The How-To On Graduation

Helpful How-To's for Graduation

After several great years at Baylor, your student is crossing the college finish line. As graduation approaches, it is helpful to begin thinking about the commencement ceremony details, your trip to Waco and gifts for your new grad.

Baylor Commencement 101

Baylor's Commencement website brings parents the latest news concerning graduation. Along with answers about parking and attire, it also gives helpful details that your grad will need to know.

To help students prepare for gradation, Baylor hosts Bear Faire where students can embrace all things graduation. Along with purchasing caps and gowns, recording "Shout Outs" to family members and friends and ordering graduation announcements, they even can be advised on repaying loans. This year's Bear Faire will be March 27-28, from noon-6 p.m., at the Hankamer Cashion Academic Center 506-Blume Conference Center.

Planning your Trip to Waco

Baylor graduation always brings a flurry of activity to the Waco area. To make the most of your trip, we encourage you to plan early. Many reservations need to be made months in advance.

• Hotels: For those who are traveling to Baylor, the Greater Waco Chamber and Waco Heart of Texas can serve as a guide to find the best hotel for you. Make reservations early as rooms book up quickly.

• Restaurants: After the ceremony, many families enjoy partaking in a celebratory meal. No matter your budget, Urbanspoon and other online directories can direct you to some of Waco's best restaurants. Some local favorites include George's, Baris, Cathay House and Chuy's.

• Waco Activities: From visiting the Magnolia Silos to walking through Cameron Park Zoo and exploring the history of the Dr Pepper museum, Waco offers a plenty of fun activities for families. Visit websites like TripAdvisor to decide where your Waco adventure should begin!

Gift Suggestions for the New Grad

Looking for a way to dote on your Baylor Bear? Here are a few suggestions of potential gifts for Baylor's newest alumni.

• A Donation to the Class Gift Fund will honor your student's accomplishment while giving other students the opportunity to experience Baylor. No matter the size, every gift makes a difference in the lives of students and carries on the legacy of this memorable class.

• The Student Care and Wellness Fund was created by the Student Government and Senior class, designed to provide Baylor University students with funding during emergency situations they could not otherwise afford to pay for. The fund could cover expenses such as Uber rides to the doctor, flights home in the event of a sudden loss of family member, rent if a roommate suddenly moves out, among other needs.

• The Baylor Bookstore offers everything green and gold. From clothing to blankets to diploma frames, the Baylor Bookstore is here to give students a lasting reminder of the University they love.

Join The Family

Although your student is graduating, your family is still a part of the Baylor Family. By joining the Baylor Alumni Network, parents can continue to be involved with Baylor University. Through the Network, you have the opportunity to join many groups based around your specific areas of interests, such as the Baylor Women's Network or the Baylor Sports Network for Bear enthusiasts. Your student also can stay connected to his or her alma mater through Baylor's Young Grads' Network or other Network areas.