Commencement at St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University celebrates its graduates each May and December with Commencement Ceremonies and a Baccalaureate Mass, coordinated by the Student Affairs and Registrar’s Office.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Ceremony Dates & Times
Location: Fernandez Family Center for Leadership & Wellness
- Graduation/Baccalaureate Mass
Monday December 14, 2026, 7:00pm at Fernandez Center - Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral Ceremony
Tuesday December 15, 2026, at 10:00am
Fernandez Center doors close at 9:45am
Cap & Gown Information
All participating students must purchase regalia from Herff Jones. Borrowed or reused attire is not permitted.
- Bachelor’s Gown $65.00
- Master’s Gown $80.00
- Master Hood $30.00
- Doctoral Gown $100.00
- Stole of Gratitude $30.00
Purchase at Graduation Expo or herff.ly/stu
Custom doctoral sets: Contact Herff Jones at (305) 271-6769 or [email protected]
How To Wear Your Gown and Hood
Tickets & Guests
- Each graduate receives 4 guest tickets via STU email
- All guests, including infants, need a ticket
- ADA seating available (limit: 1 companion per guest)
Graduation Expo
Location: Convocation Hall
Graduation Expo Dates:
- Tuesday October 20, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Wednesday October 21, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Thursday October 22, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Tuesday November 10, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Wednesday November 11, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Thursday November 12, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Order regalia, take graduation portraits, purchase announcements and memorabilia, and more.
2026 STU Grad Expo Portraits
Schedule your graduation portrait session. A $20 appointment fee is required when scheduling your session online.
Walk-ins are welcome! Walk-in students must bring $20 cash to have their graduation portraits taken.
Werner Kahn Studio
3426 W 84th St, Suite 101
Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018
305.531.1872 | [email protected]
Diplomas
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?
No—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 [email protected].
Do I have to buy a cap and gown?
Yes. All participants must purchase official regalia from Herff Jones. Borrowed or reused regalia is not 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 [email protected].
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.
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?
- Please add: Mass Lineup 6:30pm
- Commencement Lineup 9:00am
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 [email protected] at least 3 weeks in advance. ADA seating is limited; one companion seat per guest is allowed.