December ceremony
ÎÞÂëרÇø December Commencement Weekend
We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2025 with students, families, faculty and friends. Commencement Weekend honors ÎÞÂëרÇø’s proud traditions while marking the beginning of life as alumni.
Commencement Weekend at a glance
Rotunda Recessional
Friday, December 19, 2025, at 5 p.m.Main Quadrangle and Dallas Hall
December Commencement
Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10 a.m.Moody Coliseum
About the traditions
Rotunda Recessional: One of ÎÞÂëרÇø’s most symbolic traditions. Students who entered through Dallas Hall during the Rotunda Processional as new undergraduates now march out through the front doors of Dallas Hall, led by faculty and alumni marshals, symbolizing their departure from campus and their welcome into the alumni family.
All-University Commencement: Brings together degree candidates from all schools and programs. The Commencement speaker will share remarks and offer their congratulations to our newest class of graduates, and the University president will confer degrees. The ceremony concludes with the playing of Varsity and a prayer for the new alumni.
Ceremony details
Rotunda Recessional
Arrival and regalia: Undergraduates arrive by 4:45 p.m. at the Flagpole in the Main Quadrangle in full regalia. No RSVP is needed.
December Commencement
Arrival: Candidate lineup begins at 9 a.m. in Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. Graduates must be in line by 9:40 a.m. Please arrive early for security and traffic; doors will close promptly at the start.
Regalia: Wear full ÎÞÂëרÇø regalia. Additional adornments and decorated mortarboards are welcome. Students without regalia will be directed to the bookstore. Learn more about regalia.
Tickets: Required for all candidates. To claim tickets, you must declare your intention to participate in the ceremony. Learn more about tickets.
Security: Leave bags, purses, coats and other personal belongings at home or in your car. Cell phones should be silenced. Learn more about prohibited items.
Contact: Alex Leever, director for ceremonies, 214-768-6477, ceremonies@smu.edu
Rotunda Recessional
- Watch the candidates walk to Dallas Hall from the Flagpole in the Main Quadrangle.
- No RSVP is needed.
- Parking is available in the Airline and Daniel parking centers.
December Commencement
- Tickets are required for all guests.
- Security screening is in place.
- Livestream option for those unable to attend in person.
- Simulcast available.
Contact: Alex Leever, director for ceremonies, 214-768-6477, ceremonies@smu.edu
December breakfast
Prior to the ceremony, there will be a faculty breakfast beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the Miller Champions Club in the Miller Event Center, directly inside the entrance to the coliseum on Binkley Avenue. If you want to attend the breakfast, please RSVP by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 4 p.m.
December Commencement
- RSVP is required. Invitation to follow.
- Assemble in academic dress no later than 9:45 a.m. (security screening required). Event staff will provide directions.
- Faculty marshal will line up participants at 10:10 a.m.; procession follows immediately after.
- Faculty remain standing until President Jay Hartzell is seated and follow his lead for mortarboard removal.
- At the close of the ceremony, faculty recess after the Platform Party, led by the marshal.
Contact: Alex Leever, director for ceremonies, 214-768-6477, ceremonies@smu.edu
Degree recognition ceremonies
The academic school or departmental ceremony is an opportunity for each program to celebrate as a cohort group and honor each graduate as they walk across the stage. Contact your school or department for more information.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Moody Doctoral Hooding Ceremony: 5 p.m. | Frances Anne Moody Hall, 6404 Airline Road
- Tickets required (up to four tickets per doctoral candidate in Dedman, Lyle, Meadows, Simmons and Perkins)
- Contact: Alan Itkin, 214-768-4202, aitkin@smu.edu
Featured speaker
Brady Wood ’90 is a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of WoodHouse, a creative concept development firm. As an undergraduate at ÎÞÂëרÇø, he co-founded The Rhythm Room and The Green Elephant, sparking a successful career launching and leading diverse start-up and institutional ventures that leave a lasting cultural impact.
