Commencement

Students are required to RSVP for the graduation ceremonies for themselves and their guests. 

December 2024 Commencement

Graduates from August 2024 and degree candidates for December 2024 are cordially invited to attend the University's Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Friday, December 20, 2024. The Baccalaureate Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the University Chapel followed by the Commencement Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

A Hooding Ceremony is scheduled for doctoral candidates from December 2024 and degree recipients from August 2024. The ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, in the Student Union Ballroom. Participants will receive a separate invitation for Thursday's Hooding Ceremony.

RSVP for the December Ceremony

We ask that all graduates RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and their guests. Let us know you plan to attend!

Ceremony Livestream

The ceremony will be transmitted live through a YouTube™ channel for those who can not attend in person.  Visit the livestream link at the time of the ceremony.

December 2024 Commencement Schedule

May 2025 Commencement

May 9, 2025, is the University's official graduation date for undergraduate and graduate students (with the exception of the School of Pharmacy students). In celebration of our graduating students, individual school ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 as outlined below.  

The School of Pharmacy and Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The School of Pharmacy ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University Ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.

May 2025 Commencement Schedule

Regalia

Graduates must wear appropriate caps and gowns at commencement, which are available through the bookstore. You can call (412) 314-0286 with any questions about regalia.  Students can order regalia online until October 29th. After that date students can call or visit the bookstore in person for questions about regalia.

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.

For those attending the School of Music commencement ceremony, it is recommended to drop off guests with mobility issues in front of the Student Union building

Visitor Information

For more information about Pittsburgh, where to stay, places to eat, shop and sightsee:

• Duquesne University Area Hotels
• Visit Pittsburgh