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Q: What is the Unified Commencement Ceremony?

A: The Unified Commencement Ceremony honors the graduates 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 keynote address from James Carville and Mary Matalin, the conferral of degrees and hear live jazz.

Recent keynote speakers include President George H. W. Bush, President William J. Clinton and NBC news anchor Brian Williams.


Q: When do graduates receive their diplomas?

A: Diploma ceremonies follow the Unified Commencement Ceremony on May 17.  Undergraduates will receive their diplomas at the Undergraduate Diploma Ceremony in the Superdome. Graduate and professional students in the schools of Architecture, Business, Law, Medicine and Public Health and Tropical Medicine will attend separate diploma ceremonies on the uptown campus.  It is at the diploma ceremonies that a graduate's name will be called and he or she will walk across the stage.

Following the Unified Ceremony, graduate students in the schools of Continuing Studies, Liberal Arts, Medicine - Biomedical Sciences, Science and Engineering and Social Work will pick up their diplomas backstage at the Superdome.


Q: Are tickets required to Commencement?

A: Yes, tickets are required to the Unified Commencement Ceremony. Information on distribution of tickets is available here. Each graduating student will be allotted 11 tickets to the unified ceremony, one of which the student will need to use to enter the Superdome.


Q: Are tickets required to Wave Goodbye?

A: Yes, tickets are required. Each graduate can receive a maximum of seven tickets, one of which the student will need to use to enter the party. Information on distribution of tickets is available here.


Q: What is Grad Fest?  When is it?

A: Grad Fest was held on Thursday, March 6, and Friday, March 7, in the LBC for students to order their academic regalia.
 

Q: I missed Grad Fest.  What can I do?

A: For academic regalia and diploma frames, visit the Tulane Bookstore on the first floor of the Lavin-Bernick Center or call them at 504-865-5913. For the Tulane ring and customized graduation announcements, visit www.balfour.com immediately.  Rings and announcements require an eight-week turnaround.


Q: How early may guests arrive for Commencement?

A: The doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Guests should enter through gate G (plaza level, Claiborne Ave. / West Stadium Dr.).


Q: What about parking?

A. There will be plenty of parking available at the unified ceremony. For $8 you can park at the Superdome.

Also, graduates and their families may utilize the free shuttle service from Tulane's uptown campus.


Q: When do the graduates need to arrive?

A: Graduates must arrive no later than 8 a.m. Undergraduates should enter through gate C (plaza level, LaSalle St.). Graduate and professional students enter through the South Gate loading dock at street level (Girod St., just across from the New Orleans Arena).

Allow extra time to find a place to park and to get to your robing location. Someone from your school will be in the room to help you robe. 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.)


Q: When do the faculty need to arrive?

A: Faculty robing is at 8:15 a.m. Faculty should enter through gate A (ground level, Poydras St.) and proceed up the escalators to the Mezzanine Room.


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, no later than 9:30 a.m.
 

Q: How long will the unified ceremony last?

A: About 90 minutes.


Q: What about attendees who are physically challenged?

A: Attendees with physical challenges must enter 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.

Also handicapped-accessible shuttle service will be available.