Planning Information for Families & Guests
We look forward to welcoming family and friends to CMU's campus for commencement, May 10-12, 2024. Visit the schedule page to review the weekend schedule.
- Commencement Welcome Area
- Travel, Transportation & Parking
- Accessibility Accommodations
- Wi-Fi Access
- International Travel
Commencement Welcome Area
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wean Commons, First Floor, Cohon University Center
Upon your arrival at CMU, stop by the Commencement Welcome Area to speak with staff, answer your questions and find all the information you need to help make your visit to the university and Pittsburgh a pleasant one.
Travel, Transportation & Parking
Travel & Transportation to CMU
CMU is located in the Oakland are of Pittsburgh, 22 miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport. The street address of the university is 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
- Shuttle service is available between the airport, downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland. Visit www.supershuttle.com.
- Bus service (28X Airport Flyer) runs between the airport, downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland. Visit www.rideprt.org or call 412-442-2000.
- Rental cars, taxis and rideshare services are available at the airport.
Parking
On Friday, May 10, visitor parking is available in the East Campus Garage only. Regular parking rates will apply
On Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, the following paid lots, located on and near campus, are available for advance reservation on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Central Catholic High School lot*
- Clyde Street lot
- Dithridge Street Garage
- East Campus Garage
- Fairfax lot
- GATF lot
- Mehrabian CIC Garage
- Morewood lot
- Rodef Shalom lot*
- Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall Garage
- Tepper Building Garage
- Zebina Way lot
*Indicates parking available on Sunday only
For more information on purchasing parking, accessible parking options, parking shuttles, traffic restrictions, alternatives to driving to campus and more, please visit our Parking page.
Accessibility Accommodations
Accessible Seating
During the main commencement ceremony at Gesling Stadium, we will provide accessible seating options for graduates and guests on the field surface.
If you have family members who may have difficulty navigating the bleachers, we offer a limited number of seats on the field (up to four seats per family). Additional family members may sit in the bleachers. We must limit the number of on-field guests to ensure that there is space available for all who need it.
You do not need to contact us ahead of time to utilize accessible seating.
Wheelchairs and Scooters
If you would like to rent a wheelchair or a scooter for the weekend, we recommend contacting Mobility Plus at 412-426-9144.
Mobility Plus is available to deliver wheelchairs and scooters on Saturday, May 11, and pick up is available on Monday, May 13.
Sign Language Interpreters and Closed Captioning
Sign language interpreters will be stationed in the on-field seating area. Guests who will rely on the interpreters should plan to sit on the field.
Closed captioning will be projected onto the screens throughout the ceremony.
Simulcast Locations
The main commencement ceremony will take place outdoors in Gesling Stadium, rain or shine. The stadium is not covered, and there is no shade.
If you, or a family member, cannot be the direct sunlight or heat for long periods of time, we encourage you to watch the ceremony from on of our indoor simulcast locations in the Cohon University Center:
- McConomy Auditorium, first floor
- Studio Theater, first floor
- Kirr Commons, first floor
- Au Bon Pain, second floor
No prior arrangements are necessary. Seating is first come, first served.
Wireless Access
You may access the Carnegie Mellon wireless network throughout the weekend.
- Select the CMU-GUEST wireless network
- Log in with a valid, non-CMU email address
- Enter the code GXM3LBZ2
International Travel
Please be sure to review the website of the U.S. Embassy nearest to you to get current information and visa requirements.
Applying for a B-2 tourist visa? Review this document for helpful information.
Additional supporting evidence for international guests may be needed. These may be in the form of:
- An Enrollment Verification Letter, which may be requested through Student Information Online (login required)
- A print out from the commencement website
These documents can be used to convey to the U.S. consular office the need for a timely visa decision.