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Commencement

Undergraduate Ceremony

CEREMONY DETAILS

  • The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Cintas Center.  
  • Undergraduate students from all colleges attend the same ceremony.
  • The ceremony is live-streamed for degree recipients who elect not to attend in person and for family and friends. The live-stream will be posted on the commencement homepage on the day of the ceremony.
  • Degree recipients who attend in person will have their name announced and will cross the stage with their diploma.

ATTENDANCE AND GUEST POLICIES

In order to have your name included in the printed Commencement program, all degree recipients must submit their application for graduation no later than Friday, January 19th.

Guests are not ticketed.  Guests should enter the main (south) entrance of the Cintas Center.  If you or your guests have any access or accommodations needs, please email commencement@xavier.edu.

PRE-CEREMONY INFORMATION

Degree recipients are encouraged to record the proper pronunciation of their name via Name Coach.  Information about this process is sent to degree recipients via email.  Recordings should be submitted no later than Friday, April 26 to allow name readers proper time to prepare for the ceremony.

If you are graduating from Xavier and have a parent who is a full-time employee of Xavier University, please email commencement@xavier.edu. 

GRADUATE INFORMATION

Degree recipients should arrive at the Cintas Center between 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 and enter the assembly area inside the Cintas Center at the west entrance marked Student Athlete Academic Center.

Each candidate should obtain a name card that indicates a row/position according to degree. After taking your position in the line, candidates should remain in place and keep your name card. The name card will be used for reading your name when you walk across the stage. Marshals will direct participants at appropriate times throughout the ceremony. No rehearsal is required.

Personal property should not be left in the assembly area. Xavier University cannot be responsible for missing articles.

The seating for candidates is arranged by degree.  When facing the stage, graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing will be seated on the left side.  When facing the stage, graduates from the any of our Honors Programs (HAB, PPP, University Scholars, Community Engaged Fellows, and Smith Scholars), the College of Professional Sciences, and the Williams College of Business will be seated on the right side. 

Undergraduates should return to and remain in their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.

We estimate the ceremony will last approximately 3 hours.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

The undergraduate commencement speaker is John Lechleiter, Ph.D. (’75). Dr. Lechleiter had a successful 37-year career at Eli Lilly and Company, rising from senior organic chemist to president and chief executive officer. Dr. Lechleiter is known for his philanthropic efforts, service, and commitment to higher education.

DIPLOMAS

Actual diplomas are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed from the Registrar's Office to the student address on file in Banner Self-Service in mid-July.  

LIVESTREAMING

Each ceremony is live-streamed for students who elect not to attend in person and for family and friends. The live-stream will be posted on the commencement homepage on the day of the ceremony.