Tougaloo College Commencement Information
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Commencement and Baccalaureate Ceremony for the Graduating Class of 2025! This is a momentous occasion for our students, their families, and our entire community as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors.
Below, you will find important details, including practice times, traffic and parking instructions, ceremony timings, and more. Please check back regularly for updates.
Commencement Practice
Wednesday, April 30 | 10:00 AM
Location: TBD- Open to students not in exams.
Friday, May 2 | Time TBD
Mandatory for all graduating students, Faculty and Staff.
Day-of-Ceremony Timing
- All program participants must arrive by 6:30 AM.
- This includes students, faculty, staff, and trustees.
- 6:30 AM Line-Up for Class Photo and Baccalaureate Procession
- Please bring your cap, gown, hood, and tassel.
Important Note for Students:
If you are not in line by 6:30 AM for the Baccalaureate, you will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Attendance at Baccalaureate is required for Commencement participation.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Student Line-Up Begins | Holmes Hall |
| 6:30 AM | Trustees Report | Woodworth Chapel |
| 6:30 AM | Faculty Robing and Line-Up | Coleman Library |
| 7:45 AM | Baccalaureate Service | Woodworth Chapel |
| 8:45 AM | Two Rivers Walk | Woodworth Chapel |
| 9:00 AM | Commencement Ceremony | Campus Green | In Front of Woodworth Chapel |
Directions & Parking
Parking Information
- Students: Behind Carrie Ellen Rice, Berkshire Hall, and Galloway Hall.
- Faculty & Staff: Behind Blackmon Administration and Holmes Hall.
- Trustees: Lot near the Greek Plots (across from Warren Hall).
- VIPs:Behind Warren Hall (near Pope Cottage).
- Silver & Golden Classes: Grass lot in front of Warren Hall (arrive early).
- General Parking: Owens Health & Wellness, grass lot behind Blackmon, AA Branch, Renner Lot, Baseball Field.
- VIP Parking: Only those with a valid parking pass will be allowed through the Main Gate.
No parking on side streets — violators will be towed.
Traffic Information
- Main Gate Access: Open for program participants (students, staff, faculty, trustees) until 7:00 AM. After 7:00 AM, all guests must enter through the West Gate located by the Owens Health and Wellness Center.
- Traffic Pattern: Starting at 7:00 AM, County Line Road will be one-way westbound from the Shell station at Hwy 220 to campus. A traffic map is provided below for guidance.
Clear Bag Policy
Tougaloo College will implement a clear bag policy this year to provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite entry into the facility. Please click the button below to see appropriate bags for the ceremony.
Tougaloo College Commencement Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safe and efficient entry process for all guests attending Tougaloo College's Commencement Ceremony, a clear bag policy will be in effect.
Guests are strongly encouraged not to bring bags, but if necessary, only the following types and sizes will be allowed:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc® or similar)
- Small clutch purses (approximately the size of a hand), with or without a strap, may be carried along with one of the approved clear bags
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after inspection at a designated entry point.
Prohibited items include (but are not limited to):
Backpacks, large purses, camera bags, laptop bags, diaper bags, briefcases, and any other bag larger than the approved size.
All guests and items are subject to search upon entry. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and smooth experience for our graduates and their families.
Inclement Weather Plan
In the event of rain, Commencement will be moved indoors to Kroger Gymnasium.
- Entry will be granted to ticket holders only.
- Check this page and official Tougaloo communications for inclement weather updates.