Regalia order information will be sent to all summer 2024 graduates, fall 2024 graduates, and spring 2025 graduation applicants. 

The order deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025. Once your order is placed you should receive a confirmation email from 'support@oakhalli.com'. You will receive a second email with a tracking number once your order has shipped.

For any questions related to commencement, please contact graduation@southwest.tn.edu.

We have one Commencement each year in May. The 2025 Commencement is Thusday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Landers Center. Students should ensure all of their contact information is current in their Southwest portal. For more information, contact Records at 901-333-4594/5924 or  records@southwest.tn.edu.

Important Disclaimer: Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee the awarding of the degree or diploma. If the student should be found to miss any requirements (Example: failed courses, missing exit/major field exam, etc.), the degree will not be posted nor will a diploma be issued. Students that do not graduate must submit another graduation application for the next semester.  Each semester has one (1) conferral date. (Spring=May, Summer=August, Fall=December)

Guidelines for Commencement

Procedures and Etiquette

Ceremony Etiquette

The Commencement Ceremony is a most dignified event, whose traditions and regalia date from the thirteenth century. All participants are expected to exhibit courteous behavior and to observe the decorum merited by the occasion. Thank you for familiarizing yourself with the following notes on etiquette.

Arrival: We encourage students to arrive at 5:00 p.m.; however, please arrive no later than one hour before the ceremony begins. 

Graduates: You will be assisted by Southwest faculty and staff with lining up on the day of Commencement. Please be cooperative and attentive to ensure you hear all directions.

• Due to the layout of the event space, graduates will walk a greater distance than normal, including up and down ramps or stairs. We highly suggest wearing comfortable shoes. 
• Center for Access: Graduates and faculty/staff with mobility concerns should contact the Center for Access at (901)-333-4223/5523 or by email at ca@southwest.tn.edu . Sign language interpreters will be provided.
• Mortarboard Decorations: We encourage graduates to decorate their mortarboards. However, no obscene, profane, or improper decorations will be allowed. If done, you will be asked to remove your mortarboard.

Leaving: You may not leave until the ceremony concludes. The ceremony will last approximately two hours. It is important that you respect all of your fellow graduates and the importance of the ceremony.

Southwest will provide limited commencement programs. A link to a digital commencement program will be shared via email, after the ceremony. Attendees will receive ONE (1) printed program at the stadium. Graduates will have a printed program in their seats on the field.

The ceremony will be conducted at the Landers Center. The following are NOT permitted in the building:

• Containers, bottles, cans, liquid containers or coolers
• Food
• Backpacks
• Umbrellas, strollers (strollers must be checked in at Guest Services, umbrellas are at the discretion of Landers Center Management)
• Weapons and fireworks
• Poles/Sticks of any kind
• Objects that obstruct another patron’s view
• Horns, whistles, noisemakers
• Animals (except service animals for guests with disabilities)
• Professional Cameras, audio and video recording devices (camera policy subject to change based on event/artist)
• Anything that creates a nuisance or disruption

The Landers Center has implemented a clear bag policy. Read more about it here: https://www.landerscenter.com/plan-your-visit/clear-bag-policy 

Parking at the Landers Center

• More specific Information about parking is forthcoming, and updates will be made to this page once details have been finalized.