Know Before You Go

Here are essential details for YOUR big day. Remember, be on time, be ready, and most important — have fun!

Key Tips

  • All ceremonies and Mass are substance-free events
  • Students wear business-casual attire under robes
  • Students wear shoes adequate for managing stairs and walkways, no spiky or high heels, no flip-flops.
  • Cap decoration is encouraged! Keep it positive, and nothing that drapes over the edges or is higher than 2 inches.
  • Visit the Venue & Ticketing page for details on parking and what to bring.

Locations and Timing

Law Commencement

  • 8:00 a.m. — McCarthey doors open for guest seating
  • 8:00 a.m. — Students arrive at the Law School for class photo
  • 8:20 a.m. — Students and faculty lineup in Martin Center Gym
  • 9:00 a.m. — Procession opens the Ceremony
  • 9:45 a.m. — Conferral of degrees begins
  • 10:30 a.m. — Ceremony concludes
  • Join your fellow J.D. graduates for a champagne reception on the back lawn of the Law School

Graduate Commencement

  • 11:00 a.m — McCarthey doors open for guest seating
  • 11:15 a.m. — Graduate and Procession lineup in Martin Center Gym
  • 12:00 p.m. — Procession opens the Ceremony
  • 1:00 p.m. — Conferral of degrees begins
  • 2:00 p.m. — Ceremony concludes
  • A light champagne reception will follow the Commencement Ceremony on the Herak Lawn
 

Commencement Mass

Graduates and guests of all faiths are welcome.

Tickets are not required and there is no procession.

  • 2:00 p.m. — St. Aloysius Church doors open for guest seating
    • Graduates sit with families
  • 2:45 p.m. — Mass begins
  • 4:00 p.m. — Mass concludes
 

Undergraduate Commencement

  • 8:30 a.m. — Arena North doors open for guest seating
  • 9:00 a.m. — Graduates check in at the Arena South doors
  • 9:30 a.m. — Procession opens the Ceremony
  • 10:30 a.m. — Conferral of degrees begins
  • 12:30 p.m. — Ceremony concludes
  • A Light champagne reception will follow on the Herak Quad Lawn
 

Watch These Video Tutorials

Studemt dressed in undergraduate regalia.

Undergraduate Robing

Tips to help you with your robe. You'll look great!

Studemt dressed in graduate regalia.

Masters Robing

Is your hood on correctly? Don't stress. We've got you covered.

Studemt dressed in doctoral regalia.

Doctoral & Law Robing

We'll show you how to hold and present your hood at commencement.

Arial view of Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

Undergraduate Commencement Overview

Students and families, here's what you need to know about commencement at the Spokane Arena.

Questions? Contact Angela Ruff: (509) 313-3572, ruff@gonzaga.edu

Arial view of McArthey Athletic Center

Graduate Commencement Overview

Familiarize yourself with the process and what you can expect with this tutorial video.

Questions? Contact Angela Ruff: (509) 313-3572, ruff@gonzaga.edu

Arial view of McArthey Athletic Center

Gonzaga School of Law Commencement Rehearsal

Your commencement has specific protocols. Take a moment to preview what to expect.

Questions? Contact Carol Osenga: ( 509) 313-5995, osenga@gonzaga.edu.