Event Information

Schedule

Details will be added as they become available. Please note the following times (approximate and subject to change):

• 7 a.m. – Sunken Garden seating arena opens for guests.
• 8 a.m. – Graduates should arrive at Burns Recreation Center no later than 8 a.m.
• 10 a.m. – Commencement procession begins.

The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 2-3 hours. The graduate ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 1.5 hours.

Tickets

Guest Tickets Required for Commencement

Tickets will be required for all guests above the age of 2 to attend either commencement ceremony, with each graduate being offered up to 10 tickets. The ticket portal closed on April 12. For questions, please email commencement@lmu.edu.

Extra Tickets

Each graduating student is initially allowed a maximum of 10 guest tickets for Commencement to ensure that all students have an opportunity to claim tickets during the process. The ticket portal closed on April 12. During the week of April 15 we will communicate with students via their LMU email account regarding the possibility of requesting additional tickets through the Marching Order website. All tickets are complimentary and do not require a fee.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty do not need tickets for commencement, but staff and guests of faculty will need a ticket to attend either commencement ceremony. To request tickets, please email commencement@lmu.edu by April 26 and specify which ceremony you’d like to request tickets for, the number of tickets, the names of the individuals, and their email addresses.

Parking and Ride Sharing

On-Campus Parking

On-campus parking is free the weekend of Commencement. Parking fills quickly, so allow plenty of travel time to arrive on campus. Once campus parking reaches full capacity, campus is closed to all further in-bound traffic.

For Undergraduate Commencement, capacity has historically been reached around 8:30 a.m.

The Lincoln Boulevard entrance onto LMU Drive is the most accessible and convenient entrance to use; however, the Loyola Boulevard entrance will also be open. Seating and parking are not guaranteed, and heavy traffic is anticipated in and around the university. Be patient and plan for delays.

Off-Campus Parking for Undergraduate Commencement (Saturday)

Once campus parking is at full capacity, traffic will be redirected to overflow parking at St. Bernard High School (view on Google Maps). Complimentary shuttle transportation is offered to and from campus for all guests parking at St. Bernard.

University Hall Shuttle to Upper Campus

For those parking in University Hall or walking in from off campus, a free shuttle service is available up to Lawton Plaza. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off is located at the University Hall flag poles (view on Google Maps).

Ride Sharing

Please make note before scheduling: Due to limited campus access, drop-offs and pick-ups are limited to Leavey Circle (Lot O). We appreciate your cooperation.

Faculty Parking

Faculty may park at the Bruce Featherston Life Sciences Building until 8:30 a.m. or at capacity, whichever comes first.

Special Needs Parking

Limited special needs parking will be available on a first come, first served basis. Persons with disabilities and requiring special accommodations should arrive by 8 a.m. on Saturday or 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Handicapped placards are required and should be clearly displayed or available so that traffic officers can guide guests to their designated parking area. Golf cart transportation will be provided only to the individual needing assistance plus one.

Seating

Guest Seating

Seating will be available starting at 7 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. In order for commencement to start on time, the saving of seats will be permitted until 30 minutes prior to the start of commencement. After that time, the saving of seats will be prohibited.

Please be aware that seating will be in a grassy area and in the sun; no covering will be provided. It is advised that attendees use sunscreen and, if necessary, wear a hat. High-heeled shoes are not recommended.

Special Needs Seating for Guests

Sunken Garden seating for those with special needs will be available at the southeastern bleachers. Only one person from a party may sit with the person requiring special seating.

If any guests have difficulty walking, it would be to their advantage to bring a wheelchair. The university does not provide wheelchairs for rental.

Stroller Parking

Strollers can be parked behind the bleacher seating in the southwest and southeast corners of Sunken Garden.

Indoor Seating

There will be indoor seating available in Malone Student Center Room 112, which can be reached by entering through the Malone north entrance near The Lion's Den, then keep walking straight to locate the room.

There will be a large screen displaying a live video feed. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Graduate Seating

Degree candidates will be divided by college and school. As you enter Sunken Garden, commencement staff will direct you to your seat. Empty spaces are not allowed, and once in a row, you may not move to another seat.

Please remain standing until the conclusion of the National Anthem.

It’s important to note that seating will be in a grassy area in the sun; no covering will be provided. It is advised that attendees use sunscreen. High-heeled shoes are not recommended.

Doctoral Candidate Seating

While sitting, fold your hood neatly on your lap. You will be hooded by your dissertation chair while on stage, facing the audience.

Special Needs Seating for Graduates, Administration and Faculty

If you have a special need that prevents you from walking or using the steps leading down into Sunken Garden, please notify Tanya Salvini, commencement coordinator, to make alternate arrangements.

Email: commencement@lmu.edu 
Phone: 310.338.1945

Procession and Graduate Seating Order

Graduates with crimson name cards will be seated on the west side of Sunken Garden, while graduates with blue name cards will be seated on the east side of Sunken Garden.

Health and Safety

Secure Access Points

All graduates and their guests will be required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering Sunken Garden (for guests) or Burns Recreation Center (for Graduates). Please be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to go through the necessary security screening.

It is recommended to arrive early and plan accordingly as the graduate processional will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

There are two access point options for guests:

• On the west side of campus between the William H. Hannon Library and the Hilton Center for Business (view on Google Maps).
• On the east side of campus between Palm North and Rosecrans Hall (view on Google Maps).

Access Requirements

• All guests will be required to present their guest ticket.
• All graduates will be required to present their name card AND either their OneCard or a government issued ID (driver's license, passport, etc.). If you are unable to pick up your name card during finals week, there will also be a table at Burns Recreation Center on commencement morning where you can pick it up. Please bring your OneCard or government issued ID. We can only release it to you directly – not to friends or family. 

Prohibited Items

Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the event.

Also prohibited:

• Any bag larger than 12" x 6" x 12" (see above)
• Hard-sided containers or coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags and large traditional seat cushions that have pockets *
• Outside food and beverages, glass, cans, aluminum bottles or thermoses of any kind*
• Laser pens/pointers
• Laptop computers, monitors, televisions, or computer peripherals
• Umbrellas
• Firearms, knives or weapons of any kind
• Illegal drugs or substances
• Alcoholic beverages
• Signs, banners, posters, flags on poles, staffs, or selfie sticks
• Drones (or any other aerial devices)
• Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities)
• Air horns, whistles, cowbells, portable speakers or amplifiers, or other distracting noise makers
• Any devices that may interfere with and/or distract any event participant, other guests, audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the event, or any technology-related service provided at the event
• Projectiles (including Frisbees, beach balls, footballs, etc)
• Aerosol cans (e.g., mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.)
• Cigarettes, vapes, or smoking devices
• Fireworks, confetti or glitter
• Balloons
• Wheeled footwear, skateboards and hoverboards
• Stickers, demonstration props, promotional gear, apparel, or materials intended for distribution at the event

* Sealed or unsealed disposable water bottles and paper coffee cups will be allowed. Exceptions will also be made for medically necessary and/or special needs items after proper inspection at designated locations. This includes medically necessary food or beverages.

Community Expectations

Commencement season is a time of celebration and joy that should be memorable and safe for all, free from disruption. All students who intend to be on-campus for any of the affinity or commencement celebrations are expected to follow LMU Community Standards including the Freedom of Expression Policy and the Student Code of Conduct, with specific sections outlined here.

Watch Live

For those unable to attend in person, undergraduate commencement and graduate commencement will be live streamed on the following pages:

Undergraduate Commencement Live Stream

Graduate Commencement Live Stream

Pre-Order Flowers, Leis, and Other Gifts

You may pre-order flowers and leis, and pick them up at the booth located near the west entrance to Sunken Garden before the ceremony begins.

Additional gifts are available at the LMU Bookstore website.

Contact

You may email commencement@lmu.edu for more information.