Frequently Asked Questions - Loyola Marymount University

Where is LMU’s 113th Commencement being held?

LMU’s 113th Commencement will take place on the LMU Westchester Campus, bringing our cherished celebration back to the bluff.

Commencement Mass: May 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., Drollinger Family Stage
Undergraduate Commencement: May 17, 2025 at 10 a.m., Sunken Garden
Graduate Commencement: May 18, 2025 at 10 a.m., Sunken Garden (inclusive of all graduate programs and LMU Loyola Law School)

Schedule Details: For both days, campus entry begins at 8 a.m., and the procession begins at 10 a.m.

Why did LMU decide to return Commencement to campus?

In February 2024, we announced plans to relocate Commencement 2025 to BMO Stadium due to logistical and safety challenges on the LMU Westchester Campus. Since then, additional concerns have arisen about holding large-scale events downtown, including traffic congestion, transportation logistics, and overlapping events nearby.

After reengaging with city officials and exploring new solutions, LMU developed a plan to bring commencement back to campus while addressing safety and operational challenges through measures like off-site parking, shuttle services, and enhanced security protocols. This decision reflects LMU’s commitment to honoring its traditions and delivering an exceptional experience for our graduates and their families.

What steps is LMU taking to ensure safety and smooth operations during Commencement?

To address logistical challenges and prioritize safety, LMU is implementing the following changes:

Guest Attendance Limit

Graduates will receive seven tickets for their guests. Additional ticket requests cannot be accommodated to comply with safety regulations, and non-ticketed guests will not be admitted. Livestream options will be available for remote viewing.

Two-Ceremony Limit

The university is permitted to host two main ceremonies — one for undergraduates and one for graduates. The university will continue hosting several commencement-related celebrations, including Commencement Mass and affinity events.

Parking

To reduce traffic congestion and to address ingress/egress limitations of the LMU Westchester Campus, parking will be limited, with additional guidance forthcoming. Attendees may be directed to offsite parking locations with shuttle services provided when on-campus parking capacities are reached.

Enhanced Security Measures

In collaboration with public officials, LMU will implement stadium-style security protocols, including revised clear-bag policies, security checkpoints, line-of-site improvements, and additional guidelines to be shared in the weeks preceding Commencement. The clear-bag policy and ticketed entry will be strictly enforced.

Is LMU reading individual names at Commencement? Will students have an opportunity to feel individually recognized?

Yes. As previously planned, all graduates will have their names called and pictures taken during the ceremony.

What prompted the original plan to hold Commencement off-campus?

A logistics review conducted in 2024 identified challenges with hosting commencement on the LMU Westchester Campus, including traffic congestion, limited parking, and safety concerns. Public officials shared their concerns, prompting the university to seek an off-campus solution that was responsive to their guidance and our own findings. However, after identifying additional challenges with the downtown venue and developing new solutions, LMU was able to address these issues. After extensive additional conversations and significant changes were made to the event, LMU is now able to bring Commencement back to campus.

Will Commencement stay on campus in future years?

We hope so. LMU’s preference has always been to host Commencement on campus whenever feasible. The success of this year’s plan, along with ongoing logistical assessments and collaboration with local officials, will guide future decisions. LMU remains committed to preserving traditions while ensuring safety and operational excellence.

Why is the guest limit set at seven tickets per graduate? Could it change?

No, it will not change. The guest limit was determined based on seating capacity, safety requirements, and logistical considerations. Limiting attendance helps manage parking, traffic flow, and crowd density while ensuring a meaningful and safe experience for everyone.

This limit is unlikely to change, but the university will offer a livestream option so additional family and friends can participate virtually. In order to enter the campus, you must have a ticket with you.

Where will the off-site parking be located, and how will shuttles work?

Details about off-site parking locations will be shared closer to the event, with specifics provided later this spring. These parking areas will be selected for their convenience and proximity to campus.

Shuttle services will run at frequent intervals throughout the day to ensure timely and efficient transportation. Updated shuttle schedules and routes will be included in future communications.

What’s being done to reduce traffic congestion around campus?

LMU is implementing a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimize congestion:

Parking on-campus will be much more limited than in the past. Please encourage your guests to carpool.
Off-site parking with shuttle services will reduce vehicle volume on campus.
Traffic flow and ingress/egress will be managed in coordination with local authorities.
Controlled access points will help distribute arrivals and departures more evenly.

Attendees will receive detailed instructions about parking, shuttle schedules, and transportation routes well ahead of Commencement.

How is LMU preparing for emergencies during Commencement?

LMU has a robust emergency response plan in place, managed by the Campus Safety Services and in close coordination with the city’s law enforcement and emergency response resources. This includes:

Preparedness training, drills, and response protocols
Coordination with local emergency services and public safety officials
Real-time communication via the university’s emergency notification system

The safety of our graduates, their families, and our community remains LMU’s top priority.

What’s the best source for up-to-date Commencement information?

For the most accurate and reliable updates, please visit the LMU Commencement website:

Avoid relying on unofficial sources or online petitions, as they may contain inaccurate information.

What if my guest needs special accommodations?

Limited special needs parking will be available on a first come, first served basis. Persons with disabilities and those requiring special accommodations should arrive by 8 a.m. on Saturday or 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. Handicapped placards are required and should be clearly displayed or available so that traffic officers can guide guests to their designated parking area. Golf cart transportation will be provided only to the individual needing assistance plus one.

Seating for those with special needs will be available. Only one person from a party may sit with the person requiring special seating.

How early can we get there? What is the best time to get there?

The campus will open at 8 a.m.

How long do the commencement ceremonies last?

The undergraduate ceremony is expected to last between two to three hours. The graduate ceremony, which includes the LMU Loyola Law School, is expected to last approximately two hours. Guests planning private celebrations after the ceremony should consider these time frames when making arrangements.

Are there discounted hotel rates that you can provide near LMU?

Negotiated LMU hotel rates can be secured here.

Where can I purchase regalia and invitations?

Regalia, invitations, diploma frames, and more can be purchased at herff.ly/lmu.

What is my commencement hood color?

Commencement hoods can vary by college / school, area of study, and degree type. A comprehensive breakdown of colors is listed below, and color swatches can be viewed in this PDF document.

LMU College of Business – Light brown

LMU School of Education – Light blue

LMU School of Film and Television – Crimson

LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts
- Undergraduate degrees
  - Art History – White
  - Communication Studies – Silver
  - Dance – Brown
  - Individualized Studies – Brown
  - Music – Pink
  - Studio Arts – Brown
  - Theatre Arts – Brown
- Graduate degrees
  - Marital and Family Therapy – White
  - Fine Arts: Performance Pedagogy – Brown

LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- All degree types
  - English – White
  - Philosophy – White
  - Theology – Scarlet
- Undergraduate degrees
  - African American Studies – White
  - Asian and Pacific Studies – White
  - Chicana/o Studies – White
  - Classics and Archaeology – White
  - Economics (B.A.) – White
  - Economics (B.S.) – Copper
  - Environmental Studies – White
  - European Studies – White
  - French – White
  - History – White
  - Humanities – White
  - Individualized Studies – White
  - International Relations – White
  - Journalism – Crimson
  - Liberal Studies – White
  - Modern Languages – White
  - Political Science – White
  - Psychology – White
  - Sociology – White
  - Spanish – White
  - Urban Studies – White
  - Women's and Gender Studies – White
- Graduate degrees
  - Bioethics – White
  - Pastoral Theology – Scarlet
  - Yoga Studies – White

LMU Seaver College of Science and Engineering
- All degree types
  - Civil Engineering – Orange
  - Computer Engineering – Orange
  - Computer Science – Gold
  - Electrical Engineering – Orange
  - Environmental Science – Gold
  - Mathematics – Gold
  - Mechanical Engineering – Orange
- Undergraduate degrees
  - Applied Mathematics – Gold
  - Applied Physics – Gold
  - Biochemistry – Gold
  - Chemistry – Gold
  - Engineering Physics – Gold
  - Health and Human Sciences – Gold
  - Physics – Gold
  - Statistics and Data Science – Gold
- Graduate degrees
  - Healthcare Systems Engineering – Gold
  - Systems Engineering and Engineering Management – Orange
  - Systems Engineering Leadership – Gold
  - Teaching Mathematics – Gold