The 2026 Grad Fair is approaching quickly for graduating seniors, offering a “one-stop shop” for all commencement needs.
The fair will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom, on the third floor of the Student Union.
Many students bring parents to the Grad Fair because it is a special point in their lives. Since there are many costs to expect, parents can help pay for purchases.
Senior Jaleia Powell said she is taking both her mother and father with her to the Grad Fair. She said, “It’s a convenient way to get prepared and provide everything a senior could need to be ready for graduation. It’s also a great time for those parents to spend time with their senior and a bonding experience for families.”
Powell said she plans on furthering her education by pursuing a master’s degree in physics and a second degree in aerospace engineering. She said she is excited to learn more about graduation and gather all her commencement materials.
Some costs attendees can prepare for include: cap and gown purchases, ordering class rings, Lion Legacy packages, ordering yearbooks, commencement announcements and bookstore gear.
The senior portraits themselves are free; however, when you receive your picture proofs from Candid Canvas Photography (which will take seven to ten days), you can purchase photo packages.
There will be 21 vendor tables set up at the Grad Fair. Table 12 will be Candid Canvas Photography, where you will take your portraits.
On the right-hand side, when you first walk into the ballroom, you will see the bookstore, Balfour, Alumni Relations, Pelican Credit Union, Career Services, Institutional Research, Student Support SVS, Military and Veterans, Student Publications, Enrollment Services and Doc Source.
On the left of the ballroom, several academic departments and programs will be set up with tables, including the Office of Graduate Studies, the Master’s in Business Administration program, the Master’s in Integrated Science and Technology program and the Departments of Nursing, Teaching and Learning, Health and Human Sciences, History and Political Science and Communication and Media Studies.
While Grad Fair is not mandatory, graduating seniors should attend to check off their commencement to-do list and receive post-graduation assistance. There will be no similar opportunities this semester. If students cannot make it, they will have to tackle these tasks individually, which can be stressful.
To learn more about the 2026 Grad Fair, visit Southeastern’s website.
