Texas Christian University graduated more than 800 Horned Frogs at its fall 2025 ceremony Dec. 12, and the university is poised to launch an expanded and reimagined commencement tradition in spring 2026. The plans include two special celebrations that blend TCU tradition and unique celebratory moments with its remarkable growth and progress. Each student will be invited to a whole-class graduation event, as well as a more intimate academic ceremony.

"After months of thoughtful conversations with students and campus leaders, we're excited to share an enhanced vision for commencement," Brad Thompson, executive director of university events, said. "This change allows us to honor our graduates in a powerful way, on two stages in two ceremonies - and continue our tradition of no limitations on the number of guests who can celebrate alongside them."

For many years, as with the most recent ceremony on Dec. 12, Schollmaier Arena has served as the home of TCU commencement. But as enrollment has increased, the arena's fixed capacity has created challenges for families hoping to attend this special moment.

Keeping commencement on campus - where our students' TCU journey began and where it culminates - was a guiding principle throughout the planning process.

"We explored larger off-campus venues, but ultimately, we believe our students should finish their TCU experience at home," Thompson said.

With that in mind, the all-university commencement ceremony will move to the field at Amon G. Carter Stadium, a serendipitous moment.

"In 2022, the class of 2026 gathered on the field for their class photo - the only time the entire class was together," Thompson said. "Now, they'll reunite on that same field for one final, unforgettable celebration."

The all-class ceremony will include the official conferring of degrees by Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin, along with special moments, meaningful traditions and - true to TCU style - fireworks.

To further elevate the academic experience, each school and college will host its own academic convocation throughout Friday and Saturday. These ceremonies, led by each dean, will feature the calling of every graduate's name, other college/school recognitions, and the graduate's walk across the stage.

"These are two, distinctly different events. Think of the first as the bold celebratory moment - tossing the caps, turning the tassels," Thompson said. "Then we also want to honor the personal academic journeys of our students and give our deans the opportunity to create ceremonies that are specific to their colleges and our families."

These convocations will also provide more seating, eliminate ticketing and ensure that every family member has the opportunity to attend. For families and friends unable to attend, all-university commencement and every academic convocation will be streamed live.

Fall 2025 Commencement
TCU's December commencement ceremony included almost 300 graduate-level students. Undergraduates included five double degrees, seven 4.0s and more than 250 Latin honors. The ceremony included more than 40 international students from approximately 25 different countries, well over 200 students from 35 different states and about 575 students from Texas.

The single fall ceremony included all colleges: the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU, AddRan College of Liberal Arts, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering, Bob Schieffer College of Communication and the Neeley School of Business, as well as Brite Divinity School. Harris College had the most graduates that semester, with well over 200.

Learn more about spring 2026 commencement at TCU.