Fall 2019 Graduate Program Commencement Information

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Irving Bible Church, 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving TX 75063

Important Dates:

November 18, 2019 - Graduation Regalia Order Deadline

Deadline to order cap, gown, and (optional) country stole from Herff Jones (University of Dallas - College of Business). Questions may be directed to Herff Jones Representative, Mr. Gregg McDonald, at hjcollegetx@sbcglobal.net.  Please be aware that you MUST order a cap and gown if you intend to walk in the graduation ceremony. Please see this diagram for additional information. Please note, late orders will be accepted only through the Registrar's office after the deadline with an additional fee of $40.

December 2, 2019 - Graduation Clearance Deadline 

All graduation requirements must be completed. This includes any outstanding Incomplete grades and completion of the Annotated Bibliography (if required). If you will complete your graduation requirements after the deadline, you will be required to submit a new application for graduation for the next available term.

Questions? Contact Sheri Collier at ministry@udallas.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the graduation ceremony be held?
Graduation for Fall 2019 will be on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Irving Bible Church. 

What time do I need to arrive? Why?
Please report to the Irving Bible Church Foyer no later than 9:00 a.m. for check-in and line-up. 

At line-up, you will be issued a card with your name and a number. The number on your card refers to the order in which you will walk in the processional and the order in which you will be called to receive your diploma. It is important that you stay in numerical order during the line-up and procession. This process takes a while with the large number of graduate participating in commencement so we need all graduates to arrive on time. Please keep track of this card as you will give it to the announcer just before you walk across the stage.

How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony will typically last about 1 hour. Please be aware diplomas will NOT be distributed during the commencement ceremony; students will receive an empty diploma cover. Once the ceremony is over, students will receive their diplomas in the foyer of Irving Bible Church. Once you have walked across the stage, please make your way back to your seat for the remainder of the ceremony in consideration of other participants.

What do I need to bring with me?
Wear your cap, cap tassel, gown and stole (if you have chosen to purchase a stole). We will provide you with your hood on the day of the ceremony - you will carry it with you and be "hooded" on stage. Please leave other non-essential items with family or friends.

Where do I get my cap and gown?
Caps and Gowns (Regalia) may be ordered through our online vendor, Herff Jones. Search for 'University of Dallas - School of Ministry" to ensure you receive the correct regalia. Students are responsible for ordering their own Regalia. You may still order a cap and gown if you are not attending graduation.

Country Stoles are optional stoles that can be worn with the Regalia to honor a student's nation of origin. Country Stoles may be ordered through the Herff Jones website at the time the cap and gown order is placed. Questions on ordering may be directed to Herff Jones Representative, Mr. Gregg McDonald, at hjcollegetx@sbcglobal.net.

How do I order graduation invitations/announcements?
Invitations and announcements are optional and may be ordered online through our vendor Jostens. The link should take you directly to the University of Dallas collection. You will be able to choose a package that best suits you and your needs. If you have additional questions, contact our service representative Tamela Herczeg at Tamela.Herczeg@jostens.com for information on promotional rates.

Can I order a class ring?
Yes! Class rings may be ordered through our vendor Jostens. You may also contact the service representative  for information on promotional rates.

Can I order a Diploma Frame?
The University of Dallas Bookstore offers a variety of diploma frames. Click here to view the selection and order online.

Will I receive my diploma at the graduation ceremony?
Diplomas are given out immediately following the graduation ceremony unless you have a hold on your account. Please note, no diplomas will be distributed while the ceremony is still progressing.

How will I receive my diploma if I am not attending the graduation ceremony?
If you are not attending graduation, you will need to make arrangements to have your diploma mailed to you by contacting Sheri Collier at ministry@udallas.edu. You will need to provide your name, student ID number, graduation term, and mailing address. You may not receive your diploma until after they are conferred at commencement.

How many guests can I bring and do they need a ticket to get in?
We do not issue tickets for commencement guests, but we respectfully request that graduates limit their number of guests to four (4). Seating is on a "first come, first served" basis. Parking is unlimited and free.

How to I make arrangements for accessible seating for myself or guests?
Please contact Joshua Skinner at 972-721-5056 or jaskinner@udallas.edu to make arrangements. Please make requests no later than 72 hours before the event.

Should I bring my child to the ceremony?
Your graduation is a special occasion that should be shared with your loved ones. When deciding whether to bring your children, please remember that all children are expected to remain seated during the ceremony (no running up/down stairs, in/out of the aisles) and to keep noise to a minimum. Childcare will not be available.

Will professional photographs be taken?
Yes. More information will be sent to you via email regarding purchasing of photos a few days after the ceremony.