Commencement FAQs

Are tickets required? Do I need to register myself and my guests for Commencement Week/Weekend?
Baccalaureate | Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m.
No tickets are required for Baccalaureate, but seating is extremely limited in All Saints' Chapel. Please arrive early and allow ample time to park and walk to the chapel. Your graduate will process in and will sit with classmates. Baccalaureate is a church service to honor the graduates, and a formal address is delivered at this service. Guests may watch the live-stream from their devices and Guerry Auditorium will be open for additional guest seating.

Commencement | Sunday, May 10 at 10 a.m.
There are no tickets for Commencement and there is no limit on the number of guests who may attend. All guests will watch via live-stream, as only students are permitted to enter the chapel. We will set up approximately 2,500–3,000 chairs on the Quad, and Guerry Auditorium and McClurg Dining Hall will also be open and equipped with the live-stream. We anticipate having ample seating for all guests.

What if it rains?
The Commencement ceremony in All Saints' Chapel will take place rain or shine! If it rains, we have a number of indoor locations where you can watch the live-stream of the ceremony, but we ask that you plan accordingly.

What's the process for ordering lunch tickets from McClurg on Saturday and Sunday?
If you would like to buy tickets for the lunch at McClurg following Baccalaureate, or the picnic box lunch following Commencement, we strongly recommend purchasing those in advance.

Do I need to purchase lunch tickets for my student?
Yes, McClurg will close on the last day of exams, Thursday, May 7, at 2 p.m. The meal plan ends with the academic year so we recommend purchasing lunch tickets for your family, including your student, for these two events.

Is there a charge to attend the All-Campus Celebration on Saturday, May 9, from 7-9 p.m.?
No, this event is free of charge for families of graduating seniors.

What is appropriate attire for the weekend?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. You’ll see everything from shorts to suits. Baccalaureate is essentially a church service, so many women choose the equivalent of a Sunday dress. We also recommend avoiding pointy heels, as you’ll be walking on grass.

What should I do if a member of my family has accessibility or mobility needs?
Please let us know if a member of your family is hearing impaired, has mobility issues, or needs any kind of special accommodations. There is handicapped parking available.

Where can I order my gown, class ring, and graduation announcements?
The gown your student will wear for graduation is the gown they have earned throughout their time at Sewanee. Once comped, all students will have earned their gown. If you need a gown, one can be purchased at the University Bookstore or can be borrowed from the gown library. Sewanee graduates do not wear caps.

Graduation announcements can be ordered using this link. Each box of 10 announcements is $40 if your student picks them up on campus and $50 if you prefer that we mail them to you. You can order your class ring directly through Jostens using this link.

Will there by a photographer?
Professional photographers have been contracted to take two photos of each graduate receiving their diploma in the chapel. Information will be sent to you after the weekend with details on how to access these photos.

What should I make sure NOT to miss?
The Class of 2026 All-Campus Celebration on Spencer Quad, Saturday night from 7-9 p.m., is a must-do! We'll have a full dinner, drinks, fireworks, and live music from Entice (a Sewanee favorite!). This is a great way to meet and mingle with your student's friends, their families, and members of the faculty and staff.

You'll also want to be present at the end of Commencement on Sunday, May 10—when the service is over, graduates will leave All Saints' and walk through a lineup of cheering faculty members. It's always meaningful to see faculty applauding the students they've watched grow and learn over four years. Viewing is best on the Quad near University Avenue, but make sure you leave room for the faculty to line the sidewalks. (Also, note that Commencement doesn't end immediately after diplomas are awarded! The program includes a charge to the graduates, the Vice-Chancellor's remarks, and the signing of Sewanee's Alma Mater.)