FAQs

Saint Mary’s Commencement 2022 will be the weekend of May 20–22, 2022. 

• Commencement Liturgy: Friday, May 20, 5 p.m. at the University Credit Union Pavillion, Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
• Undergraduate Class of 2022 Ceremony:  Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Saint Mary's Stadium
• Graduate and Professional Studies 2022 Ceremony: Sunday, May 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Saint Mary's Stadium

Our Commencement celebration will include both an in-person experience and a virtual live streaming event for the ceremonies (for family members unable to attend in person).

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 a photo.

Graduates of 2022 can participate in the graduation celebrations in a two ways:

1. Attend Commencement

2. Visit the Commencement Website—watch the livestream 

Visit the Commencement website on your Commencement day to watch a livestream of messages from the President, Provost, Valedictorian, and more. Watch a livestream, and see graduates have their names read as they walk across the stage.

At the current moment, Commencement is planned traditionally and in person with a livestream available. We are closely monitoring current conditions of the pandemic to plan a safe, and enjoyable Commencement experience.

Grad grounds is planned this year for undergraduates on Saturday, May 21! View their website here.

Please arrive 2 Hours prior to Commencement to allow plenty of time to get your registration card and file into the correct queue. (7 AM for undegrads, 8 AM for graduates and professional studies) Your registration card is what you will take to the stage to hand to the announcer. 

Commencement traffic and parking reach capacity rather quickly. We recommend you arrive early (after 7 AM on 5/21/22 and after 8 AM on 5/22/22).

Commencement for undergraduates is planning to begin at 9 AM on 5/21/22 and end between 12-1 PM. Grad Grounds will begin at 12 PM and come to a close at 4 PM.

For graduates, Commencement is to begin at 10 AM until 1 PM on 5/22/22 and there will be a reception on the Chapel Lawn after.

Commencement Rehearsal will take place at the Saint Mary's Stadium on Friday, May 20th, 2022.

Undergraduate student rehearsal will begin at 1 PM.

Families & Friends are invited to the 2022 Commencement event as there is no guest maximum this year. We are limiting the event to two vehicles per graduate (We are not allowing buses, floats, party trolleys, motor homes, or any vehicle exceeding 30 feet in the entrance that day.). The event will also be livestreamed so that families can attend remotely if they are not able to participate in the in-person experience. 

For a list of local hotels, please visit our lodging website.

Guests requiring seating due to mobility issues can proceed to the accessible seating section.  This section is for family members who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking.  Each guest may bring 1 additional person into the accessible seating section with them.  Accessible parking is available, as well as golf carts to help family members get to the ceremony site. Sign language interpretive service is provided as part of the ceremony.

Only service animals are allowed at Commencement. Please email commencement@stmarys-ca.edu with more information.

There will be a tow truck on standby during the event.

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 rapidly changing nature of the pandemic and the likelihood of updates to the current county health orders, specific COVID-19 safety protocols will be shared prior to the event. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit this webpage.

More information coming soon.

Per Contra Costa County guidance, masking is no longer required. However, masking is still strongly recommended on campus, especially at large gatherings, so all attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.  (Subject to change in accordance with COVID county guidelines)

For safety, sustainability, and security reasons, certain items are prohibited from the celebration, such as silly string, sparklers, confetti, and alcohol.  

Graduates must adhere to the Student Conduct Code during the event.

Yes. Portable restrooms will be accessible. Face coverings, social distancing, and all other COVID safety guidelines must be followed while utilizing the restrooms. Per Contra Costa County guidance, masking is no longer required. However, masking is still strongly recommended on campus, especially at large gatherings, so all attendees are encouraged to wear a mask. (Subject to change)

Students participating must comply with the Student Conduct Code, including policies on public intoxication and alcohol. The celebration is an alcohol-free event. For the safety of everyone participating, staff will deny entry to any student or drivers who appear intoxicated.

Students with disabilities, who need accommodations to participate in the Commencement Liturgy, the College Commencement Ceremony, and/or the Grad Grounds event should e-mail Julie Scaff, jas37@stmarys-ca.edu, as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. The e-mail should include the following: Name of student, SMC ID number & accommodation needs for each event.

Eligibility is determined by individual schools.  Please refer to your program office for additional information.

Please contact your department for information on how to become eligible for commencement.

Graduate Business: Catherine Barbagallo cab11@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8716
Graduate Kines: MAKin@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8834
MFA in Creative Writing: Kiran Sahota kbs7@stmarys-ca.edu; 925-631-4762
MFA in Dance: Alyssa Plummer afp5@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-8183
LEAP: Stephanie Miller scb1@stmarys-ca.edu 925-631-4538. Visit this site for more information.
KSOE: ksoe_ess@stmarys 925-631-4700

Yes, if you have contacted the program coordinator for MFA in Dance and have been granted eligibility for gradation, you may walk at commencement in May.