
LMU is pleased to share a new plan for Commencement 2025.
Commencement Season is a cherished tradition at LMU, marked by joyous and momentous events that celebrate the achievements of our students and their families. In February 2024, LMU announced plans to relocate Commencement exercises to an off-campus venue to address logistical challenges and safety concerns raised by public officials. While the university is aware of feedback shared by some community members about bringing the events back to campus, preference does not override safety and operational realities. However, the university has identified a growing list of concerns associated with traffic, transportation, and other large-scale events scheduled near the announced offsite location in downtown Los Angeles.
To honor our graduates and the university’s commitment to delivering an exceptional graduation experience, LMU reengaged city officials to explore a new approach for hosting Commencement 2025 on campus with key modifications. The new plan requires concessions to address logistical challenges, including event size, safety, and traffic.
We are bringing Commencement home to the bluff: LMU’s 113th Commencement Weekend will take place on the LMU Westchester Campus.
Commencement 2025 Schedule
- Commencement Mass: May 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., Drollinger Family Stage
- Undergraduate Commencement: May 17, 2025 at 10 a.m., Sunken Garden
- Graduate Commencement: May 18, 2025 at 10 a.m., Sunken Garden
(inclusive of all graduate programs and LMU Loyola Law School) - Schedule details: For both days, campus entry begins at 8 a.m., and the procession begins at 10 a.m.
Clarifications
- The university appreciates input from graduates and their families who have shared their desire to celebrate Commencement 2025 on campus. LMU has always prioritized hosting commencement on campus when it aligns with public safety guidance. The changes included in our new plan allow the university to move forward with an on-campus celebration. The event’s success will depend upon the cooperation and understanding of all attendees.
- Please refer to official university communications, including the LMU Commencement websites, for accurate and reliable guidance. We recognize that misinformation from unofficial sources has contributed to confusion that we hope to avoid as we share updates online.
Key Changes for Commencement 2025
To ensure a safe and optimal experience, and to remain in compliance with new protocols we are developing with public officials, LMU has implemented several changes:
- Guest Attendance Limit: Graduates will receive seven tickets for their guests. Additional ticket requests cannot be accommodated to comply with safety regulations, and non-ticketed guests will not be admitted. Livestream options will be available for remote viewing.
- Two Ceremonies: The university will host two main ceremonies — one for undergraduates and one for graduates. The university will continue hosting several commencement-related celebrations, including Commencement Mass and affinity events.
- Parking: To reduce traffic congestion and to address ingress/egress limitations of the LMU Westchester Campus, parking will be limited, with additional guidance forthcoming. Attendees may be directed to offsite parking locations with shuttle services provided when on-campus parking capacities are reached. We encourage attendees to carpool to address limited parking capacity.
- Enhanced Security Measures: In collaboration with public officials, LMU will implement stadium-style security protocols, including revised clear-bag policies, security checkpoints, line-of-sight improvements, and additional guidelines to be shared in the weeks preceding Commencement 2025. The clear-bag policy and ticketed entry will be strictly enforced.
We are grateful for your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. We look forward to welcoming you to the LMU Westchester Campus for Commencement Season events to celebrate your momentous milestone. Additional details will be shared later this spring. You may also explore the latest guidance here for: LMU Westchester Campus Graduates | LMU Loyola Law School Graduates.