2025 Unified Commencement
The Unified Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 17, 6:00 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.
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. Visit the Commencement website for the schedule of school ceremonies.
Ticketing for Unified Commencement
Tickets will be required for attendance at the Unified Commencement in the Caesars Superdome. Instructions for requesting tickets (up to 25 per graduate) will be shared in April via email and the Commencement website.
Will schools require tickets for their individual ceremonies?
Schools will communicate directly with their graduates about diploma and hooding ceremonies, and information will also be posted to the Commencement website. Please note that ticketing requirements are subject to change.
Applying for Graduation
All students intending to participate in Commencement exercises must complete their application for graduation by March 31, 2025 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 March 31, 2025.
How does one apply to be student speaker for the 2025 Unified Commencement Ceremony?
All undergraduate, graduate, and professional students receiving their Tulane degree in May are eligible to apply to be the student speaker for the University Commencement Ceremony. A call for student speaker applications with more information will be sent out in March. Select applicants are invited to interview with the selection committee and a final student speaker is selected in April.
Security
The Caesars Superdome adheres to a clear bag policy. Permitted bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12”.
- One-gallon clear plastic bags (e.g., Ziploc).
- Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a strap.
Diaper bags that comply with the NFL's clear bag policy are permitted. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after inspection.
What items are prohibited inside the Caesars Superdome?
The following are not allowed: backpacks, fanny packs, outside food or drink, weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, drones, confetti popper cannons, and more. For the complete list, refer to the Caesars Superdome’s security policies.
What will be the security policy for the school ceremonies?
This information will be communicated and available here later in the spring.
Graduate Arrival
All graduates participating in the Unified Commencement Ceremony should arrive with their regalia in hand and proceed to their robing location. Further information (including robing locations, arrival times, etc.) will be communicated and available here later in the spring.
Guest Information
Information regarding guest arrival for the unified ceremony (including Caesars Superdome parking information as well as guest gate entrances) will be communicated and available here later in the spring.
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.
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.
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 6, 2025. Online orders will ship directly to students. Other regalia deadlines are as follows:
- PhD Custom set must be ordered by March 2, 2025.
- PhD Rental set must be ordered by April 6, 2025.
- MD Guest Hooder set must be ordered by April 6, 2025.
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 18, 2025 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 2025 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 students’ personal expressions of creativity in the decoration of mortar boards or second-line umbrellas, while reserving neck-worn stoles and cords only for officially recognized honors or those sold in the Tulane Bookstore approved by the university. However, decorating robes is not prohibited.
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.
Travel Information
United Airlines and Southwest Airlines provide Tulane travelers with additional benefits for Commencement travel.
Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer Tulane Spring Commencement attendees discounted fares. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ®. Discount valid for travel 5/12/2025 to 5/20/2025.
To make flight reservations online with United Airlines, please use discount promotion code ZQKB989379. Booking fees are waived for these reservations. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code. You may also call the United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday through Friday at 800-426-1122 for booking assistance (fees are waived). International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
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.
Sign Up for Alerts
Details about any commencement-related changes will be communicated by:
- Updates on the Commencement website.
- Commencement update emails: sign up here.
- Text message updates will be sent by the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Information regarding signing up for text alerts will be communicated and available here in May.
- The university's main social media channels (Instagram: @tulaneu, Twitter/X: @Tulane).
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 appreciate everyone's cooperation in making Commencement for Tulane's Class of 2025 a celebratory, safe, and enjoyable experience for all.
We look forward to seeing you!
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