! Stay in the know about events, news, and opportunities and update your info.
Attend an Alumni Event
We look forward to seeing you at one of the many campus and regional events we host each year.

9. Order Your Commencement Photos

Commencement photos can be ordered from diFranco Photo using your proof code.

10. Connect with the Career Center

The Career Center provides assistance with resume reviews, job search strategies, and interview preparation to alumni free of charge. Schedule an appointment in Handshake or by sending an email to careers@stmarys-ca.edu.