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FAQs

Q: What is the Unified Commencement Ceremony?

A: The Unified Commencement Ceremony honors the graduating students from all of the university's schools and colleges. It features the pomp and circumstance expected of a traditional Commencement celebration but with a New Orleans twist. At this ceremony you can expect to see the procession of graduates and faculty, the conferral of degrees and hear live jazz.

Recent keynote speakers include President George H. W. Bush, President William J. Clinton, NBC news anchor Brian Williams, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin, Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper and Thomas Friedman.

Tickets are not required.

Q: When do graduates receive their diplomas?

A: Diploma ceremonies follow the Unified Commencement Ceremony on May 19.

Undergraduates from the Newcomb-Tulane College will receive their diplomas at the Newcomb-Tulane College Diploma Ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Graduate and professional students plus all graduates from the School of Continuing Studies will attend separate diploma ceremonies. It is at the diploma ceremonies that a graduate's name will be called and he or she will walk across the stage.

Click the "2012 Schedule" link under "Main Menu" for specific information.

Q: How long will the unified ceremony last?

A: About 90 minutes.

Q: How early may guests arrive for Commencement?

A: The doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

Q: When do things start?

A: Live music starts at 8:30 a.m. The colorful academic procession starts at 9 a.m. and the stage ceremony at the conclusion of the procession, by about 9:30 a.m.

Q: When do the students need to arrive?

A: Students should arrive no later than 8 a.m. The Superdome will conduct bag checks on all guests so please plan your arrival time accordingly.

Allow extra time to find a place to park, go through security and get to your robing location. All personal items must be left with your parents or guests. Tulane University will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. (The Bookstore will have a station in the robing area with extra caps, gowns, etc., in case of any problems.) Visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome page for more information on parking and entrances.

For more information on what to expect at Commencement, review the important information for graduates.

Q: On what side do students wear the tassel?

A: The graduation cap tassel starts out on the right side (over the right eye) before the ceremony and the tassel is moved to the left side (over the left eye) as soon as the graduate crosses the stage and descends the stairs.

Q: When do the faculty need to arrive?

A: Faculty robing is at 8:15 a.m. in the Crown Royal Black Premium Bunker Lounge. The Superdome will conduct bag checks on all guests so please plan your arrival time accordingly. Faculty participating in Commencement may request Wave Goodbye tickets and/or a Superdome parking pass here.

Q: What about parking at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome? Is there a shuttle from the uptown campus?

A: You can park at the Superdome for $10 (cash only). If you plan to leave the Superdome after the Unified Commencement Ceremony and return for the Newcomb-Tulane College Diploma Ceremony, you must ask the parking garage attendant for a re-entry receipt when you pay to park the first time. If you do not ask for a re-entry receipt you will be charged to park at the second ceremony.

There will also be free shuttle service from Tulane's uptown campus.

Q: What is Wave Goodbye?

A: Wave Goodbye is an annual party given by President and Mrs. Cowen featuring Louisiana food and music. Graduates from all schools and their guests are invited to the party on Friday, May 18, 6-8 p.m. on the Gibson Quad on the uptown campus.

New Orleans music by Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show will highlight the event.

Q: Are tickets required to Wave Goodbye?

A: Yes, tickets for graduates can be accessed here. Each graduating student can receive a maximum of seven tickets, one of which the student will need to use to enter the party. Children 10 years and younger will not need tickets.

Faculty members participating in commencement exercises are allotted two tickets each. Participating faculty can request tickets here.

Q: What is GradFest? 

A: GradFest is held in the spring for students to order their academic regalia, announcements, cap-and-gown pictures, etc. GradFest was in the Lavin-Bernick Center's Qatar Ballroomon March 6 and 7. Visit the GradFest website for more information.

Q: What about attendees who are physically challenged?

A: Guests with physical challenges should enter the Superdome through gate A (Poydras St.) on the ground level. This entrance is a covered drop-off area for disabled access. Wheelchairs will be available for transportation to and from handicapped seating; however, for those who wish to have a wheelchair with them at all times, it will be necessary to bring one with you. Handicapped-accessible shuttle service will be available.