Commencement is one of the most joyful weekends of the year! We can’t wait to celebrate your graduate and welcome you to campus for this milestone moment.
When and where is Commencement?
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 9:00AM in the Wellness and Athletics Center (WAC) Event Gym.
Do I need tickets?
Yes. Students will receive four (4) tickets for guests in the Event Gym. Seats for additional guests will be available in the Recreation Gym where the ceremony will be livestreamed on a large screen. Students and faculty will process and recess through the Recreation Gym, so guests may see graduates before and after the ceremony.
How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony typically lasts about two and a half hours. We promise that every name read and every handshake is worth it! Please add extra time to your trip to allow for traffic on campus and parking.
How does seating work?
Seating is general admission/first come. Doors to the Wellness and Athletic Center (WAC) lobby will open at 7:30am for guests to line up for the Event Gym. Doors to the Event Gym will open at 8:00am for seating on the floor and in the bleachers. Doors to the Recreation Gym will open at 7:45 a.m. The ceremony typically lasts about two and a half hours.
Where should I park?
Guests may park in all of the campus parking lots. ADA parking is available at the Wellness and Athletic Center. View the parking map.
Can I bring snacks to the ceremony?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the stadium and gymnasiums. Guests will be asked to dispose of them before entering the stadium and gyms. Bottled water will be available for guests.
Can we take photos and videos during the ceremony?
We kindly ask guests to please enjoy your graduate’s moment from your seating area, knowing that:
- There will not be space available beside the stage for taking personal photos.
- Image magnification screens will be above the stage to enhance viewing.
- A professional photographer will take individual photos of each graduate after they leave the stage. In addition, Hendrix has other professional photographers covering the full event. All photos will be available as free downloads from the the week after Commencement.
What should I do if I have a guest who has special needs?
We are committed to making Commencement accessible for all families. Accessible seating and parking are available. Please contact parent@hendrix.edu in advance so we can assist with arrangements.
When will students be notified if they are not
eligible to participate in the ceremony?
Students who fail to meet more than two degree requirements cannot participate. Students who cannot participate will be notified by Friday, May 15.
Students who have failed to satisfy two or fewer degree
requirements may request permission from the Registrar to participate in the ceremony. However, students will not receive their diploma until their degree requirements are completed.
Students may not be allowed to participate due to misconduct or behavior not conforming to the standards of propriety congenial to the College's heritage and aims, as well as to the laws of the state and nation.
Students with unresolved accounts with the Business Office will not receive their diploma. The Business Office number is 501-450-1333.
How does my student order regalia and other graduation items?
Official Hendrix graduation caps, gowns,
customized announcements, and diploma frames will be available for
purchase in-person or online from the Spirit Store. Master of Arts in Accounting students who only need a hood should stop by the Spirit Store.
When must my student move out of student
housing?
Graduates must be checked out of Hendrix College housing by 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 17. Students may make a Late Stay Request if they cannot be out by noon on May 17, by completing a Late Stay Application located on Housing’s site, or emailing Housing@hendrix.edu no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
Is there a special way to honor my graduate?
Families may honor their graduate through a Senior Tribute Gift or participation in the Class Gift — meaningful ways to celebrate your student while supporting future Hendrix students. Details will be available soon.
Where should I stay and where should I eat?
Information about area lodging and dining is provided on our
Conway Hotels & Restaurants page.
Who can I contact with additional
questions?
For Commencement questions, please contact Maureen Martin, Director of Parent Engagement at martinm@hendrix.edu. We’re happy to help!
Past Ceremonies
View the 2025 Commencement Ceremony (May 15, 2025)
View the 2024 Commencement Ceremony (May 11, 2024)
View the 2023 Commencement ceremony (May 13, 2023)
View the
2022 Commencement ceremony (May 14, 2022)