Commencement

Friday, May 8, 2026

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Graduates Assemble for Diploma Ceremony | 1:30pm | Second Floor, Purnell Center for the Arts (map)
All graduating 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

How to wear Master's Cap, Gown & Hood

How to for Doctoral hooding ceremony

Diploma Ceremony | 2:30-4:30pm | Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts (map) (ticket required)
The ceremony includes the presentation of diplomas to graduates, hooding of doctoral candidates, and remarks from our undergraduate, graduate and guest speakers. The ceremony also includes the announcement of the winners of the graduation awards.

• Diplomas are only distributed during the diploma ceremony. If you do not attend the ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to you. If you have already received your diploma (fall graduate, etc.) you do not need to bring it back with you; a blank diploma case will be used during the ceremony.
• Seating: Seating in the theater is extremely limited; therefore, graduating students may request up to four (4) tickets when they RSVP. Graduating students who do not RSVP by the deadline, Friday, April 17, 2026, will have their tickets released into the general pool to be made available to students who would like additional tickets. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that extra tickets may be available. If extra tickets are available, information will be shared about how to request additional tickets at that time. All guests may attend the reception, no tickets are required.
  • To allow seating for as many of our graduates' guests as possible, faculty and staff attendees must sit onstage.
  • Seating is available for disabled guests and their companions on the first floor of the theater.
• Photography: Professional photographs will be taken and made available after the ceremony.
• Video Livestream: The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The recording will be made available after the ceremony.
• Parking: Visitor parking will be available in the East Campus Garage only, on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

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Reception | 4:30-6:00pm | Great Hall, College of Fine Arts (map) (no ticket required)
Immediately following the Diploma Ceremony, we invite our graduates and guests to join us for a reception with light refreshments.

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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.

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 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.

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

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 the 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 the ceremony. Graduating students who want to make purchases late in the semester must first contact David Koltas.