Graduating Senior Guide

1. Be sure you have met all degree requirements to graduate.
2. Complete and submit the Graduation Questionnaire by September 1, 2023.   Before completing the questionnaire, please consider the following:  It is imperative to spell out your entire name as you want to appear on your diploma. Most people use their full name (first, middle, last) on the diploma.   Also included in the questionnaire is an opportunity to submit a statement to be included in the commencement program. Before completing the questionnaire, consider what you want to say in your statement. Most graduates take the opportunity to thank their support system, give a shout-out to classmates, or include a quote that is meaningful to them.
   
   The other information you provide in the questionnaire will be used to begin preparing for your graduation. Some of the information will go to the Alumni Office to create your alumni record; some will be given to the Career Development Office so that they know your plans and needs and can complete statistical reporting required by accrediting agencies.
3. J.D. regalia is rented from the Baylor Bookstore. Summer 2023 degree candidates must order regalia from the Bookstore no later than Friday, September 8, 2023. The rental cost is $94.34, including tax, and is due when your regalia arrives to be picked up by you at the Bookstore within a couple of weeks of graduation. Use this form to order regalia. Sizing information is available here
4. LL.M. regalia is $142.41, including tax, and is due when ordered and shipped to the address you provide.
5. Law School graduation ceremonies are "uncertified." Students participating in the ceremony may have outstanding requirements to complete. The faculty is asked to certify degree candidates as having passed by the Wednesday following the graduation ceremony. Jerri Cunningham will notify candidates as she hears of classes that are certified. Fellows, honors, highest-ranking student, special distinctions, and final class rank will not be finalized until all grades are in for the quarter.
6. Custom graduation announcements may be ordered from the printer of your choice or Jostens.com. See Suzy Daniel in the Dean's Suite if you are interested in looking at samples from Jostens.com.
7. Graduation candidates must complete exit counseling with the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid Office (Assistant Dean Jenny Branson) and Career Development (Assistant Dean Kristine Bridges). Watch for a request from Deans Branson and Bridges to schedule your appointments for exit counseling.

Students will be sent information emails leading up to graduation:

1. Regalia will be ready for pickup at the Baylor Bookstore - make sure the regalia includes a robe (that zips properly), hood, tam (hat), and tassel. You will pay for your regalia at this time.
2. The seating chart and a condensed ceremony itinerary will be sent the week before exams and when exams end.

Graduating seniors should be at the commencement venue 45 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Baylor Law staff will guide you to the preparation room and provide instructions on the ceremony.

A professional photographer will take photos of each graduate as they are awarded the diploma and hooded. Graduates will be notified when proofs of the photos are available for viewing and purchase online.

The ceremony will be live-streamed so that loved ones who cannot attend the ceremony in person can watch the graduation online.

Please join us immediately following the ceremony for a reception at the law school.

Please note that as we get closer to the ceremony, our safety processes and protocols may change. We will update our website if changes are necessary.

Tickets are not required for access to the ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-served and doors will open 60 minutes before the ceremony begins.

• Fall 2023 Graduation - FRIDAY, November 3, 2023 at 4:00PM. First Baptist Church Waco, 500 Webster Ave., Waco, TX 76706.
• Winter 2023-2024 Graduation - SATURDAY, February 3, 2024 at 10:00AM. First Baptist Church Waco, 500 Webster Ave., Waco, TX 76706.
• Spring 2024 Graduation - SATURDAY, April 27, 2024 at 10:00AM.
• Summer 2024 Graduation - SATURDAY, August 3, 2024 at 10:00AM.

Video of Commencement (available within a week after ceremony)

The visitor's page of the Baylor University website will provide information on accommodations for your visit to Waco and activities you may be interested in during your stay in Waco.