Winter Commencement will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026 on the TLU campus.
Schedule
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Chapel of the Abiding Presence
Graduates who are to receive a doctoral or master’s hood at Winter Commencement will be contacted directly by their program advisors with details regarding the hooding ceremony.
Baccalaureate Service
Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Chapel of the Abiding Presence
Graduates should report to the Alumni Student Center by 9:45 a.m. to line up for the processional to the chapel. Wear your gown and hood (graduate program graduates) but not your cap. Also, do not wear any honor cords or medals that you may receive from an honor society or other organization. These are not worn until the commencement ceremony that afternoon.
If graduates are interested in being part of the planning team for baccalaureate, they should contact Pastor Wes Cain at kwcain@tlu.edu by Friday, Nov. 13. All are welcome to help plan the music, readings, and other aspects of the service.
Commencement Ceremony
Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Library Lawn (Rain Location: Jackson Auditorium)
The stage will be set up directly in front of the library, with the lawn between the library and Tschoepe Hall as the seating area. There will be plenty of seating for family, friends, and invited guests. Tickets will not be used, except in the event of rain. Each graduate will be given 7 “rain tickets,” which will be used if the ceremony is moved to Jackson Auditorium due to inclement weather. More information will be sent regarding rain plans as graduation draws closer and as needed.
Please note the Commencement Weather Policy:
The outdoor commencement ceremony will be evaluated using the National Weather Service spot forecast issued at noon on the Tuesday prior to the event (approximately 96 hours in advance).
The event will be moved indoors if, at the scheduled ceremony time, any of the following are forecast:
- Sustained winds above 20 mph or wind gusts above 25 mph;
- Wind chill at or below 40°F or a heat index at or above 105°F; or
- A 40% or greater chance of severe weather or precipitation exceeding 0.10 inches.
At the time of the ceremony, the university policy on lightning in the area will be followed.
For Commencement on the library lawn, graduates should report to Tostengard Activity Center by 12 p.m. to line up for the processional, last minute instructions, clarification of the pronunciation of names, and picture taking. Diplomas, which you will carry across the stage with you, will also be distributed at lineup. The faculty marshals will be present to assist with the lineup, and charts will be posted along the formation area.
At 12:55 p.m., the crucifer will lead the procession from the Tostengard Activity Center to the library lawn.
After the ceremony, the crucifer will lead the recessional to the Victory Bell where graduates will celebrate their graduation by ringing the bell!
Key Information
Regalia
TLU is partnering with Herff Jones to give you a customized commencement gown. Our undergraduate gowns will have detailed TLU gold sleeves with our institutional flame logo. The caps will encompass an updated tassel that showcases our university colors—black and gold.
Master’s regalia and hoods will also be available through Herff Jones, along with graduation announcements, and more.
The deadline to order regalia and announcements is November 12, 2026. Orders are actively shipping now and will ship within two weeks of order placement.
The TLU Bookstore will not have gowns/announcements for purchase. All orders must be placed through Herff Jones.
The cost of the undergraduate gown, cap, and tassel is $68.80 plus shipping.
The cost of the graduate gown, hood, cap, and tassel is $103.75 plus shipping.
Grad Gear Up
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 1
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Dunne Conference Center, Tschoepe Hall
This is your opportunity to take care of all things pertaining to graduation at one location. Verify the reading of your name at the ceremony and on your diploma, wrap up loose ends with the business and financial aid offices, pick up your rain tickets, and take care of any other important graduation business.
TLU Bookstore
The TLU Bookstore will be open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, December 19.
Livestream
The Commencement Ceremony will also be livestreamed at www.TLU.edu/graduation.