Commencement is a most special event at Duquesne University, not only for our students, but for the campus at large. It is a time to celebrate your accomplishments and to revel in the camaraderie of your fellow classmates. It is also a very special time for family and friends, as they look forward to this opportunity to show their pride and celebrate you.
All August and December 2025 graduates are required to RSVP for the graduation ceremony for themselves and their guests. Candidates for graduation will receive a notification when the link becomes available.
December 2025 Commencement
All graduates from August 2025 not belonging to Rangos School of Health Sciences and all other degree candidates for December 2025 are cordially invited to attend the University's Commencement Ceremony scheduled on Friday, December 19, 2025.
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Doctoral Hooding Ceremony | 6:00 p.m. | Union Ballroom |
| Friday, December 19, 2025 | Baccalaureate Mass | 9:00 a.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit |
| Friday, December 19, 2025 | Commencement Ceremony | 11:00 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
RSVP for the December Ceremony
We ask that all December graduates RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and their guests when the link becomes available. Let us know you plan to attend!
May 2026 Commencement
All degree candidates for May 2026 are cordially invited to attend the University's Commencement Ceremony scheduled on Friday, May 8, 2026 through Saturday, May 23, 2026. The graduation activities will be as follow:
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Hooding Ceremony | 6:00 p.m. | Power Center Ballroom |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | Baccalaureate Mass | 8:30 a.m. | Student Union Ballroom |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts Commencement | 10:30 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Commencement | 2:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences & College of Osteopathic Medicine Commencement | 6:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | School of Nursing Commencement | 9:00 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Mary Pappert School of Music Commencement | 11:00 a.m. | Student Union Ballroom |
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | School of Education Commencement | 1:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | School of Science and Engineering Commencement | 4:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Mass | 9:30 a.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit |
| Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Thomas R. Kline School Law School of Duquesne University Commencement | 11:00 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Mass | 8:00 a.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit |
| Saturday, May 23, 2026 | School of Pharmacy Commencement | 10:30 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
Regalia – Caps & Gowns
Graduates must wear appropriate caps and gowns at commencement, which are available through the University bookstore. Students can order the regalia by visiting the bookstore at the Power Center or by calling (412)314-0286. There's an extra charge for deliveries.
Ceremony Livestreaming
The Graduation Ceremony will be transmitted live through a YouTube™ channel for those who cannot attend in person. When available, visit the livestream link above at the time of the ceremony.
Guest Seating, ADA Seating, and Parking
No tickets are required for commencement. It is very important that you register for the ceremony using the RSVP link when available. Complimentary parking is available in University parking garages on all commencement days. ADA accessible parking is available on Magee Street or in the surface lot on Forbes Avenue (adjacent to the entrance of the Forbes Garage).
Gates to the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse will open 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. For guests with mobility issues, it is recommended to drop off guests at the AJ Palumbo Gate, located at the corners of Locust and Magee Streets. Accessible seating is available on the Concourse Level of the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, behind Sections 109 & 110.
Visitor Information
For more information about Pittsburgh, where to stay, places to eat, shop and sightsee: