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2026 Commencement Exercises

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Location Hamlin Quad
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A diverse crowd of people stands closely together outdoors, with several holding up phones and a woman smiling while raising.

Welcome to Commencement 2026

As we prepare to celebrate our students’ achievements at John Carroll University, this page serves as a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about this special day.

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 15, 2026
11:00 a.m.
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Dolan Center for Science and Technology, Atrium
 
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Nursing Department Pinning Ceremony
St. Francis Chapel
 
Saturday, May 16, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Graduate Commencement
Hamlin Quad
 
Saturday, May 16, 2026
4:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate Mass
Hamlin Quad
 
Sunday, May 17, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Undergraduate Commencement
Hamlin Quad
 

Rain Plan

In the event that severe weather is projected for the day of Commencement, the ceremony will be moved from the Hamlin Quad to the Athletic, Wellness & Event Center. This decision is communicated by 5:00 p.m. the evening before Commencement via this website and social media channels.

Undergraduate Ceremony

  1. The ceremony will take place in the Athletic, Wellness & Event Center.
  2. Each graduate will receive 4 wristbands at check-in. Only guests with wristbands will be admitted. All other guests may watch via the live-stream on jcu.edu.
  3. If you have more wristbands than guests, you are welcome to share them with guests of another graduate in the same ceremony.

Graduate Ceremony

  1. The ceremony will take place in the Athletic, Wellness & Event Center. There will be one combined ceremony for all graduate students.
  2. There is sufficient seating for all guests. No wristbands are required.

While the rain plan has been implemented very few times historically, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation should it be necessary. Our goal is to make the day memorable for every graduate and their guests.

Commencement Weekend Festivities

At Commencement, there will be an opportunity to purchase food and beverages, as well as make purchases from the University Bookstore. Families are encouraged to book hotels for commencement as early as possible. A list of recommended hotels is available here under "Plan Your Stay".

JCU campus life - a small group of students gathered together

Bookstore Hours

Located in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center
Saturday, May 16: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

View of an outdoor courtyard at John Carroll University with tables, benches, chairs, planters, and surrounding campus.

Food Locations

Coyne's Caribbean Coffee (Food Truck)
The Den (Grasselli Library)

Large white letters spelling JCU stand on a sidewalk near a tall brick clock tower and green lawn at John Carroll University.

Best Photo Spots

Check out the commencement map for the best photo spots. There will be a photo booth available on Sunday in Dolan.

Commencement Map
  • JCU campus life - a small group of students gathered together

    Bookstore Hours

    Located in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center
    Saturday, May 16: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Sunday, May 17: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • View of an outdoor courtyard at John Carroll University with tables, benches, chairs, planters, and surrounding campus.

    Food Locations

    Coyne's Caribbean Coffee (Food Truck)
    The Den (Grasselli Library)

  • Large white letters spelling JCU stand on a sidewalk near a tall brick clock tower and green lawn at John Carroll University.

    Best Photo Spots

    Check out the commencement map for the best photo spots. There will be a photo booth available on Sunday in Dolan.

    Commencement Map
 

Watch the Ceremony

A live video stream of the commencement ceremonies will be available here for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

The livestream will be active on ceremony day. A recording will be available afterward.

Commencement Awards & Traditions

As part of the John Carroll tradition, we offer many unique opportunities to our graduating seniors.

Beaudry Award

Presented to a graduating senior who reflects John Carroll’s Jesuit mission through academic excellence, leadership, and service. Recognized for:

Academic achievement
Leadership
Service to the University and the broader community
Commitment to Jesuit values

Millor Orator

Selected graduating senior speaker who represents the class at Commencement. The Millor Orator delivers a speech grounded in reflection, gratitude, and John Carroll’s Jesuit mission.

ROTC Commissioning

A commissioning ceremony honoring graduates entering military service as commissioned officers. Contact the Military Science Office at 216.397.4421 for details.

Baccalaureate Mass

A special Mass celebrating the Class of 2026 and offering space for gratitude and reflection before Commencement. Open to all graduates and families. Held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Regalia is an official symbol of the University during the Commencement Ceremony. All participants are required to wear full academic regalia consisting of a traditional blue gown and mortarboard (cap) with a tassel. Gowns must remain formal and unmodified, with no personal embellishments or modifications. Optional items may include sashes/stoles, medallions or cords provided by a university office or organization.

    If decorating mortarboards, decorations must be minimal, non-distracting, and not interfere with the ceremony. Decorations should be expressions of well-wishes, gratitude, or affiliation with University-recognized organizations. All decorations must remain flat and cannot disrupt others' view. Prohibited decorations include threats, profanity, obscenity, nudity, defamatory speech, or communications that violate University Community Standards. The University reserves the right to request removal of inappropriate decorations, even during the ceremony. Non-compliant participants may be asked to remove unapproved items or be removed from the ceremony.

    For full guidelines on regalia and mortarboard expectations, please review the official policy here: View Full Regalia Expectations

  • To preserve the dignity of these events, all participants must adhere to JCU Community Standards. Do not engage in behavior that interrupts University functions, including displaying signs, balloons, flags, or banners. Air horns, noisemakers, and sports equipment (like beach balls) that may disrupt the ceremonies are not permitted. These expectations help ensure a dignified and respectful celebration for all graduates, families, guests, and the entire JCU community.
    For full expectations regarding conduct at Commencement events, please review the official guidelines: View Full Conduct Expectations

Graduate Commencement: Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m. — ~1.5 hours
Baccalaureate Mass (Undergraduates): Saturday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. — ~1.5 hours
Undergraduate Commencement: Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. — ~2.5 hours
All times are approximate and may vary slightly.

No. Business attire is appropriate (button-down shirts, dresses, etc.).

All graduates must check in at the Dolan Science Center between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of your ceremony. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. Both check-in and rehearsal attendance are required.

All personal belongings should be left at your seat or with your guests during the ceremony, including when you come forward to receive your diploma.

Yes. For the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, complimentary light breakfast and beverages will be available to graduates in the Dolan Science Center beginning at 9 a.m. Water stations will be located around campus.

Faculty & Staff Tents with light refreshments and desserts will be located on the Main Quad after the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday, May 17. There will be separate tents for Boler, College of Arts and Science, and College of Health where you can meet with faculty and staff.

On May 22nd, you will receive an email with a link to your official digital diploma from JCU's partner vendor Parchment. You will be able to review your diploma mailing address at that time to ensure that Parchment is mailing your diploma to the correct address. If needed, you will have 72 hours after receiving that email to update the diploma mailing information via Parchment. Note that international diploma mailing addresses cannot be updated via Parchment.

If you’re participating in Commencement, you’ll receive a cover at the ceremony. If you’re not participating, you may pick one up at the Registrar’s Office at no charge.

Please notify the Registrar’s Office at registrar@jcu.edu.

You can use the Commencement Voicemail at 216-397-6638 to record the pronunciation of your name. Have your Banner ID ready before calling.

No, outdoor ceremonies are open seating. There is no guest limit.

Parking is available in the Dolan East Lot, Dolan West Lot, and the main Parking Lot near the Hamlin Quad. Guests needing accessible (ADA) parking should use the Dolan East Lot—please note that the road facing the Hamlin Quad will be coned off to allow for ADA access and drop-offs close to the event area.

Yes. Restrooms in academic buildings and food trucks will be available.

Accessible seating will be available on concrete pads adjacent to the sidewalks around Hamlin Quad. Guests may move chairs within these areas as needed. ADA restrooms will be clearly marked and accessible. ASL interpreters will be present at all Commencement ceremonies. For specific accessibility needs, email commencement@jcu.edu.

  • Several options will be available, including: The Den in Grasselli Library (open 9:00-11:00 a.m.), Coyne's Caribbean Coffee truck (located between Boler School and Dolan Science Center), and water stations throughout campus. After the Undergraduate Ceremony, light refreshments and desserts will be available at the Faculty & Staff Tents on the Main Quad.

Yes, all ceremonies will be livestreamed. The stream will be available on the Commencement Website: www.jcu.edu/commencement.

After the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday, Faculty & Staff Tents will be set up on the Main Quad with separate tents for Boler, College of Arts and Science, and College of Health. These are designated meeting locations with light refreshments and desserts.

Faculty & Staff Tents will be set up on the Main Quad after the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday. There will be separate tents for Boler, College of Arts and Science, and College of Health, which will serve as designated meeting locations with light refreshments and desserts.

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