Graduation Festivities

St. Edward's has worked with a hotel near campus to offer discounted hotel rates for our commencement guests. These rates are guaranteed for commencement weekend, December 8-11, 2022. 

*It’s important to confirm the dates are correct when using the booking links, as they might not default to commencement weekend dates when the link is opened.

Austin Southpark Hotel
Book your corporate rate for St. Edward's University.
Discount applied to any size room available.

Where is commencement located?
St. Edward's University
3001 South Congress
Austin, Texas 78704-6489

What time will doors open?
Doors will open at 2:00 p.m.

How long is commencement? 
The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours.

All bags entering the RAC will be searched?
We have a select number of prohibited items that CANNOT enter the facility. These items include but are not limited to:

• firearms
• knives
• weapons and objects that may be used as weapons (i.e. bats, rocks, brooms)
• laser pointers
• air horns
• noisemakers
• umbrellas larger than 12 inches
• laptop computers
• wrapped gifts
• confetti, streamers
• banners or signs larger than 22” x 28” in size, see Banners, Signs & Noisemakers section for full details
• outside food and beverage
• cans, bottles, alcohol, and coolers
• professional cameras (detachable lenses), visit the Camera & Recording Devices section for exceptions
• video recording devices (i.e. GoPro), approved and credentialed media excluded
• tripods and camera stands of any size or dimension (including selfie-sticks), approved and credentialed media excluded
• cowbells larger than 8” in length
• explosives or explosive devices including, but not limited to, fireworks, poppers, cap guns
• alcoholic beverages
• helium balloons, and inflatable balls
• illicit/illegal drugs

Is video or drone equipment allowed to be used during the ceremonies?
Video cameras, tripods/camera stands, and drones are not permitted inside, this includes but is not limited to GoPros & selfie-sticks.

Are strollers allowed inside the seating area?
Strollers are not permitted inside the seating area at any time. If necessary, strollers may be left in the lobby.

What should I bring to Commencement? What should I leave at home?
Graduates please come in your regalia, leave as much as possible with family and friends. Air horns, whistles, rattlers, cowbells or any other item that would distract from the ceremony are prohibited. Please refrain from the use of confetti both in buildings and on the campus grounds.

What is the university doing to accommodate ADA requests for graduates and guests? Graduates that may need assistance crossing the stage or guests attending the ceremony should contact commencement@stedwards.edu prior to the ceremony for accommodations.

How is the university keeping me and my guests healthy and safe? Are Topper Safe screenings required for this event?
Travis County is currently at a Low COVID Community Level, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Topper Safe screenings are currently not required for this event. 

Are face coverings required?
Face coverings are optional.

Where can I purchase my cap and gown?
Cap & Gowns can be purchased at the Campus Bookstore. They will be available for purchase in-store on Nov. 1.

Do I need guest tickets for Bacc Mass? If so, how many tickets will I be given? 
No ticket is necessary.

Will a photographer be available? Am I able to purchase photos of myself walking across the stage? 
Every student will be photographed twice during their commencement ceremony. Flash Photography will email students 1-2 weeks before the event to provide pricing details. 

Free proofs will be mailed and emailed within a week of the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography 

Can guests purchase celebratory gifts (flowers, etc.) for graduates on-campus? 
Be sure to visit The Commencement Group to pre-order flowers and a commemorative class t-shirt for pick-up on the day of graduation. Bouquets and shirts will also be available for purchase onsite!

How do I order graduation announcements?
Graduation announcements can be purchased through Balfour.

What date should be listed on my graduation announcements? 
Although the decision is ultimately up to the graduate, the university recommends that graduates list the official commencement date on announcements. This date is Friday, December 9, 2022.

When my name is called and I walk across the stage, what can I expect?
Graduates will receive a diploma cover and briefly pause to have their picture taken by a professional photographer.