Commencement

Family & Friends

Families and supporters

Saint Mary's College of California is excited to welcome you to campus as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our Class of 2025!

Clink any of the links below to learn more about Commencement Weekend Events.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Graduation Checklist for the Class of 2025

Parking & Map

Schedule

What to Bring

 

Have questions about Commencement 2025? 

Click through the topics below to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Answers.
 

  • What are the Commencement Weekend Schedule details? 
    • Saint Mary’s Commencement Weekend 2025 will be the weekend of May 23–25, 2025. 
    • Commencement Liturgy: Friday, May 23 at 5 pm in the UCU Pavilion
    • Undergraduate Class of 2025 Ceremony: Saturday, May 24 at 9 am at the Saint Mary’s Stadium
      • Our Commencement celebration will include both an in-person experience and a virtual live-streaming event for family members unable to attend in person. Live Stream link forthcoming
      • Saint Mary’s is planning a traditional in-person celebration in which students will have the opportunity to hear their names read aloud, walk across the stage, and pose for photos.
    • Graduate & Professional Studies 2025 Ceremony: Sunday, May 25 at 10 am at the Saint Mary’s Stadium
      • Our Commencement celebration will include both an in-person experience and a virtual live-streaming event for family members unable to attend in person. Live Stream link forthcoming
      • Saint Mary’s is planning a traditional in-person celebration in which students will have the opportunity to hear their names read aloud, walk across the stage, and pose for photos.
    • Visit the Commencement Schedule webpage for more information
  • What are the graduation celebration options for 2025? 
    • Graduates of 2025 can participate in the graduation celebrations in many ways:
      • Attend Commencement in person wearing regalia.
      • Watch the Live Stream of the Commencement which includes messages from the President, Provost, Valedictorian, and more. Live stream viewers will also get to see graduates have their names read as they walk across the stage.
      • Register for and participate in one or more Cultural Celebrations
  • Are you still planning a traditional in-person Commencement celebration for the 2025 undergraduates and graduates? 
    • At this time, Commencement will be in-person with a Live Stream available. We continue to monitor local public health guidance to plan a safe, and enjoyable Commencement experience.
  • Will there be plot parties/Grad Grounds for the Class of 2025? 
    • Grad Grounds are planned this year for Undergraduates participating in Commencement on Saturday, May 24th! Visit the Grad Grounds webpage for more information.
  • Where can I find official SMC Lawn and Garden Signs?
  • For questions pertaining to your student records i.e. GPA, Latin Honors, and Commencement eligibility please visit the Office of the Registrar or contact them via email at registrar@stmarys-ca.edu or via phone call 925.631.4214
  • What time should graduating students (not guests) arrive? 
    • Graduating students: Please arrive two (2) hours prior to Commencement to allow plenty of time to check in and receive your name card and line up in your School correct queue.
      • 7 am for Undergraduate Commencement on Saturday
      • 8 am for Graduates & Professional Studies Commencement on Sunday. 
  • Should I expect long waiting times? 
    • Commencement traffic and parking reach capacity rather quickly. We recommend you arrive early to allow time for parking.
    • Family and friends are encouraged to spend time in the Vendor Zone while waiting for the stadium gates to open. Breakfast items, Flowers, Leis, Alumni & Commencement gifts will be available for sale prior to both Commencements.
  • How long will Commencement take? How much time should I expect to spend on campus? 
    • Commencement for Undergraduates is planned to begin at 9 am on May 24 and end between 11:30 am – 12 pm; Grad Grounds will begin at 12 pm and end at 4 pm
    • Commencement for Graduates & Professional Studies is planned to begin at 10 am on May 25 and end between 11:30 am – 12 pm. There will be a reception on the Chapel Lawn following Graduates & Professional Studies Commencement.
  • Will there be a Commencement Rehearsal? 
    • There will be no rehearsal. Please review all the communications sent to you, so you are prepared. Graduands have an opportunity to practice at Grad Fair. During the ceremony, Marshalls will direct you where to go.
  • How early can I arrive to Commencement? 
    • We recommend guests to arrive early as we expect lots of traffic and delayed parking time after 7 am on May 24 and after 8 am on May 25.
    • Shuttles and golf carts will be provided as marked on the parking map, and golf carts will drop guests off at the Saint Mary's Stadium.
  • Where may I park for Commencement? 
    • On-campus parking is be available for guests and is limited, on a first-come, first-parked. We are strongly recommending family and friends carpool with their graduands, two vehicles per grad.
    • Party buses, floats, shuttles, party trolleys, motor homes, or any vehicle exceeding 30 feet will not be allowed to enter campus.
  • Will I need a ticket for entry and/or a parking pass? 
    • Tickets are required for entry to SMC Stadium for Commencement. Parking passes are NOT required for parking on campus.
  • Are we allowed to tailgate/celebrate before and after in the parking lot? 
    • Tailgating will not be allowed before or after Commencement. Guests will be guided to the Vendor Zone at the UCU Pavilion courtyard or to Saint Mary's Stadium upon arrival. The only on-campus, post-Commencement parties that may occur are in reserved Grad Grounds plots on Saturday and on Chapel Lawn on Sunday.

Additional Parking Information may be found here.

  • Are tickets required to enter the SMC Stadium for Commencement?
    • Yes, each friend and family member must have a ticket to enter the SMC Stadium for Commencement on Saturday, May 24 or Sunday, May 25.
      • For those attending the Undergraduate Commencement, guests will need to have a physical ticket in hand as they approach the gates.
      • For those attending the Graduate & Professional Studies Commencement, guests will need to show their digital ticket as they approach the gates.
  • Is there a maximum number of guests that can attend? 
    • Yes, the SMC stadium has a maximum capacity, which represents the number of guests it can comfortably and safely accommodate. It’s crucial to stay within this limit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
      • Complimentary guest tickets will be picked up by graduands during Grad Fair on Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4 and at the Grad Fair Make Up Day on May 6.
      • The event will also be live streamed so that families can attend remotely if they are not able to participate in the in-person experience. Live Stream link forthcoming.
  • If a family member is attending the ceremony and needs accommodations for parking or seating, what are the options?
  • Can I bring my pet to Commencement? 
    • Only service animals are allowed at Commencement. Emotional Support Animals are not permitted at any Commencement event. 
  • Will professional photos or video be taken during Commencement? 
    • Yes, professional photographers will be stationed as graduates walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover. These photos will later be available for purchase online.
    • Additional photography of Commencement will be available to download shortly after each event. The entire event will be live streamed.
    • Both photography and livestream video will be taken during the course of Commencement weekend for use in Saint Mary’s College publicity materials.
  • Will there be make-up photo sessions if I missed the Grad Fair?
    • No, make up photo sessions for commencement images will only be available during Grad Fair.
  • Will the Commencement celebration be live streamed and recorded? 
  • Will there be in-person celebrations after Commencement? 
    • Yes, the tradition of Grad Grounds is planned in-person for undergraduates. Please view information on our Grad Grounds website.
    • For graduate and professional studies graduates, there will be a reception hosted at the Chapel Lawn after Commencement.
  • Are Cultural Celebrations being planned? 
    • Find out more information about and register for the Intercultural Center’s Cultural Graduate Celebrations. Registration closes Friday, April 17. Cultural stoles will be provided for FREE for all graduates.
      • Lavender Graduate Celebration
        • Thursday, May 15 @ 7 pm  |  Claey's Lounge
      • Asian Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration
        • Saturday, May 17 @ 9 am  |  Saint Mary's Chapel
      • Black Graduate Celebration
        • Wednesday, May 21 @ 6 pm  |  Soda Activity Center, Moraga Room
      • Latinx Graduate Celebration
        • Friday, May 23 @ 8:30 am  |  Saint Mary's Chapel
  • Will graduates be able to order regalia? 
    • Complimentary academic regalia is available for in-person pickup during Grad Fair on Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4 at the Soda Activity Center.
    • Complimentary academic regalia is also available to order online; the deadline to order and have it shipped to you is Friday, April 18, 2025. Visit Regalia & Accessories page for more details.
    • The last chance to pick up complimentary regalia is during the Grad Fair Make Up Day: Wednesday, May 6 from 12 pm to 6 pm in Claey's Lounge, Soda Activity Center.
  • Can I purchase/order a cap and gown at Commencement?
    • No. There will be no regalia available on the day of Commencement, so be sure you order online by the deadline if you cannot pick it up in person.
    • Eligible students will receive information on how to obtain regalia. The deadline to order regalia is Friday, April 18, 2025. We encourage you to attend Grad Fair or order your regalia online as soon as possible to ensure your size is available. 
  • How will graduates receive diplomas? 
    • All graduates will receive diplomas by mail. Diplomas for undergraduates are mailed during the months of June, July, and August. Graduate students should check with their department contact for when diplomas will be mailed.
    • Be sure to view your current address listed under your student profile for accuracy. If the address needs to be updated, submit a Change of Address Form to be processed.
  • Where can I get a Commencement program? 
    • Commencement programs will be available the day of Commencement as well as online shortly before the ceremony.
  • Will my name still be printed in a Commencement program? 
    • Eligible students who have registered for Commencement by Saturday, March 1, 2025 will have their names printed in the Commencement program.
  • Is it safe to participate in the celebration? 
    • Saint Mary's will observe all Contra Costa County health orders related to COVID-19 and large gatherings (both indoor and outdoor). Due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic and updates to current county health orders, any additional COVID-19 safety protocols will be shared prior to the event. 
  • Do I have to wear a face covering while attending Commencement? 
    • Per Contra Costa County guidance, masking is no longer required. However, masking is recommended in large gatherings.  
  • Can I bring silly string, sparklers, or confetti? 
    • For safety, sustainability, and security reasons, these items are prohibited from the celebration along with all banned items outlined in the Student Handbook.
    • Graduates must adhere to the Student Conduct Code during Commencement Weekend.
  • Will restrooms be available? 
    • Yes. Portable restrooms will be accessible.
  • How does the Student Code of Conduct apply to the celebration? 
    • Students participating must comply with the Student Conduct Code, including policies on public intoxication and alcohol. Commencement is an alcohol-free event. For the safety of everyone participating, staff will deny entry to any student or drivers who appear intoxicated.
  • How do I request accommodations for Commencement Weekend? 
    • For guests who have specific accessibility needs or require accommodations, please complete the Accommodation Request Form at least 30 days prior to any event on the Commencement Schedule. This allows us sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements to ensure your experience is as enjoyable and accessible as possible. 

The following items are NOT allowed on campus:

  • Drones or Inflatable balls, frisbees, etc.
  • Noisemakers, Air-Horns or other loud noise-making devices
  • Confetti Cannons or Silly String
  • Illegal Substances, Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
  • Tobacco Products or Paraphernalia
  • Markers, Pens or Spray Paint
  • Laser Pointers
  • Weapons of Any Kind (includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Personal Protection Devices, Fireworks, etc.)
  • Items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate by Campus Safety that may disrupt other attendees' enjoyment of the event
  • Pets of any kind; Only ADA Service animals are allowed.
  • Balloons and large signs that obstructs other guests view (Not allowed inside Stadium)
  • How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate? 
  • Can I participate as a graduate in the MFA-Dance 2025 Commencement in May even though I finish my degree in the Summer? 
    • Yes, if you have contacted the program coordinator for MFA in Dance and have been granted eligibility for graduation, you may walk at commencement in May. 

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