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. 

December 2025 Commencement

All graduates from August 2025 and December 2025 are cordially invited to attend the December 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 19, 2025 (excluding the August 2025 Rangos School of Health Sciences graduates, who participated in an August 2025 ceremony). 

Date Event Time Location
Thursday, December 18, 2025 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony 6:00 p.m. Union Ballroom
Livestream Link
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
Livestream Link

RSVP for the December Ceremony

We ask that all students invited for our December event RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and their guests. 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 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.  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. 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:

Questions?

Contact the Office of Conference and Event Services