From the pop and sparkle of fireworks to the buzz and beat of New Orleans Jazz, Tulane's commencement is an experience unlike any other. In New Orleans and at Tulane we march to the beat of our own drum, and that spirit is infused into every part of commencement weekend. The University Commencement ceremony, where degrees are conferred, as well as individual school ceremonies and other Commencement activities will be held the week of May 12, 2025 with ceremonies taking place Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Check back in the fall for further updates.
The Unified Commencement ceremony will take place the weekend of May 17, 2025 (check back in the fall for further updates) in the newly renovated Caesars Superdome. The Unified Commencement ceremony honors the graduating students from all of the university's schools and colleges. At this special milestone ceremony, featuring an academic procession, live jazz, fireworks, a keynote speaker, and much more, President Michael A. Fitts will officially confer degrees upon all Tulane University degree candidates (undergraduate, graduate, and professional).
The Unified Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on this website.
In addition to the Unified Commencement ceremony, individual schools host ceremonies at which graduates' names are called to cross the stage. These ceremonies are held during Commencement week. The 2025 schedule of school ceremonies will be announced six months in advance. Check back in the fall for further updates regarding the full listing of commencement-related ceremonies and activities.
It is generally warm and humid in New Orleans in May, so graduates and guests should plan their attire accordingly. While there is no set dress code for most of the activities during commencement weekend, attire usually ranges from business casual to dressier options and is highly dependent on the variety of activities guests have planned.
Students must wear regalia at all in-person ceremonies to participate and/or cross the stage. All regalia (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral souvenir regalia) must be ordered at Tulane's Oak Hall storefront. Deadlines are TBD (check back in the fall for updated deadlines). Online orders will ship directly to students. When the online deadline passes, regalia can be purchased in person at the Tulane Bookstore. Any in-store regalia purchases made after the deadline will incur a $30 late fee. We recommend ordering as early as a week ahead of the deadline to ensure regalia arriving on time.
All graduates shall 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. Tulane encourages students’ personal expressions of creativity in the decoration of mortar boards (robe decorating is not permitted) or second-line umbrellas, while reserving neck-worn stoles and cords only for officially recognized honors.
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.
Show your pride with your Tulane class ring and share your graduation news with official Tulane 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. - 5 p.m. Production time for announcements is 7-10 business days.
The Tulane Bookstore at the Lavin-Bernick Center will be hosting events to order your official Tulane University ring on Thursday, Nov. 7 as well as Friday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Diplomas will be mailed to the diploma mailing address provided by the student on the application for degree. This address can be updated via Gibson Online at the “Update Diploma Address” link found under the Student tab.
All students intending to participate in Commencement exercises must complete their application for graduation to have their names published in the Commencement program. Applications can be accessed through the student tab of the Gibson online portal.
Student Information Records / Confidentiality
If a student has chosen 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. This confidentiality flag can be updated through the Gibson online portal.
Tulane University strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances.
To request disability-related accommodations at any Commencement-related event, please contact tugrad@tulane.edu.
Tulane University will provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act with sufficient notice.
