Students are required to RSVP for themselves and their guests. Information about the RSVP process will be emailed to students in the near future.
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 6pm on Thursday, December 19, in the Student Union Ballroom. Participants will receive a separate invitation for Thursday's Hooding Ceremony.
December 2024 Commencement Schedule
Thursday, December 19, 2024 | 6:00pm |
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony |
Friday, December 20, 2024 | 9:00am |
Baccalaureate Mass |
Friday, December 20, 2024 | 11:00am |
Ceremony |
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
Date | School | Time | Location |
Friday, May 9, 2025 | Baccalaureate Mass | 8:30 a.m. | Student Union Ballroom |
Liberal Arts | 10:30 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse | |
Business | 2:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse | |
Music | 4:00 p.m. | Student Union Ballroom | |
Health Sciences | 5:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse | |
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Nursing | 9:00 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
Education | 12:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse | |
Science and Engineering | 3:00 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse | |
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Pharmacy | 10:30 a.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
Law School | 2:30 p.m. | UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse |
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.
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: