Frequently Asked Questions

These events celebrating the Class of 2027 will all be held in Reitz Arena on Loyola’s Evergreen campus. 
 
Baccalaureate Mass 
 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2027  
 
 Commencement Exercises for Students Receiving Psy.D. and Master’s Degrees  
 Evening, Friday, May 14, 2027  
 
Commencement Exercises for Students Receiving Bachelor’s Degrees in the Natural and  Applied Sciences and Humanities  
 Morning, Saturday, May 15, 2027  
 
Commencement Exercises for Students Receiving Bachelor’s Degrees in the Social   Sciences and in the School of Education 
 Midday, Saturday, May 15, 2027  
 
 Commencement Exercises for Students Receiving Bachelor’s Degrees in the Sellinger  School of Business and Management 
 Late afternoon, Saturday, May 15, 2027 
 
The undergraduate ceremony times we are currently considering are 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 4 p.m. Each ceremony is predicted to last about 90 minutes. These times are still being finalized, and we will share the confirmed schedule as soon as it is available. 

The ceremony groups were developed with the goal of creating relatively equal and balanced numbers of students in each ceremony while also keeping academic programs together. 

No. Ceremony assignments are based on academic field of study and the University's ability to organize the ceremonies in a way that maximizes the number of guests for each student. We know that being with friends is an important part of the Commencement experience, and we are planning the annual series of graduation-related events so the entire senior class can celebrate together throughout Commencement week. 

We understand that some students will have family members or close friends graduating in a different ceremony. Regardless of which ceremony you participate in, there will be opportunities throughout the day and across campus for graduates, friends, and families to celebrate together. 

Students with double majors or interdisciplinary academic programs that will be celebrated in two of the ceremonies will have an opportunity to indicate which ceremony they would prefer to attend. More information about this process will be shared directly with eligible students. 

The number of tickets will depend on the final number of graduates and the capacity of each ceremony. For example, if approximately 300 students participate in a ceremony, we anticipate that each graduate could receive six tickets for guests. We are waiting for a clearer picture of the graduating class size before finalizing ticket allocations. If you have not yet completed your application for graduation, please do so. Knowing how many students will participate is an important part of determining ticket availability. 

We will use a process similar to that used each year for Baccalaureate Mass ticket requests. Students will be able to submit a request for additional tickets, and we will distribute additional tickets as equitably as possible based on availability and demand. We anticipate that the additional ticket request form will be available in February around the same time we typically share information about Baccalaureate Mass tickets, cap and gown ordering, and other Commencement details. 

If you don’t plan to use all your tickets, we will ask you to turn those tickets back in so they can be distributed equitably to others. 

The Baccalaureate Mass and the Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for guests who cannot attend in person. The link to the livestreams will be added to the Commencement website before the event. 

Graduates may still invite their families and friends to campus even if everyone is not able to have a ticket to the ceremony. We are planning hospitality and viewing opportunities on campus so that guests without tickets can still be part of the celebration. We are exploring spaces such as McManus Theatre and other locations where families and guests can watch the ceremonies together. We want campus to feel lively and festive throughout the day. 

We know how important it is for students to experience this milestone together. We are planning opportunities throughout the day on Saturday, May 15, and the entire week for the senior class to gather and celebrate. The goal is for Commencement to feel like a celebration of the Class of 2027 across the Evergreen campus. 
 
Commencement will also be part of a full week of senior activities, including events we hold every year such as the Senior Toast, Senior BBQ, and Senior Soirée. 
 

We will create an experience that is currently being called Commencement Village, where students, families, friends, faculty, staff, administrators, and classmates can gather throughout the day. Plans may include a tent, music, places to watch the ceremony, photo opportunities, and other activities. We will be looking to students for input on what they would like to see and experience as part of this celebration. 

If you have ideas or feedback, please reach out to SGA, or look for their announcements about Commencement planning and ways to get involved. 

We are committed to making Commencement accessible to all graduates and guests. Reitz Arena has approximately 2,000 seats, including floor-level seating that can accommodate guests with mobility needs. This will provide significantly more accessible seating options and greater support for guests than the previous venue. 
 
A request form will be available for graduates and guests who need disability-related accommodations. At minimum, we anticipate that an individual needing accessible seating will be able to have at least one companion seated with them. 
 
More information about accommodations and the request process will be shared as plans are finalized. 

Loyola has grown significantly, and the size and format of our Commencement must grow with us. After much research and consideration of different options and venues, we determined that bringing Commencement to the Evergreen campus and holding multiple ceremonies would allow us to create a more personal and manageable experience for graduates and their families. This format is similar to how many colleges and universities of Loyola's size conduct Commencement. 

Yes. Loyola will use a name-reading system that allows each graduate to review and approve the pronunciation of their name before Commencement. Each graduate’s name, degree, and applicable Latin honors will also appear on screen at Commencement on the livestream.  

Latin Honors for undergraduates are determined by final grades. Please refer to the Academic Advising and Support Center for additional information. Latin Honors do not apply to advanced degrees. 

Yes. Each ceremony will have speakers, including the president. 
 

Moderators for honor societies and organizations handle the distribution of cords, stoles, and pins. No cords are provided for Latin honors. Please reach out to moderators for additional information. 

The Special Awards Ceremony recognizes undergraduates for academic, community service, athletic, and departmental achievement. These awards are determined by final grades and invitations to this event are sent out the week of Commencement. 

Please visit the Registrar’s website for detailed instructions