Commencement at St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University celebrates its graduates each May with Commencement Ceremonies and a Baccalaureate Mass, coordinated by the Student Affairs and Registrar’s Office.
Questions? Contact us at commencement@stu.edu
Ceremony Dates & Times
Location: Fernandez Family Center for Leadership & Wellness
- Baccalaureate Mass
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
Graduates should wear gowns (no caps). Guests welcome. - Undergraduate Ceremony
May 14, 2025, 10:00 AM - Graduate Ceremony (Master’s/Doctoral)
May 15, 2025, 10:00 AM - College of Law
May 16, 2025, 10:00 AM
Cap & Gown Information
All participating students must purchase regalia from Herff Jones. Borrowed or reused attire is not permitted.
Purchase at Graduation Expo or herff.ly/stu
- Bachelor’s: $49
- Master’s: $80
- Doctoral: $126
Custom doctoral sets: Contact Herff Jones at (305) 271-6769 or hjcollegefl@aol.com
How To Wear Your Gown and Hood
Tickets & Guests
- Each graduate receives 4 guest tickets via STU email
- Additional ticket requests (max 2): commencement@stu.edu
- All guests, including infants, need a ticket
- ADA seating available (limit: 1 companion per guest)
Graduation Expo
Dates: March 26–29, 2025 | Location: Convocation Hall
Order regalia, take graduation portraits, purchase announcements and memorabilia, and more.
Diplomas
Diplomas are mailed or available for pickup ~6 weeks post-graduation. You will be notified via STU email. Name changes must be submitted 4 weeks prior.
FAQs
Do I need to attend all Graduation Expo dates?
Nope—just attend your assigned day or make an appointment during the Expo window.
I haven’t received any graduation info. What should I do?
Check your STU email regularly. All official communication is sent there. If you’re eligible to graduate and still aren’t seeing updates, email commencement@stu.edu.
Do I have to buy a cap and gown?
Yes. All participants must purchase official regalia from Herff Jones. Borrowed or reused regalia isn’t allowed.
Can I reuse my undergraduate regalia for a graduate degree?
No. Each degree level uses different regalia.
How do I order my cap and gown if I can’t attend the Graduation Expo?
Visit herff.ly/stu to place your order. Doctoral students who need assistance can call Herff Jones at (305) 271-6769 or email hjcollegefl@aol.com.
I ordered my regalia. How will I receive it?
Your cap and gown will be shipped to the address you provided during checkout.
Can I borrow regalia from someone else?
No. Regalia orders are tied to ticket distribution. Borrowed sets are not permitted.
How many tickets do I get, and how do I receive them?
Each graduate receives 4 guest tickets, delivered via your STU email the week before Commencement. Download them as soon as you get the email.
How many tickets do I get, and how do I receive them?
Yes, by emailing commencement@stu.edu. Requests are first-come, first-served, and the max is 2 extra tickets (not guaranteed).
Is the Baccalaureate Mass required?
No, but it’s strongly encouraged. It’s a beautiful sendoff open to all graduates and their guests.
What do I wear to the Baccalaureate Mass?
Wear your gown (and hood, if applicable). Leave the cap at home. Dress in respectful, church-appropriate attire underneath.
When should I arrive?
- Mass lineup: 6:30 PM on May 13
- Commencement lineup: 9:15 AM on your assigned ceremony day
What if I arrive late to the ceremony?
Let a staff member know when you arrive—they’ll help guide you into the ceremony at the appropriate time.
I’m completing a certificate, not a degree—can I participate?
No. Only degree-seeking students may walk in the Commencement Ceremony.
I’m graduating with honors—how do I get my honor cords?
- Undergraduates: Receive cords at the Baccalaureate Mass
- Graduate/Doctoral students: Do not receive cords. Any honors will be communicated by the Registrar.
I (or a guest) need disability accommodations—how do I request them?
Email commencement@stu.edu at least 3 weeks in advance. ADA seating is limited; one companion seat per guest is allowed.
