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graduates throw their caps in front of the College of Fine Arts

Commencement

Carnegie Mellon Architecture graduates throw their caps in celebration on the lawn of the College of Fine Arts building. Credit: Long Q Hong

Commencement Weekend | May 8-10, 2026

We welcome graduates, family, friends, classmates, faculty and staff to celebrate with us during Commencement Weekend. Visit the CMU Commencement website and the links below for more information.

Weekend Schedule | Graduates | Faculty & Staff | Families & Guests | FAQ | Contact

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2026 Architecture Diploma Ceremonies & Reception

Friday, May 8, 2026

Bachelor's Diploma Ceremony

1:30pm | Bachelor's Graduates Assemble for Diploma Ceremony
Second Floor, Purnell Center for the Arts (map)
All graduating B.A. and B.Arch students report to line up for the diploma ceremony. Graduates should arrive dressed in their caps, gowns, cords, etc., and shoes that they feel comfortable standing and walking in. Graduates must not bring any personal belongings that don't fit in their pocket, as we cannot securely store items during the ceremony.

How to Wear Bachelor's Cap & Gown

2:10-2:25pm | Guest Seating for Bachelor's Diploma Ceremony
Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts (map) (guest tickets required)
Doors open to the theater and guests take their seats. 

2:30-3:15pm | Bachelor's Diploma Ceremony
Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts (map) (guest tickets required)
The ceremony includes the presentation of diplomas, remarks from our undergraduate and alumni speakers, and announcement of the graduation awards winners.

Master's & Ph.D. Diploma Ceremony

2:30pm | Master's and Ph.D. Graduates Assemble for Diploma Ceremony
Second Floor, Purnell Center for the Arts (map)
All graduating master's and Ph.D. students report to line up for the diploma ceremony. Graduates should arrive dressed in their caps, gowns, cords, etc., and shoes that they feel comfortable standing and walking in. Graduates must not bring any personal belongings that don't fit in their pocket, as we cannot securely store items during the ceremony.

How to Wear Master's Cap, Gown & Hood

How to For Doctoral Hooding

3:15-3:30pm | Guest Seating for Master's & Ph.D. Diploma Ceremony
Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts (map) (guest tickets required)
Doors open to the theater and guests take their seats. If the Bachelor's Diploma Ceremony ends early, we will begin seating for the Master's & Ph.D. Diploma Ceremony early as well. Guests should plan to arrive at the theater with ample time to be seated once doors open.

3:30-5:00pm | Master's & Ph.D. Diploma Ceremony
Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts (map) (guest tickets required)
The ceremony includes the presentation of diplomas, hooding of doctoral candidates, remarks from our graduate and alumni speakers, and announcement of the graduation awards winners.

Reception

5:00-6:30pm | Reception
Great Hall, College of Fine Arts (map) (no tickets required)
We invite our graduates and guests to join us for a reception with light refreshments.
 


Important Information:

  • Diplomas are only distributed during the diploma ceremonies. If you do not attend your ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to you. If you have already received your diploma (e.g., fall graduate) you do not need to bring it back with you; a blank diploma case will be used during your ceremony. If you have questions regarding diploma distribution, please contact Enrollment Services.
  • Seating: The diploma ceremonies are ticketed events. Guests will be asked to present their ticket for seating in the theater. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed in the Rauh Studio Theater, located to the left of Chosky Theater, to accommodate overflow seating and bachelor's students who would like to watch the Master's & Ph.D. Diploma Ceremony. 
  • Accessibility: Accessible seating is available for guests and their companions on the first floor of the theater.
  • Photography: Professional photographs will be taken and made available to graduates.
  • Video Livestream: Both ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The recording will be made available afterwards. View the livestream
  • Parking: Visitor parking is available in the East Campus Garage. Advance reservations are not required. Regular parking rates will apply. Faculty, staff, and students with campus parking permits will have access to their lots.
  • International Guests: Please refer to the information on the Office of International Education website for guidance on how to prepare the necessary documentation for guests from outside the United States.
Rachel Zsembery (B.Arch '00), President and CEO of Bergmeyer.

Announcing Our 2026 Architecture Diploma Ceremony Alumni Speaker

Each year at our diploma ceremony, Carnegie Mellon Architecture has the privilege of bringing a member of our alumni community back to campus to reflect on their education and share the wisdom they’ve gained in their career with our graduating students. We’re proud to announce this year’s alumni speaker: Rachel Zsembery (B.Arch '00), President and CEO of Bergmeyer.

Read More

CMU Commencement Weekend Events

Bagpipers perform onstage during CMU’s Main Commencement Ceremony
Bagpipers perform onstage during CMU's Main Commencement Ceremony. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon honors the hard work and dedication of graduates during the following university-organized events. More information is available on CMU's Commencement site.

Friday, May 8, 2026

Senior Leadership Recognition Ceremony | 4:00-5:30pm | Wiegand Gymnasium, Cohon University Center (map)
Undergraduate students and their guests by invitation only. This ceremony recognizes nominated seniors who have reflected upon their specific leadership contributions during their time at CMU.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

The President's Reception in Honor of CMU's Doctoral Candidates | 5:00-6:30pm | Atrium, Tepper Building (map)
Graduating Ph.D. candidates and their guests are invited to a reception celebrating their outstanding accomplishments.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

CMU Main Commencement Ceremony | 10:00-11:30am | Gesling Stadium (map)
Carnegie Mellon's Main Commencement Ceremony brings together bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree candidates from all programs across the University. Gesling Stadium opens to guests at 8:00am. Robing and procession for graduates is from 9:00-10:00am at various locations across campus. The student procession into the stadium begins at 9:15am; all guests must be seated by this time. Access to guest seating is restricted once the procession begins.

Important Deadlines

Tartan Commencement Ad Reservation | Due Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ 11:59pm
Family and friends of graduating students can honor their achievements with a Commencement ad in The Tartan. Request ad space here.

Undergraduates Pick Up Honors Cords and Medallions | Monday, May 4 - Thursday, May 7, 2026
Undergraduate students who are eligible to receive honors cords and medallions can pick them up from Heather Workinger in her office in CFA 212 during graduation week.

Outstanding Academic Coursework Due | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Graduating students with any outstanding coursework, missing grades, etc., on their academic record must have these issues resolved by no later than the date listed above. Those with missing requirements after this date will not receive their diploma at their ceremony.

Final Billing for All Graduating Students Due | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Graduating students must check their student account for any additional costs that may have been charged over the final weeks of the semester. Payment for outstanding charges is due to the HUB no later than the date listed above. Those with unpaid balances after this date will not receive their diploma at their ceremony. Graduating students who want to make purchases late in the semester must first contact David Koltas.

  • Deadline to Verify Diploma Information in SIO (Fall '25 Grads) | Monday, January 12, 2026 @ 11:59pm
    Graduating students must verify their diploma information and mailing address in SIO under Academic Info > Graduation and Diploma. SIO will not be available for updates after this date. Diplomas are only distributed during the diploma ceremony. Graduates who do not attend the ceremony will have their diploma mailed to the delivery address listed in SIO. Contact Enrollment Services at uro-diplomas@andrew.cmu.edu with any questions regarding diploma distribution.

    Deadline to Apply for CMU Commencement Student Speaker | Sunday, February 1, 2026 @ 11:59pm
    Each year, CMU selects one student to represent their graduating class at the campus-wide Commencement ceremony in May. The selected student speaker is given the unique opportunity to speak to their classmates, staff, faculty, families and other guests with an address of their own creation. For more information and to access the application, visit the Student Commencement Speaker website. Email Justin Pearl, Assistant Director of Leadership Development, with any questions.

    Deadline to Apply for Alumni Design Award | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 @ 11:59pm ET
    The Alumni Design Award is granted each year by the faculty to a graduating fifth-year student in the Bachelor of Architecture program. The award recognizes exceptional design and representation as demonstrated through studio work within the last two years of the program.

    Commencement Fair | Wednesday, March 11 & Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 10:00am-5:00pm
    Rangos Ballroom, Cohon University Center second floor
    The Commencement Fair is the one-stop shop for everything graduation! Graduating students can purchase discounted regalia (cap and gown) and diploma frames, as well as Commencement Fair-exclusive merch — including limited-edition CMU 125 stoles — class rings, announcements, and more. Attendees can also enter a raffle to win CMU merch. Diploma frame discounts are available in store and online, but regalia discounts are available exclusively in-person at the fair; you'll need your CMU ID and your height without shoes to purchase regalia.

    Deadline to Verify Diploma Information in SIO (Spring '26 Grads) | Friday, March 20, 2026 @ 11:59pm
    Graduating students must verify their diploma information and mailing address in SIO under Academic Info > Graduation and Diploma. SIO will not be available for updates after this date. Diplomas are only distributed during the diploma ceremony. Graduates who do not attend the ceremony will have their diploma mailed to the delivery address listed in SIO. Contact Enrollment Services at uro-diplomas@andrew.cmu.edu with any questions regarding diploma distribution.

    Student Deadline to Purchase Cap, Gown & Regalia | Thursday, April 2, 2026
    Graduating students are encouraged to purchase their cap, gown and other regalia at the University Store or order online by the date listed above to ensure that items are shipped in time for the ceremony. The University Store offers CMU personalized class rings, personalized announcements, gifts, diploma frames and more to celebrate graduation. Student regalia fees and deadlines are available here.

    Deadline for Students to RSVP for Diploma Ceremony & Reception | Friday, April 17, 2026
    Graduating students must submit the appropriate form below to confirm if they will be attending the school's Diploma Ceremony & Reception, provide their guest count, and indicate how they would like their name to appear in the program.
    Undergraduate Student RSVP
    Graduate Student RSVP

    Deadline for Faculty to RSVP for Diploma Ceremonies & Reception | Friday, April 24, 2026
    Faculty must submit the form below to confirm if they will be attending the school's Diploma Ceremonies and/or Reception. 
    Faculty RSVP

    Diploma Ceremony Ticket Pickup | Monday, April 27, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm | 4th Floor MMCH Landing
    Students who RSVPed can pick up their requested tickets. Students will be asked to complete a survey about their post-graduation plans. 

Graduation Awards

Carnegie Mellon Architecture recognizes the outstanding achievement of graduating students through its annual Graduation Awards program. The winners are announced during the diploma ceremonies.

Life After Graduation

  • The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) offers a variety of career services for students and alumni. In addition to the services described on the CPDC website, alumni can use all of the resources available to current students, including job postings in Handshake.

  • Congratulations graduating students and welcome to the Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Association! Learn how to connect with other alumni and engage with the university through events and other alumni programming by joining the CMU Alumni Community. Following graduation, you will begin receiving information about upcoming events, available resources, campus news and more to help introduce you to the Alumni Association. To ensure that you receive these messages, please update your contact information. As your city, job and contact information change over time, please keep your information current so that we can stay in touch!

  • Join The American Institute of Architects when you graduate and receive free membership for up to 18 months (for spring graduates, this is the rest of your graduation year and the following year for free). You're eligible for free membership if you’re a first-time member who meets one of the following criteria:

    • You have earned a NAAB-accredited architecture degree (B.Arch or M.Arch) within the past 18 months.
    • You have earned a non-NAAB accredited architecture degree within the past 18 months and currently work under the supervision of an architect.
    • You are a first-time member working under the supervision of an architect and are currently enrolled in an AXP or equivalent activity.

    More Information

  • Everyone who attends Commencement is expected to adhere to CMU's current COVID Guidelines and Protocols. Per CDC recommendation, we expect attendees to follow these guidelines regardless of vaccination status.