Saturday, May 9, 2026
Centenary Gold Dome
10:30 A.M.
(The doors will open one hour before the academic procession is scheduled to begin.)
Dress: Cap, Gown, and Hood
During Graduation
Commencement Traditions
The commencement ceremony is full of traditions that celebrate your hard work and mark the start of a new chapter. You’ll see students dressed in caps and gowns, often decorated with personal messages or inside jokes.
For undergraduates, your tassels will start on the right and are moved to the left when degrees are officially given, a powerful moment that symbolizes your transition from student to graduate.
Academic regalia colors, special cords for honors, and singing the alma mater are traditions that connect generations of graduates and make the day feel truly unforgettable.
Concession Stands
Concession stands on the second level of the Gold Dome will be open for family and friends.
Graduate Photos
A professional photographer will capture each graduate as they receive their diploma on stage.
Photos are provided by the official Commencement photographer and loaded on the College’s Zenfolio webpage.
Name Announcement
At the appropriate time, a member of the ceremony staff will direct your row towards the stage. Please remember to take your name card.
When the person before you is called, you should move onto the stage.
When your name is called, you should start walking across the stage. As you approach the President, extend your right hand to shake hands. The commencement photographer will capture this special moment.
You will leave the stage by the opposite ramp and walk down the center aisle to return to your seat.
After all graduates for each degree level have returned to their seats (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Business Administration), the presiding officer will ask you to collectively take your seats.
Outline for Award Sequence for Commencement
- Processional
- Undergraduate Honors Candidates (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude)
- Bachelor of Arts Candidates
- Bachelor of Science Candidates
- Master of Arts in Teaching Candidates
- Master of Business Administration Candidates
- Board of Trustees
- Faculty
- Platform Party
- Welcome
- National Anthem
- Invocation
- Hymn
- Scripture Reading
- Anthem
- Introduction of the class and commencement speaker
- Commencement address
- Conferring of honorary degree
- Alumni Association induction
- Conferring of honors and degrees in course
- Alma Mater
- Benediction
- Recessional
Streaming Option
Centenary College Class of 2026 will live stream commencement exercises at Centenary.edu/live or the college's official Facebook account. Viewers will be able to see the live stream on graduation day once the live stream has started.
© 2026 Centenary College of Louisiana