Information for Graduates
The 125th Commencement Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 10, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. Students are to arrive no later that 8 a.m. the day of commencement to the I.W. Young Auditorium. If late, student(s) will not be able to participate in the commencement ceremony. There is a mandatory rehearsal for commencement participants Friday, May 9, 2025. Rehearsal check-in is from 9-10 a.m. Students must participate in rehearsal to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Information for Graduates
ALL REGALIA ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2025, IN THE VARSITY SHOP
Cap, Gown & Tassel:
Cap, gown and tassels are required in order to participate in commencement. All three of these items may be purchased at the Varsity Shop.
The total cost of these items is listed below:
Baccalaureate Candidates: Package costs $43.25 (plus tax). Orders may be placed online through www.jostens.com until April 4, 2025. Items will be available for purchase at the Varsity Shop beginning April 1, 2025.
Master Candidates: Package costs $47.55 with hood (plus tax). Orders may be placed online through www.jostens.com until April 4. Items will be available for purchase at the Varsity Shop beginning April 1, 2025.
Doctoral Candidate: Will need to place rental orders by March 20, 2025.
All cap, gowns and tassels for commencement will be black. You are able to purchase a souvenir tassel with the Langston University colors but will not be permitted on commencement day.
Honors Cords
Those approved to be graduating with honors will be placed on a list and given to the Varsity Shop. If you are approved for a cord, you will be able to purchase them at the Varsity Shop ONLY beginning April 1.
Cap Decorations
If you choose to decorate your cap, please find the requirements/guidelines below:
- Decorations should not extend over the brim of the hat.
- There will be no vulgarity on the hat.
- No alcohol or drug images/paraphernalia will be allowed.
- Decorations should be no more than 1/2 inch in height.
- You must email your design for approval to Rachel Belmon, Director of Alumni Affairs.
Recommended Shoes & Clothing
Please wear comfortable shoes. Pointed heels such as stilettos are not allowed on the field and may cause unbalance while walking on the turf or up the ramp to the stage. You are encouraged to wear wedged or flat shoes.
The turf field will likely be 10-15 degrees warmer than the temperature of the ambient air. Temperature highs are expected to be in the 80s, so we encourage you to wear lightweight clothing under gowns due to the elevated temperatures. Water will be available for all participants on the field.
Dues are $35 and are used to support the class gift that is left to the institution. While not required, we would strongly encourage you to support this endeavor.
A mandatory rehearsal for commencement will take place Friday, May 9, 2025. You will not participate in commencement if you do not attend this rehearsal. A timeline for rehearsal can be found below:
- 9-10 a.m. – Check in at the white tents in from of I.W. Young Auditorium. Once checked in, students will proceed inside of the auditorium and sit with their school.
- 10:15 a.m. – Students will begin walk to the W.E. Anderson Stadium.
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Rehearsal on the football field.
Students will receive their name cards for pronunciation of names and photos for commencement day. You MUST bring this to commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, to participate in the ceremony.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Students are to arrive no later than 8 a.m. If late, the student(s) will not be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.
- Students will report to the I.W. Young Auditorium
- Parking is open
- Gates at the W.E. Anderson Stadium for family and friends open at 8 a.m. Both sides of the stadium will be open.