Event Information

Undergraduate Commencement

Graduates seated during the graduation ceremony listening to featured speakers

Saturday, May 17 | 10 a.m.
Sunken Garden

Graduate and LMU Loyola Law School Commencement

Graduate students wearing red graduation robes processing to their seats

Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m.
Sunken Garden

Join Us!

Aerial view of sunken garden as graduates process to their seats

Loyola Marymount University
Sunken Garden

The processionals will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Parking and ticketing will open at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and at 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Schedule

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

Undergraduate Commencement
Saturday, May 17, 2025

  • 7:30 a.m. – Parking and ticketing open 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 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 2-3 hours.

Order of Ceremonies

  • Welcome
  • Invocation
  • National Anthem
  • Presentation of Valedictorian
  • Valedictorian Address
  • Conferral of Honorary Degree
  • Address to Graduates
  • Presentation of Degree Candidates
  • Conferral of Degrees
  • Alma Mater

Graduate and LMU Loyola Law School Commencement
Sunday, May 18, 2025

  • 8 a.m. – Parking and ticketing open for guests. Graduates should arrive at Burns Recreation Center no later than 8 a.m.
  • 10 a.m. – Commencement procession begins.
  • The Graduate and LMU Loyola Law School Commencement Ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 1.5 hours.

Order of Ceremonies

  • Welcome
  • Invocation
  • National Anthem
  • Conferral of Honorary Degree
  • Address to Graduates
  • Presentation of Degree Candidates
  • Conferral of Degrees
  • Alma Mater

Tickets

Guest Tickets Required for Commencement

Tickets will be required for all guests above the age of 2 to enter the event area, including Sunken Garden, for either commencement ceremony, with each graduate being offered up to seven tickets. Graduating students must reserve tickets via Tassel and share them with guests. Relatives and additional guests will not be able to request their own tickets. All tickets are complimentary and do not require a fee. Additional tickets are not available.

Extra Tickets

Each graduating student is allowed a maximum of seven guest tickets for commencement to ensure that all students have an opportunity to claim tickets during the process. Though the set deadline to reserve tickets has passed, the ticketing portal will remain open. If a student has not yet reserved their tickets, they may still do so by logging in to Tassel. Due to staffing and security restrictions, LMU is unable to offer more than seven tickets to any graduate.

Accessing Tickets

All tickets reserved in the Tassel portal are automatically sent to the email address you entered when requesting the tickets; please check your inbox and junk folder for an email with the subject line "Loyola Marymount University Guest Commencement Ticket". The links in the email will give you access to PDF tickets, which you can distribute as necessary. If you entered your guests' email addresses, please have them check their inboxes/junk folders.

If graduating students cannot find the tickets in their inbox, they may access them by logging into Tassel and selecting their commencement ceremony. From here, you will be able to manually send your tickets via email or print them directly from the site. Please ensure that each guest receives a unique ticket. Do not forward the same ticket to multiple guests, as each ticket has a unique QR code that can only be scanned once for entry. Tickets can be printed out or scanned directly from a mobile device. Please make sure all guests are able to access their QR code before the ceremony, as they will not be granted access without scanning at the entrance.

* Note that because tickets can only be scanned once, any guest needing to exit and re-enter the ceremony will need a hand stamp from the Help Desk (located next to the ticket scanning lines).

Faculty and Staff

Faculty participating in commencement do not need tickets, but staff and guests of faculty will need a ticket to attend either commencement ceremony. To request a ticket, please email commencementtickets@lmu.edu by May 9, specifying which ceremony you’d like to request a ticket for and your preferred email address.

Questions about Tickets

For questions related to:

 


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 capacity, campus is closed to 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 Otis College of Art and Design (view on Google Maps). Complimentary shuttle transportation is offered to and from campus for all guests parking at Otis.

University Hall Shuttle to Upper Campus

For those parking in University Hall or walking in, 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 in the ride share drop-off area.

 


Seating

Guest Seating

Seating will be available starting at 7:30 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. 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 by the portable restrooms in the back of the 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.

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 email commencement@lmu.edu or call 310.338.1945 to make alternate arrangements.

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
  • Alcohol
  • 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, and Time, Place, Manner for Social Action with specific sections outlined here.

 


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 with any general questions, or commencementtickets@lmu.edu for ticket related questions.

 


More Information

  • Undergraduate students are eligible for one of the following Latin Honors based on their cumulative grade point average if they have earned at least 60 LMU graded hours:

    • 3.9 GPA – Summa Cum Laude
    • 3.7 GPA – Magna Cum Laude
    • 3.5 GPA – Cum Laude

    Students can find their cumulative GPA on their DegreeWorks degree audit as well as their unofficial transcript in PROWL.

    Latin Honors

    Latin Honors are based purely on the academic record and are not something for which students need to apply. Latin Honors do not apply to graduate programs.

    Stoles and Cords

    There are no stoles or cords for Latin Honors, but certain campus organizations / societies may have stoles, pins, or cords for their graduating students. Contact your group's moderator for more information.

  • Commencement hoods can vary by college / school, area of study, and degree type. A comprehensive breakdown of colors is listed below:

    • LMU College of Business – Light brown

    • LMU Loyola Law School – Purple

    • LMU School of Education – Light blue

    • LMU School of Film and Television – Crimson

    • LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts – Brown, unless specified otherwise below:
      • Undergraduate degrees:
        • Art History – White
        • Communication Studies – Silver
        • Music – Pink
      • Graduate degrees:
        • Marital and Family Therapy – White
    • LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts – White, unless specified otherwise below:
      • All degree types:
        • Theology – Scarlet
      • Undergraduate degrees:
        • Economics (B.S.) – Copper
        • Journalism – Crimson
      • Graduate degrees:
        • Pastoral Theology – Scarlet
    • LMU Seaver College of Science and Engineering – Gold, unless specified otherwise below:
      • All degree types:
        • Civil Engineering – Orange
        • Computer Engineering – Orange
        • Electrical Engineering – Orange
        • Mechanical Engineering – Orange
      • Graduate degrees:
        • Systems Engineering and Engineering Management – Orange
  • Each student's record is individually reviewed once their final term ends to determine that all degree requirements have been met. This process takes approximately 4-6 weeks. In the case of a May degree applicant who has met all requirements, we will award the degree around mid-June.

    Students may confirm their degree status on their PROWL account by going to "Students" > "Student Profile" > "View Degree Information". Typically students can expect to receive the diploma 2-3 weeks after they see the diploma order date listed in PROWL.

     

    More info about degrees More info about diplomas

  • If you have questions about your yearbook and/or senior portraits, please email toweryearbook@gmail.com or call 310.338.5145.

  • There will be drop boxes to return graduation gowns on Alumni Mall and outside of the Von der Ahe Building upon the completion of the graduation ceremony. Please return the regalia within one week of commencement.