Southwestern Seminary Graduation

817-923-1921 ext. 2000 | registrar@swbts.edu

Order Regalia

Fall Graduation is December 6, 2024

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about graduation at Southwestern Seminary. For any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Registrar’s Office at registrar@swbts.edu.

Alumni Information Form

Please update your information so that we can stay in contact after graduation.

Update your information

Campus Map

Is this your first time on campus? Take a look at our campus map in advance.

View Campus Map

Pay Your Graduation Fee

To pay your graduation fee, please visit Self-Service. Please note that your graduation fee will not be billed until the middle of the graduating semester.

Self-Service

Graduation Checklist

  • Be watching your student email account for the Graduating Student Questionnaire.
  • If you are a TBC student, be watching your student email for the Global Assessment Test.
  • Make sure you are up-to-date on all payments, library fines, parking tickets, copy fees, etc.  You must clear all your financial accounts before the Monday prior to graduation.
  • Complete the Alumni Information form using the link available on this page.
  • Pay your graduation fee.  This fee will be assessed in the middle of the semester.  You can pay using Self-service.  All of the normal payment fees will apply.  You must pay the fee whether you come to the commencement ceremony or not.  The fee cannot be adjusted for any reason.
  • For students living in Campus Housing, you must provide the proper notification to the Residence Life and Housing Office as detailed in your lease.  The move-out deadline for dorm residents is the Saturday directly after graduation.  For students in other residences the move-out day is two weeks (14 days) after the day of graduation.  The Residence Life and Housing Office will be in touch with the details regarding check out appointments and turning over keys.
  • Make certain to return any library books and pay any overdue fines.
  • If you have a PO Box at the Seminary Post Office, you will need to close the box with the Postal Clerk and leave a forwarding address.
  • If you have had student loan payments deferred, your will need to contact your lending institution to update your status and begin re-payments.
  • You must successfully complete all of your academic requirements for your degree.  If you believe you may fail a class, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
  • Any student who has taken out a Sallie Mae Loan must schedule a meeting with Student Financial Services prior to graduation.
 

Absentia Graduation Checklist

  • Clear all of your accounts with the Seminary:
  • Check your Self-Service account and make sure all balances are paid. Please be sure that all items on your account are paid (such as rent, tuition, fees, parking tickets, copies, etc.) If you have questions, email SFS@swbts.edu
  • Email Keri MacKay in the Library at KMacKay@swbts.edu and request that she check your Library account. She will check to see if you still have books checked out or if you owe any fines. If you have any issues, please work with her on resolving these.
  • If you have a current loan with SWBTS, please email Student Financial Services at SFS@swbts.edu to discuss any steps you need to take.
  • If you live in Campus Housing, be sure to clear with the Housing Office.
  • If you are a Visa Student, contact the International Student Office to ask what you need to do for clearance.
  • If you have a campus post office box or used to have one and did not close it, please be sure to contact the Post Office: 817-923-1921 ext. 2890.
  • Watch your student email and complete the Graduating Student Questionnaire. 
  • Successfully complete all the requirements for your degree.
  • Pay your graduation fee on Self-Service by the deadline.
  • Complete the Diploma Form for In Absentia Graduates online. (Be sure to use the address where you want your diploma shipped)
    Do not use a PO Box as we cannot ship to PO boxes.

Information for Family and Friends

  • The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live at swbts.live (10:00 – 12:00ish, CT).
  • The Commencement ceremony should last about 2 hours.  Keep in mind that this is a time of worship.
  • No child care will be provided.  There is a “cry-room” at the back of the auditorium, and if young ones get antsy, they are welcome to enjoy the lobby areas.
  • The Chapel doors will open at 9:00 am for guest seating.
  • Seating is first-come, first-serve.
  • Guests will be directed to enter the Northeast doors of the Chapel.
  • However, the ADA entrance for those with restricted mobility is available at the Southeast doors at the Porte Cochere.
  • Best Parking options are directly South of the Chapel and South of the Riley Center.
  • Balloons will not be permitted in the building under any circumstances.
  • No firearms are permitted in the building, even for those who have a license to carry.
  • After the ceremony the graduates and faculty will all recess from the building to the North lawn.  It might be good to prearrange a meeting spot for family and friends outside.