Commencement FAQs

2026 Unified Commencement:

The Unified Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, 5:00 p.m. at the Caesars Superdome. At this special milestone ceremony, which will feature an academic procession, keynote speaker and live jazz, President Michael A. Fitts will officially confer degrees upon all Tulane University degree candidates (undergraduate, graduate and professional).

How long is the Unified Commencement Ceremony? 

The Unified Commencement Ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes. If you are considering dinner plans after the ceremony, we recommend allowing an additional 30 minutes for egress from the venue.

Will concessions be available? 

Beverages and a limited selection of snacks will be available for purchase. Free water will also be provided to graduates at various stations inside the Caesars Superdome.

Will photography be allowed during the ceremony?

Yes. However, during the ceremony, guests are not allowed on the Caesars Superdome floor for photographs or for any reason. University photographers will document the ceremony, and instructions for viewing the photos will be shared via email as well as on Tulane University social media channels and the university's Tulane Today newsletter following the ceremony.

Guests are encouraged to arrange to meet up with their graduates after the ceremony to take photographs.

What if I lose something?

Lost and Found will be located at the Gate C Guest Services booth. After the event, graduates and guests can contact the Caesars Superdome Guest Services Department at 504-587-3990.

Schedule of Events

In addition to the Unified Commencement ceremony, graduates are invited to the ceremony of the school awarding their degree. At these ceremonies, graduates’ names are called individually as they cross the stage. See the schedule of school ceremonies.

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

Yes, and those can all be found on our Livestream page.

What if I have questions regarding the individual school ceremonies?

For questions regarding individual school ceremonies and events, please contact the following:

Ticketing for Unified Commencement

Tickets will be required for everyone (graduates and guests) to enter the Caesars Superdome and student lineup areas. Graduates will receive an email in the spring from TUgrad@tulane.edu with the subject line “Register Now for the 2026 Tulane Unified Commencement Ceremony” containing instructions to register and retrieve Unified Commencement tickets via Tassel. Once graduates register, they are able to print tickets and/or send them to guests’ email addresses. 

  • Graduates will receive a separate graduate ticket from their guest tickets.
  • Each graduate will receive up to 20 guest tickets (not including the graduate’s ticket).
  • All guests 2 years and older must have their own ticket.
  • Graduates can send all tickets to the same email address(es), but the tickets will arrive in individual emails.

Will schools require tickets for their individual ceremonies?

Tickets will not be required for individual ceremonies.

Applying for Graduation

All students intending to participate in Commencement exercises must complete their application for graduation by April 8, 2026, to have their names published in the Commencement program. The graduation application link can be accessed through the student tab of the Gibson online portal. If you do not see this link, please contact your academic advisor or program director. Students will receive a confirmation email once their application has been submitted through the Gibson portal. Students can also confirm submission of their graduation application on their degree audit. Questions regarding graduation applications can be submitted through the Registrar Support portal.

What if a graduate wishes to withhold directory information from public disclosure?

If a student wishes to withhold directory information from public disclosure by selecting the confidentiality box in their Gibson account, their name will not appear in the Commencement print program or any other public reports. 

Will this affect commencement communications with family members?

Family members of students with confidential records will not receive any communications regarding commencement and graduation activities. 

What is the deadline to update the confidentiality box?

If a student would like to update their confidentiality option via Gibson student tab, they must do so by April 8, 2026.

Security

The University's Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for Unified Commencement and all other school-based diploma and hooding ceremonies. Approved bags are as follows: 

  • Clear totes or bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6".
  • Small, non-clear clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
  • Plastic, resealable storage bags no larger than one (1) gallon.

What items are prohibited inside the ceremonies (both unified and school-based)?

The following items are not allowed into any commencement-related event or student line-up areas and will be confiscated: flags, banners, signs of any size or type; alcohol; artificial noisemakers (including drums, thunder sticks, or other instruments); any type of bag not permitted by the Clear Bag Policy; contraband; containers of any kind; bottles and cans; coolers; fireworks; flammables; footballs or throwing objects; glass; laser pointers; outside food and beverages; projectiles; stadium seatback chairs with aluminum/metal; stickers; sticks; bats; poles; clubs; strollers (collapsible umbrella strollers that fit under guest’s seat are permitted); weapons (even with concealed weapons permit); drones; or any other item(s) deemed unacceptable by stadium security and Tulane University. 

  • Handheld umbrellas, including graduating students' second line umbrellas, are permitted and will be inspected upon arrival.

Sign Up for Alerts

Details about any commencement-related changes will be communicated by:

Accessibility

Tulane University is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible events, ensuring all individuals, including those with disabilities, can fully participate. Reasonable accommodations are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act with sufficient notice.

Where can guests requiring ADA parking find spaces? 

Accessible parking is available at Garage H and Level 1 of Garage 1A on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional accessible parking is located on the East and West sides of Sugar Bowl Drive. Parking is limited, so early arrival is strongly recommended.

What are the rideshare drop-off options for guests with disabilities?

Rideshare services can drop off guests at Gate A Ground on Sugar Bowl Drive, parallel to Poydras Street.

Will there be assistance available upon arrival?

Yes, Caesars Superdome and event staff will be available to assist. Wheelchairs are available upon request to transport guests to their seats. Wheelchair bays and low-mobility seating areas are distributed throughout the Caesars Superdome.

Guests using the ADA Entrance at Gate A are limited to one person to assist them with entry. They may connect with the rest of their party once inside of the Caesars Superdome. 

What seating accommodations are available?

Semi-ambulatory seating and seating with removable armrests are located on the plaza level. While seating for the entire party cannot be guaranteed, nearby first-come, first-served seating is typically available. Arriving early increases the chances of sitting close together.

Are accessible restrooms available?

Yes, accessible restrooms are located on all levels of the Superdome and on the Ground Level outside the Northeast and Northwest tunnels.

Are elevators available for guests with mobility needs?

Accessible (ADA) elevators are available by level throughout the venue. Guests can refer to the Caesars Superdome Accessibility page for details.

Will American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services be provided?

Yes, ASL interpreting services will be available. Guests requiring these services should notify a volunteer at the event. A link will also be provided to access the interpreter.

How can I get additional assistance for ADA-related concerns?

For further assistance or questions regarding ADA accessibility at the Unified Commencement Ceremony, please contact us at tugrad@tulane.edu.

Regalia

Students must wear regalia at all in-person ceremonies to participate and/or cross the stage. Regalia can be ordered via Oak Hall's Tulane portal. We recommend ordering as soon as possible to ensure that regalia arrives in time. 

What are the regalia order deadlines?

The final date for online orders (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral souvenir regalia) is April 12, 2026. Online orders will ship directly to students. Other regalia deadlines are as follows: 

  • PhD Custom set must be ordered by March 8, 2026.
  • PhD Rental set must be ordered by April 12, 2026.
  • MD Guest Hooder set must be ordered by April 12, 2026. 

What if a graduate misses their deadline?

When the online deadline passes, most regalia can be purchased in person at the Tulane Bookstore. Any in-store regalia purchases made after April 8, 2026 will incur a $30 late fee. PhD sets will be rental only on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best contact for regalia questions?

For further questions regarding regalia, please contact the Tulane Bookstore at 504-865-5913.

What is the policy for stoles and honors cords?

All graduates will be permitted to wear only those stoles or honor cords earned through University Honors, or recognized organizations officially sanctioned by the University, or by U.S. Military Veterans who attain the prescribed academic achievement to earn Veteran’s cords. Personal stoles or cords are not permitted. 

When and where will Latin honors cords be distributed?

Latin honor cords for undergraduates in the Class of 2026 will be distributed at each school’s diploma ceremony. Students will receive information from their school regarding where to check in, and cords will be distributed upon arrival.

Can graduates personalize their regalia?

Tulane encourages graduates’ personal expressions of creativity in the decoration of mortar boards or second-line umbrellas. Graduates are permitted to wear stoles and honor cords earned through University Honors, official university-recognized organizations, U.S. military service (veterans who attain the prescribed academic achievement earn special cords), or purchased at the Tulane Bookstore. Personal stoles, cords and robe decorating are not permitted.

Tulane Memorabilia

Tulane memorabilia including diploma frames are available to order from the Tulane Bookstore. Contact the bookstore at 504-865-5913 for more information or to place an order by phone.

Where can graduates order class rings and graduation announcements?

Undergraduate students who have completed 60 credit hours and graduate students who have completed half of their required coursework are eligible to purchase their Tulane Ring. Order your rings and announcements from the Balfour website or by calling 1-866-255-3687 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When will announcements arrive after ordering?

Production time for announcements is 7-10 business days. 

Will these announcements count as tickets?

These announcements or any other invitations will not count as tickets for the unified ceremony—see ticketing information above.

What about photos taken as students are graduating?

Photographers will be at each ceremony to take photos as students are graduating, and information regarding ordering these photos will be communicated at a later date closer to the ceremonies.

Travel Information

Where can I find more information about discounted or promotional airfare?

Please visit the Travel Information page for details on special discounts and benefits for Tulane travelers attending Spring Commencement

Where can I find more information regarding my stay?

View further information regarding planning your visit.

Can a graduate request an invitation letter for visa purposes? 

Tulane does not provide invitation letters. However, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) can issue a full-time student letter.

What documents does a graduate need for a visa?

A copy of your I-20 and U.S. visa is typically sufficient to prove your status. The U.S. consulate does not require an invitation letter. Check your local consulate’s website or contact them for specific requirements.

How can a graduate request a full-time student letter? 

Submit a document request online through OISS under “Request a Document or Appointment.” For further questions, contact OISS at oiss@tulane.edu.

Freedom of Expression and Code of Conduct

By participating in commencement exercises, you agree to abide by the Code of Student Conduct and Freedom of Expression Philosophy and Protocols. Tulane University promotes and protects the free exchange of ideas. Freedom of expression includes the ability to engage or not to engage in the exchange, examination and discussion of ideas or the choice not to engage. It does not include the right to disrupt the freedom of others. Therefore, we prohibit the physical or virtual disruption, shouting down, blocking or suppressing of a protest, demonstration, program or event. Disruptions of this nature will result in removal from the event. These include but are not limited to the following:

  • Deliberately blocking the audience's view of the speaker or presenter.
  • In-person or virtual shouting down or producing noise with the intent to prevent the speaker or presenter from being heard.
  • Intentional distraction through use of alarms, phones, lights, pointers, etc.
  • Creating in-person or virtual barriers to entry or access to the event.
  • Destructive or disorderly conduct.
  • Inciting violence, intimidating, or threatening others.

Please note all policies and guidelines above are subject to change.

Keep in Mind

It can be warm and humid in New Orleans in May. Flexibility and practicality are key to a successful commencement weekend, and guests should plan their attire accordingly. While there is no set dress code, guest attire usually ranges from business casual to dressier options and is highly dependent on what other plans guests have for commencement day.

We also advise that guests wear comfortable footwear. While there are no restrictions on footwear, please be mindful that graduates and guests will be walking on various surfaces, including stairs and ramps.

Health and Wellness

We understand how important this day is. However, if you are feeling unwell, we respectfully ask that you celebrate from home to protect the well-being of all attendees. A livestream of the ceremony will be available for remote viewing.

To help ensure a safe environment for everyone, we encourage frequent handwashing. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the venue for your convenience.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation in making Commencement for Tulane's Class of 2026 a celebratory, safe and enjoyable experience for all.

We look forward to seeing you!

 

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