Information For Guests and Families
Christian Brothers University proudly celebrates the Class of 2025 with in-person ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Please review this page in its entirety in preparation for a smooth and celebratory occasion.
Baccalaureate Mass
You and your family are cordially invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass on May 9 at 7:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1695 Central Avenue). The event celebrates the accomplishments of our graduates – Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s candidates from the Class of 2025. The Most Reverend David P. Talley Bishop, M.S.W, J.C.D., Catholic Diocese of Memphis, will celebrate the Mass.
Baccalaureate is a time for graduates to reflect on the time they have spent at Christian Brothers University. It is for students and families of all faiths and degree programs. Doors to the Cathedral open at 6:15 pm. All graduates should arrive no later than 6:30 pm wearing their graduation regalia (no cap); graduates will walk in a procession before the Mass begins, so it’s critical that they arrive by 6:30 pm to line up and receive instruction on processing. The baccalaureate starts promptly at 7:00 pm.
Families will have the opportunity to take photos and will receive a free professional photo at the reception after the Mass. We hope that you can make this event a highlight of your graduation experience!
Registration for the Baccalaureate Mass is encouraged, please click here.
Arrival Time
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The ceremony will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. Doors to the public will open 90 minutes prior. Families and supporters must be seated to ensure the safety of our graduates and processional party. The ceremony should last no longer than two hours.
Landers Center
4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS 38671
Live Stream
The 2025 Commencement ceremony will be live-streamed at cbu.edu/commencement and on the CBU YouTube channel. The live stream will be available at the start of each ceremony and will be archived on YouTube for viewers.
Guests with Disabilities or 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 in the attached garage and ask for assistance upon entry. Guests must bring their own wheelchairs.
Parking
Landers Center has over 3,000 parking spaces on site. Parking for guests with disabilities is available at every entrance. If you are attending a sporting event, concert, or family event, you may park in any available/open lot.
- • 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.
Commencement Programs
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 (two per family).
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.
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. Concessions will not be open during the Commencement ceremony.
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 arena at the top of each section. 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 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.
Wi-Fi / Internet
Guests can connect to the service by turning on Wi-Fi on their wireless devices and selecting “LandersGuest” from the list of available networks.
Meeting Graduates after the Ceremony
Family and friends are urged to make arrangements before Commencement on where to meet family and friends after the ceremonies. Please remind guests that the audience must remain in their seats during the Recessional.
Hotels
For a list of hotels near the commencement venue, please visit this page.
Additional Questions or Concerns?
Please e-mail commencement@cbu.edu. As we will often be away from our desks in the final weeks prior to Commencement, phone calls may not be returned in a timely manner; email communication is strongly encouraged.
