Commencement is a most special event at Duquesne University, not only for our students but also 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 graduates are required to RSVP for the ceremony events for themselves and their guests.
RSVP for the May Ceremony
We ask that all students invited for our December event RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and their guests. Registration to participate in the 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony will not open until March 2026. You will receive an email when you are able to submit your participation status.
May 2026 Commencement
All degree candidates for May 2026 are cordially invited to attend the University's Commencement Ceremonies as listed below:
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Doctoral 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.
Ceremony Livestreaming
The Graduation Ceremony will be transmitted live through a YouTube™ channel for those who cannot attend in person. The livestreaming link will be available on the day of the ceremony.
Guest Seating, ADA Seating, and Parking
No tickets are required for commencement. 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: