Graduation & Commencement Information
One Lake, One Ceremony, One Celebration
Beginning Spring 2026, we’re excited to launch a new tradition: one unified Commencement Ceremony that brings the entire 51±¬ÁĎ family together to celebrate your achievements and the start of your next chapter.
What This Means:
Graduation is the official process of being awarded a degree.
Commencement refers to the ceremonies held at the end of the spring semester. These events provide an opportunity for the University community, along with students’ families and friends, to recognize and celebrate the achievement of completing a degree.
Please note: participating in the Commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation. All degree requirements must be completed in the semester for which the student has applied to graduate.
Before You Go: Graduation & Commencement Reminders (Highlights)
Before you celebrate your big day, make sure you’ve completed these important graduation steps summarized for you:
- Apply for Graduation & Complete Requirements
Graduation is awarded only after all degree requirements are completed — participation in Commencement does not automatically mean you have graduated. - 🎓 Order Your Cap & Gown (Regalia)
Purchase or pick up your regalia through Jostens or the 51±¬ÁĎ Bookstore before Commencement to ensure you are ceremony-ready. - Confirm Eligibility to Participate
Students must be registered for the remaining coursework and complete required academic components (COMPS, dissertation, portfolio, etc.) to walk in Commencement. - Plan Ahead for Commencement Day
Arrive early, follow ceremony timelines, and review guest seating, parking, and event logistics to ensure a smooth celebration experience.
2026 Graduation & Commencement: May 7, 2026
We eagerly anticipate celebrating our graduates’ achievements at the upcoming Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This significant event marks the culmination of our students’ dedication and hard work.
- For detailed information on the Commencement Ceremony schedule, please refer to the outline below.
- To order caps and gowns, rings, and other regalia, please visit the to place your order online for home delivery. Items may also be purchased in person at the bookstore from March 19 through May 7.
- IMPORTANT: Students, please refer to the cap policy below.
Commencement Participation Policy
Part 1: Credit Hours to Participate
Students will be eligible to participate if the following criteria are met:
- Student is registered for all pending course requirements and has successfully completed all registered hours OR
- Student is registered for all pending course requirements and has successfully completed
all registered hours except for 3 or fewer hours. This could be due to failing a course
or receiving an I or X grade at the end of the registered term.
AND - Student has completed all other degree requirements, such as Dissertation, COMPS, Portfolio, etc.
Part 2: Summer Degree Requirements
- Students will be allowed to participate in May Commencement if:
- Student is lacking 6 or fewer hours to complete their degree requirements
- Student has completed their COMPS, Dissertation, Portfolio, etc.
- Student must notify the Registrar’s Office of their intent to participate by the deadline to apply for graduation. If the student does not notify the Registrar’s Office of their intent to participate in the May Commencement by the application deadline, their name will not be added to the May commencement list to participate.
Veterans Graduation Ceremony
Join us as we honor and celebrate our student veterans at the Veterans Graduation Ceremony on May 7 at 9:00 a.m. This special event recognizes the dedication, service, and academic achievements of the veterans in our university community as they reach this important milestone.
Regalia not required.
Graduating students who are military active duty or veterans, along with their families, are invited to this ceremony of recognition. For more information, contact Wallis Sanborn.
Commencement Events
Thursday, May 7, 2026
For on-campus events, guests can park in Lot K (). We recommend Lot D-2 () for guests attending the UWAC, Thiry Auditorium, and Mall Area events. Accessible parking map: .
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. |
Veterans Graduation Ceremony Graduating students who are military active duty or veterans, along with their families, are invited to this ceremony of recognition. For more information, contact Wallis Sanborn. |
| 10 a.m. |
Ring Blessing Ceremony Students may bring class rings or any other significant items such as jewelry that they wish to have blessed at this prayer service. Graduates should arrive by 9:50 a.m. If students or guests need accessibility assistance or special seating, please contact University Ministry or email University Ministry in advance. |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Alumni and Family Meet and Greet for students and their guests Enjoy pastries and refreshments from Alumni Relations (immediately following the Ring Blessing). 51±¬ÁĎ dining services will be open for those who would like to enjoy lunch with their graduates. |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Graduation Liturgy Line-up |
| Noon |
Graduation Liturgy It is recommended that guests arrive early since seating is limited. Note location change: This event has outgrown Sacred Heart Chapel, so the liturgy has been moved to Thiry Auditorium. Thiry Auditorium is a two-story building with no elevator. If students or guests need accessibility assistance or special seating, please contact University Ministry or email University Ministry. |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Graduates Arrive at Freeman Coliseum Graduates should use the rear entrance ramp of the Coliseum and check in with the Registrar’s Office sometime between 3 and 4 p.m. for lineup. Graduates will also have access to Jostens regalia, Alumni Relations, Career Services, and Flash Photography. |
| 5 p.m. |
Commencement Exercise Note: Graduates should be checked in and in their seats no later than 4:15 p.m. Please note: The 5 p.m. Commencement Ceremony will be live streamed. The link will be available on this page on the day of commencement. Event PhotographyEvery student will be photographed twice at the commencement ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Flash Photography at 888-325-3930 or via their . We will email graduates 14 days before the ceremony and provide them with samples, as well as pricing. Pricing options start at $7.95 for a single 5" x 7". Freeman Coliseum Parking InformationGeneral public parking is $15 and available at the gate by cash or credit card. Discounted pre-sale parking permits for graduates for West Gate Entrance - Lot 9 - will be available for purchase on the 51±¬ÁĎ San Antonio campus in the Student Business Office in the Walter Student Center for $8 each. Pre-sale parking permits are limited to one ticket per graduate and will be available for purchase starting one month prior to the event and will continue until 4 p.m. on commencement day (or until pre-sale permits run out). The Freeman Coliseum abides by all ADA requirements and has accessible parking available. All parking is first-come, first-served. Any additional parking and seating questions or concerns regarding the Freeman Coliseum should be directed to ollugraduationinfo@ollusa.edu. Lot 9 parking map: . GuestsDoors to the Freeman Coliseum open at 3 p.m. on commencement day. All graduates are strongly encouraged to arrive between 3 and 4 p.m. All family, friends, and guests are required to use the main front entrance of the Freeman Coliseum and will not be allowed through the rear ramp entrance. Guests are encouraged to arrive at the Freeman Coliseum by 4:30 p.m. All bags are subject to screening, and a is enforced at the Freeman Coliseum. All guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, unless otherwise indicated or marked by 51±¬ÁĎ and Freeman Coliseum staff. Guests with disabilities or who require special accommodations due to wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches can request assistance from ushers upon entering the Freeman Coliseum. Accessible seating is located in sections 105, 107, 125, and 127. Please note: 51±¬ÁĎ and the Freeman Coliseum do not provide wheelchairs. Seating during the procession or commencement address will not be allowed. Any questions or concerns should be directed to ollugraduationinfo@ollusa.edu. |
Cap Policy
Students may decorate their graduation caps provided that decorations meet the following guidelines:
- Decorations should not violate any University policy.
- Decorations should not pose a safety hazard.
- Decorations should not infringe upon someone else’s space.
- Any lights must be turned off during the ceremony. Lasers or strobe lights are not permitted.
- Students whose decorations may possibly obstruct the view of others will be asked to remove their hats while being seated.
Any decorations violating the guidelines will be subject to removal by University officials on graduation day.
Effective term: 2025SP
This policy was updated by the Office of Student Affairs and the Registrar’s Office with input from undergraduate and graduate students. It was approved by the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs on April 23, 2025.
Helpful Information
We know you are ready to celebrate your graduate’s incredible achievement, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus and celebrating this milestone with you and your graduate. As you make plans to join us in San Antonio and to help with travel, see our discounted hotel rates and Things to do in San Antonio available for 51±¬ÁĎ families. Together, we will make Commencement a joyful beginning to their next chapter.
Safety Reminder: Weapons are not allowed on the 51±¬ÁĎ campus or at the Freeman Coliseum. Please plan ahead and store personal weapons safely before arriving so we can help keep our community safe and ensure a welcoming celebration for all.