Commencement
Commencement is a meaningful milestone that recognizes the dedication and perseverance of our graduates. Join us as we celebrate this moment with family, friends, and the CSM community while marking the transition into the next chapter.

Congratulations, Graduates.
During commencement weekend, we honor our graduates and welcome them into the growing CSM Alumni community. It is a moment to reflect on your journey and celebrate this milestone alongside family and friends.
2026 Commencement

Friday, May 15
4 p.m. Honors Convocation
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Honors Convocation recognizes student academic excellence, leadership, and achievement.
7 p.m. PNC Ceremony
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Graduation ceremony for the student completing the practical nursing certificate program.

Saturday, May 16
1 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Mass celebrating graduates, gratitude, and new beginnings.
3 p.m. Undergrad & Grad Commencement
Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse
Graduation ceremony for all students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Commencement DETAILS
Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13
Noon – 6 p.m.
Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse
Be sure to pick up your gift from Alumni & Donor Relations, welcoming you into the CSM Alumni Family!
Announcements are personalized, take 7-10 business days, and are mailed directly to your home. These are optional and not required.
- Please arrive no later than 2 p.m. in the Lied Fitness Center Gym (left side of the building).
- The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hour.
Professional photos will be taken when you receive your diploma. The photographer will give you a QR code on how to order as well as provide and email to order photos after the event. The QR code will also be in the Commencement Program.
There will also be family picture taking stations in the Fieldhouse.
The commencement ceremony is a time of celebration for you and your family and friends. It is a traditional and dignified event, so we don’t want to distract from the ceremony or the celebration of each student. We want it to be memorable for everyone. Use your imagination and decorate your hat as you wish, but please keep it in good taste and in the spirit of a special ceremony.
A few simple rules to follow would be:
- No lights or noises
- Nothing dangling from the sides
- Nothing elevated from the cap or sticking up high
Parking will be limited during graduation weekend as campus will be very full. We encourage guests to carpool when possible. Free visitor parking is available throughout campus, and staff will be on-site to help direct traffic and assist with parking.
Commencement is streamed live on College of Saint Mary’s YouTube channel.
Graduate Exit Survey
Each year, we ask all of our graduates to fill out an exit survey so that we can improve our academic programs, update our records and stay in touch with you! All responses are confidential and may only be shared with our Academic Affairs and/or Alumni & Donor Relations Office. Fill out this short survey for a chance at a $50 Gift Card!
Note: Undergraduates only fill out the Undergraduate survey; Graduate students only fill out the Graduate survey