Participant Information

Tickets

Every graduate will receive 9 tickets for guests and 1 ticket for her/himself during the Commencement Ticket Distribution Period (see "Ticket Pick Up Instructions").  All tickets must be picked up by the Graduate with a photo ID.  Please continue to check your Mount St. Mary's email account for your ticket pick-up location.  There will NOT be any additional tickets sold after the ticket distribution period.

*A guest is considered any person over 2 years old.  Babies less than two years old will need to be seated on an adult's lap. No strollers will be allowed into the amphitheater.

Cap and Gown, Regalia

All graduates and those receiving certificates must wear a graduation gown and cap.  These can be ordered at your home campus bookstore, at one of the ordering events, or online via the Josten's Website.  They should be ordered by February to avoid late charges.  Graduation protocol says that NO ORNAMENTATION may be worn on academic attire.  Caps are not to be decorated; flowers, leis, stoles, or outer jewelry are NOT to be worn during the ceremony, only President's Awards and Academic Honors Cords given at Mary's Day or Laurel Day.  All must comply.  Inappropriate items will be removed prior to procession. If you already have a black graduation gown and cap, you may purchase the academic hood and tassel separately.  Please see the "Commencement Regalia" section for more information on appropriate Commencement attire.

Honor Cords

Undergraduate students graduating with honors will be invited to either Laurel Day (Doheny), Mary's Day (Chalon), or the Weekend College Reception where they will receive their honor cords.  If you are not able to attend the event, you may speak with your Academic Dean to receive the cords.

Map of Venue and Parking

Please visit the Gibson Amphitheatre's Official Site for driving directions and parking information, including parking fees. Mount St. Mary's College does not reimburse for parking at Universal CityWalk.

Diploma and Participation

Official college diplomas will be mailed to the graduates about six weeks after Commencement.  Be sure that the Registrar's Office has your current mailing address.  Students with an outstanding debt to the College will not receive their transcripts or diploma until their account is paid in full.

Assembly of Graduates

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU LINE UP ON TIME AS THERE WILL BE NO REHEARSAL! 

Graduates are asked to arrive at the Gibson Amphitheater by 1:30 PM in order to be processed in, fill out graduation information, complete a short survey, and assemble in the line up area by the appropriate major.  Coming later than this time may keep you from processing in with your class. 

Graduates are to use their BLUE ticket to get into the Gibson Amphitheater and follow the signs to the "Graduate Gathering Area."  Only graduates will be allowed in this area.

DO NOT bring purses, backpacks, or other items to carry  to the line up area.  You will process in to the Amphitheater from this area and NOT have the opportunity to hand off any items to your family.  Graduates will not return to this area.  Do not leave anything there. Graduates should come dressed properly for Commencement (cap, gown, and hood). Please follow the directions of the Mount St. Mary's staff in regards to proper line up procedures.  Do not wear anything except the approved commencement attire or you will not be able to cross the stage.

What you need for Commencement

Commencement Photos

Professional photographers from GradImages^TM will be taking candid pictures of the graduates at their special moment of recognition.  Within 72 hours of Commencement, graduates will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card.  After the ceremony, you may order online at www.gradimages.com or by calling (800) 261-2576.

Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.

Alumnae Association

Once you graduate from Mount St. Mary's College, you are automatically a member of the Alumnae Association.  Please visit their website for benefits you receive as a Mount Graduate.

Class Rings, Announcements, Cap and Gown Ordering

Mount St. Mary's College graduates wear black graduation gowns with black caps and an academic hood during the Commencement Ceremony. Announcements, class rings, and cap and gown sets are ordered through Jostens. Representatives from Jostens will be on campus on various dates through the semester.  However, you can visit The Jostens Website to order these items online. Be sure to include your type of degree (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S., etc.) on the ordering form, so the proper hood is ordered. If you are unsure as to what type of degree you are receiving, please check with your departmental head or academic dean.

*This website will be continually updated as more information becomes available.
For additional questions please email commencement@msmc.la.edu *