General
+Can I wear stoles, medals, and honor cords, and decorate my cap for the ceremony?
Approved stoles given by Saint Mary’s organizations are permitted at Commencement Mass, in addition to Saint Mary’s medals and honor cords. For the ceremony, medals, honor cords and one approved graduation stole may be worn. If you have more than one, you will need to choose which one to wear.
Graduates should not decorate their caps.
+How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony begins promptly at noon and lasts approximately two hours, depending upon the number of graduates.
Inclement Weather
+What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, the ceremony will move to Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex. The decision will be made by 9 a.m. on May 14, and communicated to the campus community via email, social media, and the College website. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Commencement website. Tickets will be required with limited seating, and only guests with a rain ticket will be admitted.
+How do graduates get their rain tickets?
Each graduate is allotted five tickets for an indoor ceremony. Graduates must pick up their tickets prior to Commencement weekend, even if a decision has not been made regarding an indoor ceremony. Only guests with a rain ticket will be admitted. Visit Information for Graduates for detailed information about ticket distribution at O'Laughlin Auditorium for undergraduate students.
For graduate students, please pick up your tickets at your individual departments, not at O'Laughlin Auditorium.
+Can I watch the ceremony someplace indoors on campus?
Yes, the ceremony will simulcast rain or shine in O’Laughlin Auditorium, Moreau Center for the Arts. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Commencement website. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.
Guest Accommodations
+Where can I find handicapped parking on campus?
There is ample designated handicapped parking on campus. Please visit the Visitor Information page for a map. Call the Campus Safety Office at (574) 284-5000 to make arrangements for special parking privileges.
+Does the College provide seating for people with mobility needs?
Yes, please contact the Office of the President at (574) 284-4603 with requests.
+Are on-campus meals and housing available for guests?
COVID-19 Protocol
+Will guests have to wear masks on campus?
Visitors are not required to wear a mask unless they are not up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine (unvaccinated; or booster-eligible but have not received one), if they are a recent close contact with someone positive, or after recent release from quarantine or isolation periods that require masking. Read more.
+Will guests need to be vaccinated or tested before coming to campus?
No, the College will not require guests to be vaccinated or tested. However, they will be expected to follow the College’s COVID-19 masking protocols if they are not up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine.
