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Commencement Week is just around the corner for the Class of 2026. Between Senior Toast, Mass and Blessing of the Graduates, ceremonies, and time spent with family and friends, you’ll make memories that you’ll carry for the rest of your life. Before the whirlwind begins, here are tips for graduates to keep in mind to make the most of the week.
Have your things together the night before
Lay out your clothes, cap, gown, cords, stoles, and medallions the night before. Grab some extra safety pins and bobby pins to keep everything in place, double-check your ceremony time, and get a good night’s sleep.
Dress smart under the gown
The gown covers most of what you will be wearing, but this is still a special occasion. Whatever you choose, it should be something comfortable enough to sit, stand, and walk in for a few hours. Whether you’re going with heels, dress shoes, or sneakers, make sure you can comfortably walk in them for the big moment crossing the stage.
Don’t forget: tassels should be placed on the right of the caps. After you get your degree, it will be moved to the left.
Arrive early
Once on campus, graduates should head straight to the Damen Den on the first floor of the Damen Student Center for check-in and picking up your name card before the ceremony. Doctoral and MD students should head to the Sr. Jean Multipurpose Room on the second floor instead.
Review the ceremony schedule and plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your ceremony begins. You will be organized and lined up before heading over to Gentile Arena, so allow enough buffer time to get settled.
Guests can enter Gentile Arena 60 minutes before each ceremony or 90 minutes if they need accessible seating (note that on days with three ceremonies, all guests including those needing accessible seating enter 60 minutes prior). Encourage family and friends to get there as early as possible.
Know where to put personal items
It’s recommended to leave bags, purses, phones, and personal items with your guests or at home. All graduates and guests should silence phones during the ceremony out of respect for everyone sharing the moment.
Be present and respectful
Plan to stay until the very end of the ceremony. To ensure all names can be heard and to support a timely ceremony, everyone is asked to hold applause until every graduate has received their diploma. Additionally, noisemakers, confetti, glitter, and large signs are prohibited inside Gentile Arena.
Have a meeting spot ready
Pick a specific spot ahead of time to meet your family and take photos after the ceremony concludes, whether that’s a far corner of the West Quad or right by the Damen statue, to avoid spending time finding each other in the crowd.
Families are invited to reconnect in the Damen Atrium after commencement. Planning a family dinner? Make those restaurant reservations now before spots fill up.
Enjoy every minute of it
The long nights studying, hours spent in the classroom, energy invested in your future—it all led here. Soak it in with the people who helped get you through it.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Check your LUC.edu email address for reminders leading up to Commencement Week. Find resources and answers to frequently asked questions on the Commencement website.
