Information for Graduates

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORM ONLY IF YOU WISH TO WALK IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES ON MAY 10 2025.

General Questions regarding Commencement may be sent to commencement@cbu.edu.

Who is Eligible?

Students who graduated in December 2024 and candidates for May and August 2025 graduation.

Commencement Regalia

Graduates order their keepsake regalia online for the annual commencement ceremony via the Graduate Information Form. Each regalia order includes a one-size-fits-all cap with a tassel and a black robe. Master’s candidates also receive a degree-designated color hood.

After completing the Graduate Information Form, the individual will need to provide a credit card to confirm the purchase.

• The Associate and Bachelor regalia fee is $27.50.

• The Master regalia fee is $51.50.

Orders will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025.  Students ordering regalia after the deadline will be assessed a $30.00 late fee.  

Regalia will be available for pick-up at CBU on Thursday, May 1, 2025.  More details will be provided closer to the event. 

Questions about regalia rental should be directed to Wilson Phillips at wilson.phillips@cbu.edu.

Arrival Procedures

Master, Bachelor, and Associate Degree Candidates

Graduates should arrive at the time and place listed below in order to check in and receive further instructions.

May 10, 2025 | 11:45 am
Landers Center | Nissan Entrance, Convention Room 3 | 4560 Venture Drive | Southaven MS 38671
(Doors to the Graduate Room will not open before 11:30 am and will close at 12:20 pm.)

Business Office Account

Graduates must have a zero balance in the Business Office in order to receive your diploma and transcripts. If your account HAS a balance, it will be put on hold and your diploma will not be available until the account balance has been addressed.

Grad Room

Upon arrival to the Nissan Entrance of the Landers Center, all commencement participants will follow signage and report to the Grad Room in order to receive walking cards, honor cords, a photograph, and final instructions for the ceremony. The Grad Room is open to commencement participants only.

Guests with Mobility Limitations

The Landers Center is fully ADA compliant with an elevator that is accessible to both levels of the arena, designated disability seating locations, and wheelchair accessibility. Guests who require the use of an elevator should park on the West side and enter the arena at the Nissan entrance. Guests must bring their own wheelchairs.

Graduates — or their family members — should email commencement@cbu.edu for further instructions.

Parking

Landers Center has over 3,000 parking spaces on site. Parking for guests with disabilities is available at every entrance. Graduates should plan to use the West (Main) — Landers Nissan Entrance — in order to check in to the Grad Room on the main level of the Landers Center. The General Public will be able to use one of the following entrances beginning at 11:30 a.m:
• North – Landers Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge Ram Entrance
• Northeast – Landers Buick GMC Entrance
• Southeast – Landers Ford Entrance

Tickets

Tickets are not required for entry into the Landers Center, and there are no limits on the number of guests a graduate can invite. The Commencement Planning Team requests that graduates be reasonable in the number of invited guests to ensure a memorable occasion for all graduates.
All guests will be screened by Landers Center staff upon entrance to the building. Landers Center utilizes security staff and police officers in and around the facility, as well as video technology to enhance the safety and security of our guests, clients, and employees.

Landers Center Clear Bag Policy

In the interest of public safety, Landers Center has implemented a clear bag policy that limits the size and types of types of bags that may be brought into the venue. The fastest way to enter Landers Center is not to bring a bag at all. Clear or no bags grant guests access to our Express Lane. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will be searched upon entry.

Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, including purses larger than a clutch bag, briefcases, duffel bags, cooler bags, backpacks, binocular/camera bags/cases, and rolling luggage, will continue to be prohibited inside Landers Center.

Small and compact umbrellas are permitted inside the Landers Center.

For more information, please review the venue policy.

Commencement Programs

A limited number of printed programs containing the names of graduates, a list of faculty, and other information about Commencement will be distributed on Commencement day.

Graduates’ programs will be on their chairs. Guests will be able to pick up their programs as they enter the arena. A copy of the program will be posted on the CBU website after the event concludes.

Video/Livestream

The commencement ceremonies will be streamed for guests and family members not able to attend the ceremony in person. A link will be provided on www.cbu.edu/commencement on the morning of May 10, 2025.

Concessions/Food & Beverage

Guests are not permitted to bring any food or beverages into Landers Center. Containers such as bottles, cans, thermos bottles or plastic coolers are not permitted for the safety and protection of our guests.

Photography

Except for registered members of the media and CBU staff, cameras and video equipment are not allowed in the graduate area during the ceremony. Guests are requested to be considerate of the graduates and other guests and remain in the public seating areas throughout Commencement exercises.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available throughout the Landers Center. Contact a Landers Center staff member for further instruction.

Smoking

In compliance with local and state laws, Landers Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking, including alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor, is only permitted in the designated smoking area across from section 105.

Smoking in the arena may result in ejection from an event.

Cell Phones

Please silence cell phones and personal electronic devices during the ceremony.

Pets

Dogs and other animals, other than service animals, are not permitted at Commencement or the Landers Center.

Alcohol

Pursuant to CBU administrative policy, alcoholic beverages are not allowed in or around the Commencement exercises. All violators of this policy will be asked, at the least, to dispose of their open containers and remaining beverages, and may face ejection from the Landers Center.

First Aid

Certified medical professionals are available at the First Aid station during all events to assist guests with medical needs. In addition, Landers Center is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) found in various locations throughout the facility. Designated employees, including our EMT staff, have been properly trained and certified to use the AED. Guests in need of emergency first aid should contact the nearest Landers Center employee for assistance. The First Aid station is located on the concourse near section 121/122.

Meeting Guests after the Ceremony

Graduates are urged to make arrangements before Commencement to meet family and friends after the ceremonies. Please remind guests that the audience must remain in their seats during the Recessional.