Sons and Daughters of SLU Forever
Graduation at Saint Louis University takes place at our commencement ceremonies, which
are held in May and December. The general FAQ page contains questions that apply to all graduates.
Commencement ceremonies will also stream live on slu.edu, on Saint Louis University's YouTube channel and Facebook page.
2026 Midyear Commencement
The 2026 Midyear Commencement Ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Chaifetz Arena.
Graduates who take part in SLU's Midyear Commencement Ceremony are individually recognized
as they cross the stage along with others from their school, college or degree-granting
center. There are no precommencement ceremonies for midyear graduation. The ceremony
is scheduled to run approximately 90 minutes.
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2026 Spring Commencement
Saint Louis University celebrated its university-wide 2026 Spring Commencement on
May 16. More than 6,500 people were in attendance recognize the Class of 2026 and
hear from James Gunn, writer, director, producer and member of the SLU Class of 1992,
who delivered the commencement address.
Filmmaker James Gunn waits to receive his honorary degree during commencement on May
16, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Graduates from the School of Medicine smile at the crowd during the precommencement
ceremony on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Commencement speaker James Gunn gives a thumbs up during SLU's spring commencement
ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Paloma Ferreira de Oliveira looks at her diploma after receiving her Master of Arts
from the College of Arts and Sciences during their precommencement ceremony on May
14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
James Gunn delivered the address at SLU's commencement on Saturday, May 16. Photo
by Sarah Conroy.
Graduate Riya Aradhyula gives the student address during commencement on May 16, 2026.
Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Robbie Avila and other graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences cheer during
their precommencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
SLU graduates celebrate as confetti falls. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Russell Hooker Jr. dances across the stage to receive his diploma during the College
of Arts and Sciences precommencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Graduates share a hug after commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah
Conroy.
A SLU graduate cheers during commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah
Conroy.
A graduate from the School of Education receives a hug from a faculty member after
their precommencement on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
President Edward Feser, Ph.D., greets graduates from the School of Medicine as he
processes into commencement on May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Graduates share a hug during commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah
Conroy.
President Edward Feser, Ph.D., addresses the graduates during commencement on May
16, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Graduates from the School of Education listen during their precommencement on May
14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
A graduate from the School of Education takes a selfie before their precommencement
on May 14, 2026. hoto by Sarah Conroy.
A graduate from the School of Medicine signs heart hands to his family during the
precommencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
A SLU graduate cheers during commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah
Conroy.
President Edward Feser, Ph.D., takes selfies with graduates after commencement on
May 16, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
A graduate from the School of Medicine hugs a loved one after the precommencement
ceremony on May 14, 2026. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
Important Reminders for Commencement Activities
- Graduates who arrive after the posted ceremony start time are not guaranteed participation
in the ceremony. Graduates should arrive one hour prior to their ceremony start time.
- Graduates must enter on the west side of Chaifetz Arena no later than 8 a.m.
- Academic regalia is required. Students can order regalia online through The Billiken Shop.
- Family, friends and guests are not allowed in the student assembly area. They must
enter on the main level at any entrance on the north and east sides of the arena.
Doors open at 8 a.m.
- Guest doors will be open 30 minutes prior to pre-commencement start times and one
hour prior to main commencement.
- There is no limit to the number of guests who can attend the graduation events. No
tickets are required to enter.
- Chaifetz Arena has a clear bag policy for all guests. Please adhere to the policy.
- Please review the Chaifetz Arena A-Z Guide for more information about visiting the arena.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited in all university and school/college ceremonies
and events and are subject to confiscation:
- Air horns and other artificial noisemakers
- Animals, except assistance animals
- Banners or signs larger than 11 inches by 17 inches (No poles of any kind will be
allowed.)
- Food and drink (except water)
- Firearms and weapons
- Laser lights
- Balloons, glitter and confetti
- Unmanned aircraft/drones
