Commencement Photos
Professional photos from Commencement will be available for purchase directly from the photographer. Individual graduate portraits can be ordered as high-resolution digital files for $50*, or as printed 8x10 photos starting at $20 each.
*If you plan to share photos with multiple family members, we recommend purchasing the digital file—it’s a more cost-effective and flexible option.
Scan the QR code to access the photo gallery and place your order!
Class of 2026 Commencement Schedule
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 7:00 AM
Check-in and Line-Up (Mandatory)
Location: Statehouse Convention Center, Governor's Hall IV
Attire: Cap and Gown
DOORS OPEN FOR GUESTS AT 8:00 AM.
Seating is first-come, first-served. Saving seats is not permitted.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 9:00 AM
2026 Commencement Exercise Begins
Location: Statehouse Convention Center, Governor's Hall I-III
Attire: Cap & Gown
The schedule for Cap and Gown pick-up for the Class of 2026 is as follows:
Tuesday, April 28 – Friday, May 1
Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Office of the Registrar
Cox Administration Building
Philander Smith University
Complete Exit Counseling
As you complete your final steps in graduation, the Office of Financial Aid would like to remind you of the required Financial Aid Exit Process. Please review and complete the necessary forms below.
Safety, Security, and Parking Information
Congratulations to our 2026 graduating seniors! To assist you during this memorable event, you are being provided with information that should help you and your family prepare for commencement day. Please print and refer back to this information on May 2, 2026.
Commencement Parking
Graduating students should park in the Statehouse Parking Deck (located at 201 Main Street). The Parking Deck is a city structure, and there will be a fee for parking. (Please be advised that the parking deck is a block away from the Convention Center)
Commencement Guests should park in the Statehouse Parking Deck (located at 201 Main Street). The Parking Desk is a city structure, and there will be a fee for parking.
(Please be advised that the parking deck is a block away from the Convention Center.)
There are additional parking spaces on smaller lots near the Convention Center as well as street parking. Meters are not active on Saturdays in Downtown Little Rock (meaning street parking is free).
Seating
Students will not be permitted to reserve seats for family members prior to the commencement. The Convention Center will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holding seats will not be permitted.
Convention Center guidelines for social distancing will be enforced.
Standing
Attendees will not be permitted to stand along the back wall inside the room where Commencement Exercises will be held. All commencement attendees must be seated in accordance with the Convention Center's social distancing guidelines.
Handicap Drop Off & Seating
Disabled persons may be dropped off in the loading zone on Markham in front of the Statehouse Convention Center Main Entrance (you are permitted to drop off ONLY in this area; no parking). Handicapped seating will be reserved directly to the right of the graduates.
Note: The Convention Center does not provide wheelchairs.
