Graduation Weekend
Family members welcome! No tickets required.
Commencement 2025
May 10 & 11, 2025
Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Important Announcements
Remote viewing links will be available here on the day of each ceremony.
Seniors:
Complete all of the items on your 2025 Graduation Checklist. In preparation for graduation, order your cap and gown. View the 2025 Cap and Gown information.
Questions? Email us!
commencement@francis.edu
Commencement Ceremony Instructions for Graduates
Get ready, grads - here’s what to know before you walk!
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- Doors open for guests one hour before each ceremony begins.
- Graduates should report to the Stokes Auxiliary Gym with full academic regalia one hour before the ceremony.
- Check-in with the line-up staff to receive your reader card and be guided to your correct place in line.
** Important: Do not leave the line once you’ve checked in, and keep your reader card with you at all times.
-
- When your degree is announced, stand as a group for the conferral.
- A staff member will lead your group to the stage.
- As you approach the stage, hand your reader card to the staff member.
- At the top of the stage, wait until your name is called, then walk to the center.
- Extend your left hand to receive your diploma.
- Exit via the center steps, where a faculty member will hood you, then return to your seat.
-
- If your name is difficult to pronounce, please check with your School Dean in advance.
- Only University-approved adornments may be worn with your regalia.
- Do not bring purses, phones, or valuables - there is no secure storage.
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the occasion.
- Do not decorate your cap.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- No pranks or disruptions, please - let's honor the dignity of the day.
- Doors open for guests one hour before each ceremony begins.
- Graduates should report to the Stokes Auxiliary Gym with full academic regalia one hour before the ceremony.
- Check-in with the line-up staff to receive your reader card and be guided to your correct place in line.
** Important: Do not leave the line once you’ve checked in, and keep your reader card with you at all times.
- When your degree is announced, stand as a group for the conferral.
- A staff member will lead your group to the stage.
- As you approach the stage, hand your reader card to the staff member.
- At the top of the stage, wait until your name is called, then walk to the center.
- Extend your left hand to receive your diploma.
- Exit via the center steps, where a faculty member will hood you, then return to your seat.
- If your name is difficult to pronounce, please check with your School Dean in advance.
- Only University-approved adornments may be worn with your regalia.
- Do not bring purses, phones, or valuables - there is no secure storage.
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the occasion.
- Do not decorate your cap.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- No pranks or disruptions, please - let's honor the dignity of the day.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Ceremonies for School of Health Sciences and Education
-
School of Health Sciences and Education (Graduate Students)
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Admiral Michael Milner
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
-
Brunch (Torvian Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $9
No reservations needed.
-
School of Health Sciences and Education (Undergraduate Students)
1:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Dr. MaCalus Hogan
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
-
Baccalaureate Mass
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel
Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
School of Health Sciences and Education (Graduate Students)
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Admiral Michael Milner
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Brunch (Torvian Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $9
No reservations needed.
School of Health Sciences and Education (Undergraduate Students)
1:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Dr. MaCalus Hogan
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Baccalaureate Mass
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel
Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Ceremony for Ed.D, SSOB, STEAM & DPS
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Combined Ceremony
Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (Inaugural Class)
School of STEAM
Shields School of Business
Division of Professional Studies
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Hon. D. Brooks Smith
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Combined Ceremony
Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (Inaugural Class)
School of STEAM
Shields School of Business
Division of Professional Studies
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Hon. D. Brooks Smith
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
More Senior Activities
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Donut Heaven: May 1-3, 2025, 9-11 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) May 7, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Seniors: Meet at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association) May 7, 2025, 5-7 p.m., JFK Lounge
Senior Send-Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class) May 8, 2025, 6-10 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
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President's Award Convocation: April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Stokes
Nurses Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Chapel
Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 9:30 a.m., Chapel
Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony: April 27, 2025, 1 p.m., JFK
Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m., JFK
Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: May 11, 2025, 8 a.m., Location. TBD
Donut Heaven: May 1-3, 2025, 9-11 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) May 7, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Seniors: Meet at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association) May 7, 2025, 5-7 p.m., JFK Lounge
Senior Send-Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class) May 8, 2025, 6-10 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
President's Award Convocation: April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Stokes
Nurses Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Chapel
Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 9:30 a.m., Chapel
Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony: April 27, 2025, 1 p.m., JFK
Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m., JFK
Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: May 11, 2025, 8 a.m., Location. TBD
It's time to celebrate!
Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off, leading you to this significant life milestone. We've provided a few resources to help you celebrate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more help? Email: commencement@francis.edu
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View the 2025 Commencement Checklist.
-
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
-
Those with difficulty walking can be dropped off near the main entrance of Maurice Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will provide directions. Handicapped seating is available at each ceremony with no advanced reservation needed.
-
Parking for Commencement is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
-
Yes, we will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. Links will be provided at the top of this page before each ceremony.
-
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript
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Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
-
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.
-
The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!
View the 2025 Commencement Checklist.
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
Those with difficulty walking can be dropped off near the main entrance of Maurice Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will provide directions. Handicapped seating is available at each ceremony with no advanced reservation needed.
Parking for Commencement is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
Yes, we will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. Links will be provided at the top of this page before each ceremony.
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript
Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.
The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!