Commencement: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the official academic conferring/awarding of degrees earned. It is not the ceremony. Dominican confers degrees five times each year.
Commencement is the ceremony celebrating the completion of degree programs. Dominican holds only one commencement, in Spring, to which students from all five conferral dates are invited to participate.
Participation in a Commencement ceremony does not represent satisfactory completion of all degree requirements. Students do not receive an official diploma or have access to their official transcript signifying graduation, until all course requirements have been fulfilled.
For more information regarding academic requirements or questions, contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@dom.edu.
When is Commencement?
The Spring Commencement Ceremony takes place in May. Please check back for more information.
How many tickets do graduating students receive for the ceremony?
The number of available tickets depends on the number of graduates in the ceremony. We anticipate that each student participating in Commencement will receive six (6) tickets for their respective ceremony, Undergraduate or Graduate.
Admission to commencement is by ticket only for all guests (including babies/children). Graduates do not need a ticket. Only graduates participating in the Commencement Ceremony receive tickets for guests. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open one hour before the ceremony.
Seating is general admission (first come, first served)
Tickets will be available for pick up in the DUPAC box office starting on April 9th. If available, leftover tickets will be distributed by lottery about two weeks ahead of the ceremony date. A QR code to the lottery sign up will be included with your tickets.
Is there a Commencement rehearsal?
There will be no Commencement rehearsal. Additional information will also be posted on the website.
Where do graduating students meet before Commencement?
An information sheet will be provided in your ticket envelope with instructions.
Is there a photographer the day of Commencement?
Yes, a photographer will be on site for Commencement Weekend. Graduates will have an opportunity to pre-register on the Grad Images website to save up to 20%. The link will be posted during the spring semester. Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.
Is the ceremony streamed live?
The Baccalaureate Mass and the Candle and Rose Ceremony are streamed live in English. The Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement Ceremonies will be streamed live in English and with Spanish subtitles. Visit the Commencement Livestream page.
How do graduating students order Commencement regalia (cap and gown)?
All graduating students participating in the Commencement or Candle & Rose ceremonies must wear regalia. Please check your Countdown to Commencement Canvas course for ordering information.
Where do I get my honors cords?
Honors cords may be worn for designation of membership or achievement. Check with your organization or department for honors cord guidelines.
**There are no cords for Latin Honors.
What should graduating students wear to Commencement?
Undergraduate students should bring cap, tassel, gown and honors cords. Graduate students should bring cap, tassel, gown and hood. All other items should be left with family or in your vehicle.
Attire should be business appropriate (i.e., no jeans, flip-flops, shorts etc.). We want to make sure that you look your best when you walk across the stage. Please leave your purses or any other items with family members so you do not carry them as you process.
What do graduating students do with the cap and gown after the ceremony?
The regalia is the "keepsake" variety—graduates do not need to return regalia after the commencement ceremonies. The regalia is yours to keep.
Where can graduating students order graduation announcements?
You can purchase printed announcements through Herff Jones.
How do graduating students order a class ring?
You can purchase an official Dominican ring or university jewelry from Herff Jones.
Where do I park at the Rosemont Theatre?
Each student participating in Commencement will receive one (1) parking pass for the Rosemont Theatre parking lot. Only parking pass holders will be able to park in this lot. This parking pass may be given to a guest. Please carefully consider who should use this guaranteed, free parking spot at the venue. Carpooling is recommended.
Ample paid parking is available in garages around the Rosemont area. A map of the area is located on the Rosemont Theatre’s website. Please note the parking fee information on Rosemont’s web page is for concerts and not valid for Dominican’s private event. Allow extra time for walking to the Theatre.
Undergraduate Ceremony Note: Cars parked in the Rosemont Theatre lot must be moved when the undergraduate ceremony is over to accommodate attendees for the Graduate ceremony later in the day.
Will flowers be available at the Rosemont Theatre?
Yes, a limited number of bouquets and gift items will be available for purchase before the ceremonies.
What can I bring to the ceremony?
Please bring your tickets and enthusiasm for your amazing student.
Items NOT allowed include: large signs, balloons, tripods or other bulky photography equipment, noisemakers, laser pointers, pets (working service animals welcome), and bags larger than a backpack. When in doubt, please leave it at home or in your car. Items cannot be held at the door.
Have a question not answered here? Please send an email to DUGraduation@dom.edu.