What to Expect on Commencement Day
Get ready to walk the stage with confidence! This quick video tells you everything you need to know before, during, and after your Trinity University commencement ceremony. From where to check in to how to find your family afterward, you’ll be set up for a smooth and celebratory experience.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- When and where to check in on commencement day
- What to bring (and what to leave with your family)
- How the ceremony flows, including tassel etiquette
- What to expect when your name is called and you cross the stage
- Where to reunite with your family after the ceremony
- Key reminders about policies, photos, and celebrations
Ceremony Guidelines
Formal Wear
In-person ceremonies (undergraduates and graduate)
The commencement ceremony is a traditional, formal exercise and as such should be conducted with dignity, splendor, and respect for fellow classmates and guests. Candidates should be dressed appropriately.
Personal Items
In-person ceremonies (undergraduate and graduate)
Graduates should leave purses and other valuables at home or with their guests—such items should not be carried in the processional or left in the assembly room. The University is not responsible for items left unattended.
Line of March
In-person ceremonies (undergraduate and graduate)
The marshals will place candidates in the correct marching order and show them the route to the ceremony. The marshal’s directions should be followed explicitly! Candidates should not try to keep in step with the music; rather, they should walk evenly and slowly using short steps and staying in single file. The distance between candidates should remain consistent and a sufficient pace maintained to prevent long gaps or jams from occurring in the line.
Regalia Information
Ordering
Order your cap & gown online through Herff-Jones by April 14. If you miss the deadline to order online, contact The Trinity University Store at 210-999-7028 or @email. Please direct any questions about cap & gown or Herff-Jones to The Trinity University Store.
Honor Stoles
Undergraduate candidates who meet the University’s requirements to receive Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude) will wear a stole symbolizing The President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Stoles will be distributed during the check-in process at the assembly room before the ceremony.
Adornments
Graduation cords and stoles are ceremonial adornments normally intended to recognize and visibly signify a graduate’s affiliation, participation, or membership in a university-recognized organization, program, or group. Organizations may issue cords or stoles to graduating members to symbolize the student's affiliation with the group. Cords and stoles do not need to be pre-approved but must adhere to the student code of conduct. Any adornment in violation of the policies related to “respect for others” or “respect for community” may be removed prior to the ceremony.
Any decorations or messages added to the cap should be respectful of others and the university’s values and consistent with the celebratory nature of the ceremony. Added decorations or messages must not add height to the cap or impede the view of other participants or guests. Decorations or messages that do not fall within these guidelines may be removed by the University-appointed marshals on the day of commencement.
Please direct any questions about Adornments to Eve Christoffersen (@email).
Tickets
Degree candidates will have the opportunity to receive tickets for the Spring Commencement ceremony.
The number of tickets is based on the capacity and the number of graduates in each ceremony.
Need More Tickets? – Join the Watch Viewing Party in the CSI/CUBE
Already registered but need additional tickets? We’ve got you covered!
We’re offering a Watch Viewing Party with livestreaming and refreshments in the Center for the Sciences and Innovation (CSI), CUBE.
- Tickets are required for this space.
- Capacity is limited to 200 guests per ceremony, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each graduate may request up to four additional tickets for this room, pending availability.
- Registration link to request viewing room tickets coming soon.
Please view the ticket page for additional information, if you have any questions please reach out to @email.
Diplomas
We use Parchment for diploma services. Your diploma will be issued through Parchment and mailed in June to the address you submitted on your graduation application after the Office of the Registrar has completed a final clearance on your Degree Audit.
Live-Stream Information
Tiger Network
Graduation Photos
Photographs
Purchase your graduation photos from The Grad Team
All graduation photos taken by The Grad Team at the ceremony will be available online for purchase. Each graduate will receive an email with a link to their photos as soon as they are ready.
Strike a pose at our photo booth post-commencement!
Join us at Miller Fountain for some epic selfies, group shots, and memories with your squad and fam!
Take advantage of our designated photo-op areas
Meditation Garden
Take it all in. This Insta-worthy, tranquil spot on campus features fountains and a garden.
Miller Fountain
Enjoy the sounds of Miller Fountain one last time.
The Magic Stones
All of those days of studying and soaking up the magical powers paid off, because you did it!