112th Commencement Exercises | Reminders for Graduates, Parents, and Families

April 26, 2024

Message from Executive Vice President and Provost Poon
Master of Ceremonies for the 112th Commencement Exercises

Dear LMU Graduates, Parents, and Families,

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to Loyola Marymount University’s 112th Commencement Season, with more than a dozen celebrations that culminate in Commencement Weekend from May 3 to May 5, 2024.

Commencement is a joyous occasion, and we look forward to celebrating this momentous milestone with you. This year, as we honor your accomplishments, we are taking steps to ensure that your commencement experience is memorable and free from disruption. As always, the university will enforce its policies and protocols to assure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Please note: during this year’s events, LMU Public Safety will utilize a variety of deescalation methods ranging from warnings to event removal should a disruption occur. All students who will be on-campus for any affinity or commencement celebrations must follow LMU Community Standards, including the Freedom of Expression Policy and the Student Conduct Code. Learn more.

Please review the important information below about our event policies, security protocols, parking logistics, and other requirements prior to visiting the LMU Westchester Campus.

Stay Updated
We encourage you to share this message with all family, friends, and attendees. Our Commencement Website and the LMU Mobile App (iOS | Android) will remain updated with the latest details.

Commencement Weekend Events
Commencement Mass: Please join us for Commencement Mass on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Drollinger Family Stage on Lawton Plaza. While tickets are not required, please note that our open seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. At the conclusion of Mass, we invite you to join us for a reception on Alumni Mall.

Undergraduate Commencement
Please arrive at the LMU Westchester Campus by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The graduate processional will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Graduate Commencement
Please arrive at the LMU Westchester Campus by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The graduate processional will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

LMU OneCards Required
If you are an LMU student, faculty, staff, or affiliate, you are required to bring your LMU OneCard with you and be prepared to present it upon request. Commencement Season events are limited to OneCard holders and their invited guests.

Guest Tickets Required for Commencement
Tickets are required for all guests above the age of two to attend commencement. Each graduate has been provided with up to 10 tickets. The Marching Order ticket website remains open for graduates to claim their tickets. LMU faculty do not need tickets to attend commencement, however, an LMU OneCard or regalia is required to pass through security. Non-faculty guests and staff must have tickets to attend commencement ceremonies. Faculty and staff may email [email protected] to request tickets. Individuals without tickets will not be admitted to commencement.

Name Card Pick Up
All graduates must pick up their name cards prior to the start of Commencement Weekend on Alumni Mall between Tuesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 2, from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. In the event of rain during Name Card Pick Up, the tables will be located along Alumni Mall in front of the Charles Von der Ahe building.

Security Screening, Bag Policy, and Prohibited Items
The safety of you and your invited guests is our top priority. You and your attendees will be required to pass through security upon arrival at Sunken Garden. Please arrive early and plan accordingly. If you bring a bag, it must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the event in addition to one clear plastic bag. We will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for medically-necessary items after proper inspection at designated locations.

We prohibit the following items:

Any bag larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
Hard-sided containers or coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, and large traditional seat cushions that have pockets
Outside food and beverages, glass, cans, aluminum bottles, or thermoses of any kind
Laser pens/pointers
Laptop computers, monitors, televisions, or computer peripherals
Umbrellas
Firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind
Illegal drugs or substances
Alcoholic beverages
Signs, banners, posters, flags on poles, staffs, or selfie stick
Drones (or any other aerial devices
Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities)
Air horns, whistles, cowbells, portable speakers or amplifiers, or other distracting noise makers
Any devices that may interfere with and/or distract any event participant, other guests, audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the event, or any technology-related service provided at the even
Projectiles (including Frisbees, beach balls, footballs, etc.
Aerosol cans (e.g., mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.
Cigarettes, vapes, or smoking devices
Fireworks, confetti, or glitter
Balloons
Wheeled footwear, skateboards and hoverboards
Stickers, demonstration props, promotional gear, apparel, or materials intended for distribution at the event

*Sealed or unsealed disposable water bottles and paper coffee cups will be allowed. Exceptions will also be made for medically necessary and/or special needs items after proper inspection at designated locations. This includes medically necessary food or beverages.

Parking

We recommend entering the LMU Westchester Campus at the LMU Drive Entrance (LMU Drive and Lincoln Boulevard). The Loyola Boulevard Entrance will also be open, but is subject to more traffic and longer wait times.
Seating and parking are not guaranteed, and heavy traffic is anticipated in and around the university. Be patient and plan for delays
On-campus parking is free during Commencement Weekend. Parking fills quickly, so allow plenty of travel time to arrive on campus
Once campus parking reaches full capacity, campus is closed to all further in-bound traffic. In the past, capacity has typically been reached around 8:30 a.m.
When campus parking reaches full capacity, traffic will be redirected to overflow parking at St. Bernard High School (view on Google Maps). We will offer complimentary shuttle transportation to and from campus for all guests parking at St. Bernard
Limited special needs parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Persons with disabilities and requiring special accommodations should arrive by 8 a.m
Disabled 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.

More information, including directions to campus and ride-sharing, can be found here.

Receptions
There will be a reception immediately following Commencement Mass on Friday, May 3, including heavy appetizers, a DJ, dancing, photo booths, and more! There will also be receptions after Undergraduate Commencement on May 4 and Graduate Commencement on May 5 held on Alumni Mall that will include cookies, punch and college photo opportunities.

Pre-Order Flowers, Leis, and Other Gifts
You may pre-order flowers and leis, and pick them up at the booth located near the west entrance to Sunken Garden before the ceremony. Additional gifts are available at the LMU Bookstore.

Thank you for taking the time to review these reminders, protocols, and community expectations. I look forward to congratulating the Class of 2024 and their families on Commencement Weekend.

Sincerely,
Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost