For UD’s Class of 2018, the end of the spring semester also signifies the beginning of a new journey. Much like the university witnessed the successes of UD’s first graduating class with the Class of 1960, so too the members of the Class of 2018 will enter into their next chapters in the “pursuit of wisdom, truth and virtue.”

On Sunday, May 13, the university community will gather on the Braniff Mall to celebrate and honor its newly minted graduates from across all four schools — including Constantin College, the Braniff Graduate School, the Gupta College of Business and the Neuhoff School of Ministry — at the annual 2018 Spring Commencement Ceremony. From Baccalaureate Mass to Commencement, here are 10 things to know about UD’s upcoming graduation weekend.

1. Baccalaureate Mass. Graduating students, friends and family are invited to a Eucharistic celebration in the Catholic tradition to thank God for his many blessings on Saturday, May 12. Students should arrive in their caps, gowns and tassels at 5:30 p.m. in the Braniff Foyer before procession to the Mall.

2. Graduation Gala. Following Baccalaureate Mass, graduating seniors from the Class of 2018 are invited to the Haggar University Center, starting at 7 p.m., for the Graduation Gala, an annual commencement tradition. The graduation reception features a buffet in the Haggar Café, a dessert bar and a live band. (Online tickets are available until 4 p.m. on Friday, May 11; admission is free for adults over 70, children 10 and under, graduates and faculty. Tickets for adults will also be available to purchase for $40 at the door, before Mass from 4:30-5:45 p.m. and after Mass at 7 p.m.)

3. The Arrival for Commencement. Graduating students must arrive for check-in no later than 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 13. Undergraduates will arrive in the SB Hall Foyer; graduate students will arrive in the Braniff Foyer. Commencement begins at 9 a.m. on the Braniff Mall.

4. Proper Attire. Graduates must come dressed in full attire including caps, gowns, hoods and tassels for Commencement. (Hoods will be distributed upon morning check-in.)

5. Diplomas. While official diplomas are not distributed during the Commencement Ceremony, graduates may stop by Cardinal Farrell Hall following the ceremony to pickup their individual diplomas.

6. Children. Graduation is a time for family — kids and all. Out of respect for others, we ask that you please try to keep them from running up and down the aisles or being overly disruptive.

7. Pets. In the words of Virginia Woolf, “No one would think of bringing a dog into church.” Although four-legged companions are welcome on campus, we ask that you limit them to service animals during the graduation ceremony. 

8. Parking. Parking is free. Overflow parking will also be available at NCH Corporation, at the corner of Northgate Drive and Chemsearch Boulevard, with an available shuttle service back to campus.

9. Guest Tickets. While the university does not issue individual tickets for Commencement, the university respectfully requests that graduates try to reasonably limit their number of guests.

10. Rain Plan. In the event of inclement weather, the university’s annual Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Maher Athletic Center, located on the west side of campus between Clark Hall and the Church of the Incarnation. The ceremony for undergraduate students will begin at 10 a.m.; the ceremony for graduate students will begin at 2 p.m. Seating for guests will be granted on a first-come, first-seated basis. Overflow seating will be directed to the Church of the Incarnation, and Gorman A, B or C for simulcast viewing. (The University of Dallas Police Department will notify students, faculty and staff of rain plans using the campus alert system. Visit here for more information.)