Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a rehearsal?
2. Are tickets issued for seating?
3. If I am a graduate, what do I do?
4. If I am a parent, what do I do?
5. Where do I get a cap and gown?
6. What time do graduates and guests need to arrive?
7. What about parking?
8. Which ceremony do I attend?
9. What about the Ring Ceremony?
10. How long will the ceremony last?
11. What other events are planned?
12. What do the different honor designations mean?
13. Will photographs be taken at the ceremony?
14. Is a video or DVD of the ceremony available?
15. What arrangements are available for guests who are in wheelchairs?
16. Is there a guest speaker?
17. Where do I order invitations?
1. Is there a rehearsal?
No. Graduates will be lined up by degree and major and placed in the correct order by faculty marshals prior to each ceremony. For this reason we recommend that graduates arrive at least one hour before their ceremony start time.
2. Are tickets issued for seating?
No. Tickets are not issued for attendance, however, graduates are encouraged to bring no more than ten (10) guests to the ceremony.
3. If I am a graduate, what do I do?
Arrive, cap and gown in hand, at least one hour before your ceremony is scheduled to begin. Ushers will direct graduates to the area of the concourse to line up for the processional. Faculty marshals will be on hand to answer questions and give instructions.
4. If I am a parent, what do I do?
Remember to carpool - parking is often at a premium. Arrive early to allow sufficient time to get into Ferrell and find seats. Seats may be saved until 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, at which time all seating is made available to guests.
5. Where do I get a cap and gown?
Academic regalia is first available each semester at the Bear Faire, which is scheduled for October 28 for the fall semester. After those dates, regalia may be purchased from the Baylor Bookstore. Cap and gown for bachelor's students is sold at a cost of $27. A master's package which includes the master's gown, cap, and hood is priced at $44. Doctoral students must contact the Graduate School office at 254-710-3588 to order or rent regalia for the ceremony.
6. What time do graduates and guests need to arrive?
The building opens 90 minutes prior to each ceremony. Graduates need to arrive at least an hour before the start of the ceremony. We encourage friends and family to come at the same time as the graduate in order to find adequate parking and seating at Ferrell Center.
Those with disabilities or health concerns should plan to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to allow sufficient time to be seated.
Ask for curbside drop-off for any guests with special needs.
7. What about parking?
Parking is available at Ferrell Center. There is no charge for this service. Parking attendants will be available to direct you to parking. If there is a need for curb-side access or handicap parking, please inform the parking attendant.
8. Which ceremony do I attend?
Graduates of George W. Truett Theological Seminary graduate Friday afternoon at a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Waco.
Undergraduates and graduates will graduate at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 19.
More Information: www.baylor.edu/commencement
9. What about the Ring Ceremony?
The Ring Ceremony each semester is sponsored by the Baylor Alumni Association. All students who order their rings during Ring Week, a week early in the semester, will receive their rings from the President in a special ceremony. Contact the Baylor Alumni Association. The official Baylor University ring may be ordered by students who have completed 75 hours. A selection of ring styles is available. Orders should be placed with Balfour, the official supplier for the rings. Contact Balfour at 1-800-542-8648 or order during Ring Week.
10. How long will the ceremony last?
Generally each ceremonu are between two and two and one-half hours.
11. What other events are planned?
Some of the colleges and schools have pinning ceremonies, hooding ceremonies, or other activities. Please contact the Dean's office of your school to determine if there are other activities.
For university-wide events for graduation, check the events tab on this site later in the semester.
12. What do the different honor designations mean?
With a minimum of 94 hours of credit earned at Baylor:
Cum Laude – 3.75 GPA
Magna Cum Laude – 3.85 GPA
Summa Cum Laude – 3.95 GPA
With 61-93 hours of credit earned at Baylor:
Cum Laude – 3.80 GPA
Magna Cum Laude – 3.90 GPA
With 60 hours of credit earned at Baylor:
Cum Laude – 3.85 GPA
Magna Cum Laude - 3.95 GPA
These honors will be noted in the commencement program and diplomas will be ordered for the graduates with this designation.
13. Will photographs be taken at the ceremony?
Baylor works with Flash Photography, the official photographer for graduation. Flash will photograph each graduate as they receive their diplomas and in two additional shots. Pictures are in color and different packages are available. Proof sheets and rates will be mailed to the graduate's e-mail and permanent mailing address by Flash Photography, or you may contact Flash at 1-800-410-8070.
14. Is a video or DVD of the ceremony available?
Videotapes and DVDs of the Commencement program and memorable scenes of the Baylor campus are available from Dub-L Tape, a Waco video production company. To check costs or to place an order, please click here for information.
Order forms will also be available the day of the ceremony at the Dub-L Tape table in the Ferrell Center concourse.
15. What arrangements are available for guests who are in wheelchairs?
There are seating areas designated for guests in wheelchairs. Ask the parking attendant on duty to direct you to curb-side access to the building. Ushers will be able to assist once you are inside Ferrell Center.
Guests who have difficulty climbing steps should arrive in sufficient time to find seating near the concourse-access level.
16. Is there a guest speaker?
We do not have a guest speaker, but the President of the University will present a message to the graduates.
17. Where do I order invitations?
Invitations may be ordered at the Fall Bear Faire on October 28. After that date, you may contact the Baylor Bookstore for assistance in ordering or you may order directly from www.jostens.com.
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of completed invitations.
