Commencement

Q: Where do I order my cap and gown?
The graduating student fee that is charged to each student covers the cost of the cap, gown, and hood (among other things), so these items will be ordered for you. Your regalia is ordered based on the height information you provided and your major, with your major determining your hood color.

Q: If I’m a double major, how do I know what major I will be graduating with?
Students with more than one major will be walking with the primary (first) major listed on the graduation application, and that determines the hood color that was ordered. Graduates will be emailed in early March and given the chance to swap which major they want to walk with by informing the Registrar’s Office.

Q: When and where do I go to pick up my cap and gown (and guest tickets)?
Your cap and gown can be picked up on Wednesday, May 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or Thursday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m in O'Connell Hall. Baccalaureate Mass guest tickets (two per graduate attending Mass) can be picked up from the Campus Ministry offices during this same time.

Q: When and where is graduation rehearsal and do I have to attend?
All graduates must attend the graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m., Nelson Stadium. You will learn important details about graduation day, and rehearsal will lead into the President's Toast to the Class of 2023, which will be held at 2:30 p.m.

Q: When and where will graduation be held and what time do I have to arrive?
Commencement will start at 1:00 p.m., Nelson Stadium on Saturday, May 13. You will need to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. and assemble on the fields near Guadalupe Hall. 

Q: When and where will the Baccalaureate Mass be held and what time do I have to arrive?
Baccalaureate Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Helena on Saturday, May 13. You will need to arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. and assemble on the lawn outside the Cathedral. 

Q: How many guests can I bring to graduation?
Unlimited guests are allowed per graduate for the outdoor ceremony. Stadium doors will open for seating at 12:00 p.m. Graduates will assemble by 12:30 p.m. on the field near Guadalupe Hall. A livestream option will be available.

Q: How many guests can I bring to Baccalaureate?
Due to limited capacity in the Cathedral, graduates attending the Baccalaureate Mass will be allowed up to two guests in person; guest tickets can be picked up from the Campus Ministry offices during the same time as cap and gown pick-up. A live stream option will be available for additional family members and guests.

Q: What happens if there is rain or snow?
If the Commencement ceremony is outside, it will be held rain or shine, so come prepared. In case of a weather event that makes it unsafe to be outside, such as lightning or a thunderstorm or hailstorm, we have an inclement weather plan.

Q: What if one of my guests has special seating needs? 
Nelson Stadium are able to accommodate guests who might need special seating during the Commencement ceremony, such as wheelchair access or seating on a lower level. The first row of seating in Nelson Stadium across the entire front of the stadium will be designated as Accessible Seating and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Q: Who is the Commencement speaker this year?
The Commencement ceremonies will focus on the graduating students, the families who have supported them, and the Carroll community. The ceremony will include a faculty address and a student speaker from the graduating class.

Q: Will there be class toasts, and when will the class bricks be unveiled?
The President's Toast to the Class of 2023 will be held immediately after rehearsal on Friday, May 12 - the toast will begin at 2:30 p.m. More information about the class bricks will be shared at the toast.

Q: What does the $160 graduation fee cover?
The fee that is charged to all graduating students covers the cost of the diplomas, the diploma covers distributed at the graduation ceremony, the class bricks, the academic regalia (cap, gown, hood), various senior student and graduation event costs, and various administrative costs. All graduating students are charged the full graduation fee, even if they do not plan to participate in the May ceremony (though we hope everyone will!).

Q: Where can I purchase graduation announcements?
Standard graduation announcements can be ordered at the Carroll Saints Shoppe (bookstore). For personalized graduation announcements, visit www.jostens.com to place your order.

Q: Where can I get graduation pictures?
Helena Photography will only be taking a class photograph at Baccalaureate. Kevin Hudson, the owner, will be sending information to graduates and their families about how to order those pictures. He can also be contacted via www.helenaphotography.com or (406) 443-1966.

Q: Where can I direct my out-of-town guests to for lodging needs?
For out-of-town guests, please refer them to www.visitmt.com. We recommend booking a place as soon as possible.

Q: What if I have more questions?
The Registrar’s Office can field your questions – please stop by our office in O’Connell Hall, call us at (406) 447-5435, or email us at registraroffice@carroll.edu.