Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2025 Commencement Ceremony?

The Class of 2025 commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. at the Baylor University Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas.

Ferrell Center:

10900 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, Texas 76706

When do graduates need to arrive?

Graduates must check in at 12:30 p.m. CT at the Baylor University Ferrell Center (10900 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, Texas 76706) with our Academics team. Staff will guide you to the check-in table. Graduates should enter the Ferrell Center at the entrance to the left of the Jack Whetsel Practice Facility, adjacent to the Ticket Office.

Please do not enter the building wearing your cap and gown. Students must carry their caps and gowns to go through security.

How early can guests arrive?

Doors will open to guests at 1 p.m. CT.

• Review the Clear Bag Policy.

• No balloons or flowers are allowed in the facility.

• No airhorns allowed.

• No outside food allowed.

What are the Security Measures and Clear Bag Policy?

Baylor University has implemented the clear bag policy for commencement ceremonies at the Ferrell Center. All graduates, staff, and guests must walk through metal detectors in order to enter the building.

Under this policy,  staff, students and guests may carry:

• One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches or a one-gallon, re-sealable plastic freezer bag when they enter the Ferrell Center.

• Small clutches approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, measuring no larger than 4½ inches by 6½ inches, are also permitted.

• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary bags or equipment, which will be inspected upon entry to the Ferrell Center.

Students must carry their caps and gowns to go through security.

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

How do I get to the Ferrell Center?
The Ferrell Center, the location of graduation ceremonies, is on the corner of S. University Parks Dr. and LaSalle Ave. on the Baylor campus. The physical address is 1900 S. University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76706.

Where do I park at the Ferrell Center?

Parking is free for students and guests, but we encourage families to carpool.

• The parking lot at Ferrell Center is accessible from both University Parks Dr. and LaSalle Ave.

• Parking for handicap or physically impaired individuals is accessible from the Daughtrey Street entrance off S. University Parks Dr.

• A circular drive located at the main entrance to Ferrell Center is available for those wishing to drop off guests.

• Those with guests with limited mobility should ask a parking attendant for curbside drop-off before parking.

Parking instructions for graduates and guests:

• Lot A – Handicap Accessibility

• Lot C – General Parking

• Lot D – General Parking

What are the prohibited items and behavior?

For the safety of our guests and employees, the following are prohibited:

• Signs and posters

• Flags

• Animals*

• Artificial noisemakers ( airhorns, cow bells, whistles)

• Backpacks

• Balloons of any type

• Confetti, streamers and poppers

• Banners and poles

• Diaper bags

• Fatheads, posters, or signs

• Video cameras, camera lenses larger than 4 inches, tripods, and monopods

• Chairbacks and cushions

• Outside food and beverage 

• Scooters, strollers, bicycles, roller skates and skateboards

• Tobacco

• Umbrellas

• Weapons, firearms, and fireworks

• Abusive, foul, or disruptive behavior

• Actions deemed dangerous or inappropriate

• Smoking - traditional and non-traditional

• Throwing objects

• Trespassing, soliciting, peddling, and loitering

• Any other item that is an issue by the event staff.

*Exceptions will be made for those with service animals.

What do I wear to the graduation ceremony?

Graduates should wear nice attire under their robes. We ask that students dress in their “Sunday best” attire. 

• Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and standing. Please note that there are stairs leading into the ceremony, entrance, and exit from the stage. We advise against tall heels.

• Caps should be worn with the top flat rather than slanted, with tassels on the right side of the cap during the ceremony.

• Graduates may decorate their caps. All decorations must be flat and should not extend above 1 inch in height. Graduates will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony if decorations do not meet the guidelines or the decorations are deemed inappropriate or offensive. 

• If you bring an inappropriate item, you will be asked to remove it before the ceremony. 

How do I prepare before the ceremony?

• Graduates should obtain caps, gowns as directed by Ms. Nadeau prior to the ceremony and wear these items to the ceremony. Do not enter the building wearing your gown; you must go through security first.

• Graduates should secure valuables before the ceremony begins. Graduates should not carry purses or other objects. Waiting for family members can delay your attendance at the venue.

• Cords will be distributed to eligible students at the check-in table.

How do I order a cap and gown?

The official window to order from our vendor has closed. Graduates may purchase their black cap and gown through Amazon and must purchase their tassel online. 

How many guests can I bring to the graduation ceremony?

Please adhere to the number of guests that you included in your RSVP to Ms. Nadeau. If you are unsure, contact Ms. Nadeau.

• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are NOT required for seating.

• Allow sufficient time to park, proceed through security, and be seated.

• If your guests require accommodations, plan to arrive early to avoid the heavy crowds in the parking areas and along the concourse.

• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available inside the arena. Companion seating is located in the rows in front of these areas. Event staff will be available to assist with directions.

Are tickets required to enter the Ferrell Center?

No, tickets will not be distributed to guests, staff, or students. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are NOT required for seating.

Will there be a photographer at graduation?

No, no official photographs will be taken. Staff may take generic photos of the crowd and students for our social media.

Where can I take pictures after the graduation ceremony?

You are welcome to take photos outside the Ferrell Center, but please be aware of your surroundings and traffic. Families may also take photos at the Baylor University campus.

How will I receive my diploma?

Graduates who attend the ceremony will receive a diploma cover during the event. Official diplomas will be mailed to all students in mid-June. Please complete our diploma form to confirm your address and ensure your information is correct.

Can I bring my child/sibling/family member with me to cross the stage?

No, due to safety guidelines from the venue, only graduates will be allowed on the venue floor and stage. 

Can I leave once my name is called and I have crossed the stage?

No, students must remain on the floor until the end of the ceremony. Be respectful of your classmates and help us provide a dignified ceremony for our families. 

• After you receive your diploma cover, please follow the staff and return to your seat on the floor. Do not stop for photos or leave to visit family.

What is the guest etiquette for the commencement ceremony?

Let’s have a memorable experience at our commencement ceremony! To provide a safe and secure venue for our families, we ask our guests to follow our commencement ceremony etiquette:

• Arrive on time.

• Guests are asked to maintain the dignity of this ceremony.

• We understand your enthusiasm; however, to ensure that everyone can hear the names of the degree candidates as they are presented on stage, guests must refrain from loud, disruptive cheering, air horns, or stomping.

• The use of any noise-making device is not allowed.

• If bringing young children, please keep in mind that the Ferrell Center does not allow strollers.

• Remain in the auditorium through the full ceremony. As a courtesy to and out of respect for your fellow graduates, you and your family are requested to remain in the auditorium until the conclusion of the ceremony.

• Please refrain from taking pictures until after your graduate receives their diploma. This will allow the ceremony to flow smoothly and reduce the distractions and disturbances to other audience members as they try to see and hear ongoing presentations.

What is the order of the commencement ceremony?

1. Graduates will be led from their lines into the ceremony by staff. The procession order will be stage party/staff, then graduates. Please note that students are not in alphabetical order.

2. Once all the graduates arrive at their seats, the principal will ask everyone to be seated. She will ask everyone to stand for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. After the Pledge of Allegiance, you can take your seat, and caps should be put back on. We will proceed according to the program.

3.  At the appropriate time, you will be directed to stand for the certification.

4. The graduates will be certified and will be seated.

5. The graduates will be directed to come to the stage, and a staff member will be there to direct rows to the stage, one row at a time.

6. Graduates will bring their name card to the stage and will receive their diploma cover from a staff member. A staff member will be there to prompt each row to come to the stage. If you forget your name card, please don’t turn around. Just notify staff close to the stage as soon as possible.

7. The name card will be given to the presenter at the entrance of the stage.

8. Once at the stage, our announcer will read your name. You will proceed across the stage:

   1. Shake hands with the principal and other prominent guests.

   2. Exit the stage and return to your row.

   3. Return to your seat, a staff member will also be there to assist.

9. The ceremony will be completed as listed in the program.

10. The stage party will exit the stage. Staff members will lead graduates to exit the floor to the concourse area. Finally, the staff will exit. Guests will remain seated until all three areas have exited.