CELEBRATING THE SKIPS OF 2025

As the next graduating class of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, you stand on the threshold of a bright future, ready to carry forward the legacy of Serviam. Through years of dedication, faith, and academic excellence, you all have grown into confident, compassionate young women prepared to make a difference in the world.

Graduation is not just a milestone—it is a testament to your hard work, resilience, and the bonds you’ve built within our Ursuline sisterhood. As we prepare to honor this special occasion, we invite graduates, families, and friends to join us in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025.

Find all the details you need to make the days leading up to graduation unforgettable, from ceremony logistics to senior traditions. 

Congratulations, Skips of 2025—your journey is just beginning!

Graduation Day Schedule - Saturday, May 17

8 a.m: Seniors arrive to St. Ursula and Shrine doors open
9 a.m: Mass and Alumnae Induction
10:30 a.m.: Mass ends and seniors meet family members in the horseshoe for pictures
4:30 p.m: Seniors arrive to St. Ursula for individual pictures in the courtyard
6 p.m: Auditorium Doors open (each senior receives 12 tickets on Friday, May 16)
7 p.m: Graduation begins
8 p.m: Graduation ends with short reception following 

Important Information 

Senior Farewell Mass and Luncheon
Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m.

• Report to Mod 1 as usual for 7:55 a.m.
• Wear school uniform including Skip attire  (Brown shoes if participating in Mass, tennis shoes if not participating, UA Socks, no Blazer required - Eucharist Ministers MUST wear full uniform BLAZERS)

• Graduation dresses and shoes must be approved by the end of the day!

• For the Senior Luncheon, each senior can have one guest. Parents coming for Mass, please enter through the State Street entrance of the Shrine for Mass. The luncheon will take place in Sisters' Dining Hall following Mass. 

Mass and Ceremony Practices
Wednesday, May 14,  9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Report to the Shrine
Thursday, May 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Report to the Shrine
Friday, May 16, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Report to the Auditorium

• Students must be on time for all practices. All students who are late will stay the same number of minutes after practice that they are late.

• Practice will not begin until all seniors are present. 
• NO eating, drinking, gum chewing, or cell phones during practice.  All belongings including cell phones must be kept in the designated area during practice.  You may wear appropriate casual clothing that covers what your P.E. uniform covers.  You cannot wear crop top shirts, short shorts, or pajamas.  
• Each day, bring the shoes you will wear for graduation. You may also want to bring your long slip to practice walking and climbing the stairs.
• On the last day of rehearsal, you will be given 12 admit cards for graduation if the following has been done:
  • Your graduation dress has been approved
  • All textbooks, computers, charger, and all library books are returned 
  • All tuition and fees are paid (Refer to Handbook excerpt.)

  • Anything else that has been communicated to you by an administrator before May 16 as needing to be fulfilled.

Baccalaureate Mass and Alumnae Induction
Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.

• Eat a good breakfast!
• 8 a.m.: Report to St. Ursula Hall for check-in.  All personal belongings must be left in St. Ursula Hall, not Scene Lobby
• 9 a.m.: Ceremony begins
• Attire:  
  • Cap (with tassel) and Gown (no collar)
  • If you are in good standing with the Ursuline Chapter of an Honor Society then you may wear any school honor stole/cord
  • Current E-Board members may wear the medallion they received at the awards ceremony. 
  • Only simple jewelry is allowed
  • You must wear white attire underneath your graduation gown that meets the Ring Dance dress guidelines
  • Shoes must be white and have a back; heel must be no higher than 3 ½ inches
• Mass will last  approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours
• The mass is open to everyone (no admit cards required) and seating is limited to first come first served.  Families may not save seats.  THE SHRINE WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 8 A.M.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 
• After Mass, you must report to St. Ursula Hall to turn in your graduation gown. You will not be dismissed until your gown is turned in!
• If you want to take pictures in your gown at your home with your family, then you must do this before you come to school on Saturday morning for Baccalaureate.

Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m.

• Eat lunch and stay hydrated!!
• 4:30 p.m.:  Report to St. Ursula Hall dressed in your approved graduation dress with all make-up completely done!  
  • All personal belongings must be left in St. Ursula Hall, not Scene Lobby. 
  • NO ONE will be allowed in St. Ursula Hall, Scene Lobby, or the students restroom except graduates and teachers. (No parents, hairdressers, etc.)
  • Do not bring any food with you that can ruin someone’s dress!
• 5 p.m.:  Individual graduate photographs will begin being taken on a first-come first-serve basis in the courtyard. 
  • Please pick up your roses in Room 113. 
  • All students must take an individual photograph even if you are not purchasing a packet.
  • Group Photographs will be taken on the front steps.
  • The Legacy photograph (graduate, alumnae mothers, alumnae grandmothers) will be taken on the front steps.  All mothers and grandmothers must be in the Horseshoe by 5:45 in order to be included in the photograph.
  • The Longevity photograph (students who attended UA, 1st - 12^th grade) will be taken on the front steps.
  • The Class photograph will be taken on the front steps.
• 6 p.m.: DOORS TO THE AUDITORIUM OPEN. NO early admittance, NO exceptions. No seats are to be saved. 
  • Each guest/parent (including children) needs an admit card to enter and be seated
  • Since this is a formal ceremony we strongly urge you to leave infants and very small children at home
• 7 p.m.:  Graduation begins.  No one will be allowed to enter the auditorium as faculty and graduates process in at 7:00 pm.
• The ceremony will last approximately two hours.
• Remember this is a formal ceremony, and no calling out, shouting, cheering, horns, balloons, etc. will be allowed in the auditorium.
• Pick up diplomas in St. Ursula’s immediately following the ceremony.  No family members will be allowed into St. Ursula’s.
• A reception will follow the ceremony.