Attendance and Tickets
Information for seniors and families on viewing Commencement in person, by simulcast, or on the web.
Attendance
All students are expected to participate in Commencement. However, if circumstances prevent participation, you must request permission to graduate in absentia by contacting the Office of the Provost (jeanb@southwestern.edu). You should provide a permanent address so that your diploma can be mailed to you following Commencement.
Tickets
Each graduate is entitled to receive a maximum number of 8 tickets to the Commencement Ceremony. This number is subject to change based on total number of 2013 graduates, to be determined in February. The tickets provide guaranteed seating in the Corbin J. Robertson Center. Reserve your tickets before March 8, 2013, by completing the ONLINE RESERVATION FORM.
Tickets will be mailed by April 12, 2013, to the address you provide on the ticket order form.
Note: If you do not receive your tickets, check the following:
- Business Office: Do you have any outstanding fees or fines?
- Registrar’s Office: Do you have incomplete paperwork?
- Josten’s: Have you placed your cap and gown order? Visit Jostens.com to place your order.
Special Needs
If you and/or a family member have special needs during Commencement, we are happy to assist you. Please contact the Office of University Events at 512-863-1483 or email Katherine Tanner at tannerk@southwestern.edu. We must know five weeks in advance (Friday, April 5) in order to accommodate your special needs.
On Campus Simulcast
Due to limited seating in the Robertson Center, there will be an on-campus, live simulcast of Commencement Convocation available to all guests, including current Southwestern students who do not have tickets. Guests will be able to view the simulcast in Room 105 of the F.W. Olin Building and join you at the reception following Commencement Convocation.
Webcast
Commencement will be streamed live via CollegeTVTicket. Please visit our Webcast page for more information.
Lunch
A buffet luncheon will be served in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Commons of the Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at a cost of $9.00 for adults and $4.75 for children 4-10 years of age. Tickets may be purchased the day of Commencement. Students on a Southwestern University Meal Plan DO NOT need to purchase tickets for the meal.
