Class of 2026 Graduate | Fairfield University

The 76th Commencement for Graduate Exercises will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Schedule of Events
FAQs

Saturday, May 16, 2026

9:30 a.m. - Graduate Commencement Exercises – Leo D. Mahoney Arena
11:30 a.m. – Graduate School Reception – Arena Lawn

CEREMONY

Where will the ceremony be held?

The Commencement Ceremony will take place in the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Doors will open at 8 a.m.

Will the ceremony be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend?

Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed and archived on the University website. Links will be posted on the Commencement website the morning of the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony will be approximately two hours in length.

How may I obtain a Commencement program?

Commencement programs will be distributed at the entrance to the Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

TICKETS

How many tickets can I receive?

Each student will receive five (5) tickets to the ceremony in the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Due to fire safety regulations and building capacity limits, the University cannot distribute additional tickets. Students who do not need all their allotted tickets may transfer them to others.

How are tickets obtained?

On Wednesday, May 6, all students participating in Commencement who have completed the Destination survey will receive five (5) tickets to the ceremony*. All tickets will be delivered digitally to students’ online ticket accounts. They can then transfer tickets to their guests and/or other students through their online accounts. Tickets can be downloaded to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. All guests must present a ticket which will be scanned upon entry. Each ticket has a unique barcode, therefore duplicate tickets will not be granted entry.

*Additional information regarding the Destination survey, including the anticipated survey timeline, will be sent to all students on Monday, March 2.

The data collected from this anonymous survey helps us to measure student outcomes and experiences so that they may be shared with prospective students. Please contact the Office of Institutional Research at student-surveys@fairfield.edu for additional details.

How do I access my online ticket account?

Students can access their online ticket account through the "University Tickets" task in my.Fairfield or by going to https://fairfield.evenue.net

Additional information will be sent to students on accessing their accounts on Wednesday, April 22.

What if I lost my tickets?

Students are reminded to safeguard their tickets. LOST TICKETS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

What if I do not have a ticket?

For those without tickets, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the University website.

Do infants require a ticket?

Children three years or older need a ticket; those younger will be expected to sit on the lap of a family member for the duration of the ceremony.

Are there any special accessibility arrangements for guests?

The Leo D. Mahoney arena offers locations with accessible seating throughout the concourse level on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that this reserved location accommodates the guests with accessibility issues and only one additional companion. Guests are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs, as the University does not provide wheelchairs for use during Commencement.

REGALIA

What am I required to wear to Commencement?

Per the Academic Regalia Policy and Guidelines, all students participating in the ceremony are required to wear regalia which includes a gown, hood, and cap with a black tassel.

How do I order my regalia?

All students participating in the Commencement Ceremony are required to purchase regalia online by Monday, March 30 so that your items ship and arrive on time to your preferred delivery address.

Ordering online by Monday, March 30 is preferred and recommended, however for those who miss the online ordering deadline, there will be a limited supply of regalia available for purchase at the Stag Spirit Shop the week prior to Commencement.

GRADUATE SCHOOL RECEPTION

When will the Graduate School Reception take place?

On Saturday, May 16, immediately following the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, a reception will be held for all graduate students and their families on the Arena Lawn. This optional event provides an informal opportunity to celebrate with your classmates along with the deans and faculty members of each school. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are not required.

GRADUATE EXPERIENCE

What mandatory items must be completed prior to Commencement?

In order to participate in the Graduate Commencement ceremony, please FIRST consult the Graduate catalog under the Academic Policies and Procedures section to confirm your eligibility. In addition, all holds on your account must be resolved. For additional questions, please consult directly with your Academic Dean’s Office.

When is the Commencement Guidelines meeting?

All students are required to attend the online Commencement Guidelines meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. This webinar will review all aspects of the upcoming ceremony. Additional information to come.

What are the Procession Instructions?

Procession instructions will be posted during the afternoon on Friday, May 15 in the 76th Commencement Exercises Guide on the Fairfield University Guides app. Important information to remember:

Arrive at the Field House in the RecPlex on Saturday, May 16 no later than 8 a.m.
Upon arrival, check in with your Faculty Marshal.
Be sure to review your index card to verify the pronunciation of your name.
Complete the back of the card to receive communication from GradImages™ about your photos. The Marshal will give you your card.

Will my picture be taken at Commencement?

Yes, a photographer from GradImages™ will be at your ceremony to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. Graduates will receive a proof of their photos within 5–7 days following the ceremony. Proofs will be delivered digitally via email and mailed to the graduates address to ensure multiple opportunities to view and order. After Commencement, graduates can locate their graduation photos online by visiting GradImages.com.

The following pieces of information are required to access their account:

Last Name of the graduate
School name
Graduation Year

Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.

Graduates can pre-register their name and email address at www.gradimages.com. By doing so, they will receive a discount of 20% off an order of $50 or more. To pre-register, visit www.gradimages.com and click on Registration.

Question or concerns regarding your photos should be directed to GradImages’s Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net

Will there be printed announcements available for graduates to send to relatives and friends?

Yes. For information on ordering personalized announcements, diploma frames, and class rings please click here.

Where and when do I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed 4-6 weeks after degrees are conferred by Fairfield University. All paper diplomas are printed in Latin, as is University tradition. The electronic version of the diploma will be in English.

Please note that soon after degrees are conferred, students will receive an email at their Fairfield.edu address from Parchment requesting confirmation of the mailing address for their paper diploma.

Where can I pick up a diploma cover?

Complimentary diploma covers will be distributed at the Graduate School Reception on the Arena Lawn immediately following the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@fairfield.edu for additional information.

PARKING

Where should I park?

Guests may park in the assigned lots throughout campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Lots K1, K2 and K3 are closest to the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. View campus map.

Please note that traffic and parking on campus are expected to be congested. If preferred, guests are welcome to carpool or use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft. When using a rideshare, enter campus via North Benson Road gate and drop off/pick up in the traffic circle on Loyola Drive.

Are there any accessibile parking spaces?

A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis in all lots. View campus map. To park in these spaces, visitors will need to display government-issued Accessible Parking Permits. Guests with accessibility needs may also be dropped off in the traffic circle directly in front of the Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

GENERAL

What items are not permitted?

To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, please note that the following items are not permitted inside the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, including balloons, megaphones, lasers, and pets (except certified service animals). Additionally, please refrain from bringing items that may obstruct the view or cause distractions during the ceremony. Backpacks and large bags may be subject to inspection. The Leo D. Mahoney Arena is a non-smoking facility.

When will the Stag Spirit Shop be open during Commencement Week?

The Stag Spirit Shop, located in the Barone Campus Center, will be open as follows:

Monday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 from 7:30 am – 1 pm

How do I obtain a graduation invitation letter for international family members applying for a visitor’s visa?

Students must email globalfairfield@fairfield.edu and asimon1@fairfield.edu to determine invitation letters for close family ties only, such as for a mother, father, siblings, or children.

Is there space available on campus for a private reception during Commencement weekend?

No. Since many events are taking place on campus, we are unable to offer space for private functions. We would suggest you contact a local restaurant or hotel. Visit the area hotels & restaurant page.

Where should I make a hotel reservation?

There is a wide selection of hotels within two to ten miles of campus. It is strongly recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible. Visit the area hotels & restaurant page.

How do I stay connected with Fairfield after graduation?

Upon graduation, you will join over 50,000 Fairfield alumni across the globe. Starting as soon as the summer after Commencement, you will be invited to join Stags in your area – from Boston to California – at events focused on networking, community service, social opportunities, lifelong learning, and more! All you have to do to stay connected is make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information. Invitations about, and to, upcoming alumni programs and events is shared via email and are sent based on your geographic location. Be sure to update us so you don’t miss out; it’s quick and easy to do so! Simply fill out this Contact Update Form and let us know your most current preferred physical and email addresses as well as any updated business information you may have!

We can’t wait to see you at an alumni event soon! In fact, Save the Date for Young Alumni Mug Night which will take place during Alumni & Family Weekend on Friday, October 23, 2026! For a full listing of all alumni activities on campus and across the country, visit fairfield.edu/alumnievents. To learn about even more ways to get involved – including our affinity groups such as the Alumni of Color Network – visit fairfield.edu/getinvolved. There’s a way for everyone to stay connected to Fairfield long after graduation! For general questions about life as an alum, please email alumni@fairfield.edu.