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
- Graduation/Baccalaureate Mass
Tuesday May 12, 2026, 7:00pm at Fernandez Center - Undergraduate Ceremony
Wednesday May 13, 2026, at 10:00am - Graduate Ceremony (Master’s/Doctoral)
Thursday May 14. 2026, at 10:00am - College of Law Ceremony
Friday May 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 hjcollegefl@aol.com
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:
- Monday February 9, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Tuesday February 10, 206 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Wednesday February 11, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Monday March 30, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Tuesday March 31, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Wednesday April 1, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Order regalia, take graduation portraits, purchase announcements and memorabilia, and more.
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 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 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 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.
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 commencement@stu.edu at least 3 weeks in advance. ADA seating is limited; one companion seat per guest is allowed.