Commencement Answers Here

Commencement Ceremony

Where should I park?
Since there is limited parking available, it's recommended that guests use the shuttle service on the day of the Commencement Ceremony. For complete details, visit the parking & shuttles page.

Where should guests sit?
Family and guest seating sections are available in the stadium bleachers or in designated areas on the field surface. A seating map will be available in the commencement information area. For additional information, visit the seating and weather details page.
 
Can I reserve seats?
There is no reserved seating for guests. If you must reserve seats for others in your party, it is advisable to keep a member of your party with your seats at all times. Any attempt to “reserve” your seats is based on the understanding and cooperation of other guests. University staff cannot be responsible for reserving seats.

Where can I take pictures/video?
Photographers may stand along the procession pathways on the track and field surface, but may not interfere with the procession path for the graduating students. No students will be individually recognized on stage during the commencement ceremony. Please remain clear of the stage area during the procession, ceremony and recession to avoid interfering with guests seated nearby. Staff will be available, along with stanchions, to indicate the appropriate zones for photographers and guests. Students will receive diplomas individually at department diploma ceremonies. You may wish to ask the appropriate academic department about photography at those events.

Can I view the ceremony from an indoor location?
Yes, the ceremony will be broadcast in McConomy Auditorium, first floor, University Center. Seating is first-come, first-served. No tickets are required.

Diploma Ceremonies

Where are the diploma ceremonies?
All graduating students will receive their diplomas at department or college diploma ceremonies held throughout the weekend, with most taking place either prior to or immediately following commencement on Sunday. Visit the diploma ceremonies page for complete information.

Are there shuttles to off-campus diploma ceremonies?
Yes. Shuttles to and from the off-campus diploma ceremony sites will be available on Forbes Avenue after the commencement ceremony on Sunday only. We recommend you use these complimentary shuttles as there is limited parking at a number of the off-campus locations. For additional details, visit the parking & shuttles page.

Special Needs

Is there seating at commencement for people with disabilities and their families?
Seating for guests with special needs and their families will be available in a special section on the field surface, which will be indicated with signage. Up to three guests are permitted to sit with a disabled guest. For additional details, visit the special needs page.

Is there a ramp to the field for wheelchairs?
Yes. A wheelchair-accessible ramp to the field is near the stadium entry closest to the University Center. All campus buildings and parking areas are also wheelchair accessible.

Will wheelchairs be available on campus?
A limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters will be available for rental on campus on Sunday of commencement weekend only. To ensure availability, please call the Wheelchair Exchange at 412-241-5121 to reserve your rental. For additional details, visit the special needs page.

General Information

Where can I get something to eat/drink?
Entropy (a convenience store) on the first floor of the University Center will be open for beverages and snacks. Complimentary beverages will be available in the Commencement Information Area, Kirr Commons. Food, chewing gum and beverages other than water are not permitted on the track and field surface. During the commencement ceremony, there will be free water available at concession stands under the stadium bleachers and at distribution stations in the end zones of the field surface.

Where can I get film? Sunblock? Sunglasses? Hats? Etc.?
Entropy (a convenience store) on the first floor of the University Center sells these and many other items.

Where can I get a list of local worship sites?
For information, please contact Carnegie Mellon Interfaith Council, at Interfaith-Council@andrew.cmu.edu.

Additional Information 

Pittsburgh
Find the finest dining establishments and other recreational and cultural hot spots within Pittsburgh at visitpittsburgh.com or imaginepittsburgh.com.

Enrollment Services/The HUB
Location: Warner Hall, lower level

Hours of operation:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The “one-stop-shop” of Enrollment Services is better known as “The HUB.” The HUB offers registration services, financial assistance, campus Xpress, student address information and student account services. Visit the HUB/Enrollment Services Web site for additional information.

First Aid
A first-aid station will be available throughout commencement weekend in the Athletic Training Room, first floor, University Center (near the athletic equipment desk).

If an emergency occurs when the first aid station is not in operation, or at any time throughout the weekend, call Campus Police at 412-268-2323.

Parking
All campus lots will be open throughout the weekend; however, parking on campus is limited. If you plan to drive to campus on Sunday, come early to get a space. Visit the parking & shuttles page for complete details.

Alcohol Policy
The University Alcohol Policy states, “Alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed anywhere outdoors on the grounds of Carnegie Mellon.” This policy will be in effect on commencement weekend. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages to commencement events. Carnegie Mellon adheres to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The legal age for consumption of alcohol is 21.