Planning Information for Classes of 2020 & 2021
Congratulations on your recent graduation! As members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021, you, your families and your guests are welcome back to campus to commemorate your graduation during commencement weekend. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Before commencement weekend, review our planning checklist:
- Download the app
- Purchase your cap and gown
- Pack your cords and medallions
- Review the schedule
- Confirm your Diploma Ceremony location
- Find your Robing and Processional location
- Review COVID-19 safety information
- Review visitor information
1. Download the App
Use the mobile app during commencement weekend to keep track of your schedule, find ceremony locations, receive the latest weather updates and more. Download the CMU Events App in the App Store or on Google Play.
2. Purchase Your Cap and Gown
If you don't have one already, plan to purchase a cap and gown. Everyone attending the main commencement ceremony and/or a diploma ceremony must wear a cap and gown.
We encourage you to purchase your cap, gown and other regalia online by April 28 to ensure that you receive your preferred size.
You may pick up online orders at the University Store or request that the store ship them to you. If you request to ship your items, please allow a week for shipping time.
You may also purchase caps, gowns and hoods at the University Store during regular hours.
3. Pack Your Cords and Medallion
If you qualified for honors cords and medallions, you should have already received them with your diploma.
If you would like to wear them throughout the weekend, bring them with you. We will not supply extra cords and medallions.
4. Review the Schedule
Visit the Schedule page to review the weekend schedule.
5. Confirm Your Diploma Ceremony Location
Visit the Diploma Ceremonies page to review the schedule and confirm your ceremony location. Ceremony times and locations are subject to change, so check the schedule frequently.
6. Find Your Robing and Processional Location
Before the main commencement ceremonies on Friday and Sunday, graduates will meet at specific locations across campus and process in groups to Gesling Stadium. Once they reach they stadium, they will process into reserved seating sections on the field.
Meeting locations are determined by a graduate's college or program.
Only graduates and ceremony participants should report to robing locations. Guests should proceed directly to the ceremonies.
Meeting Times
- Friday: 2 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.
Meeting Locations
| BXA Intercollege Degree Programs Sunday only |
Baker Hall, first floor Behind Dietrich College graduates |
| College of Engineering | Carnegie Mellon Cafe Resnik House |
| College of Fine Arts | Great Hall College of Fine Arts, first floor |
| Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences | Baker Hall, first floor |
| Entertainment Technology Center Friday only |
5300 Corridor Gates and Hillman Centers Behind SCS graduates |
| Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy Friday only |
School of Information Systems & Management Main Entrance Hamburg Hall School of Public Policy & Management Main Entrance Hamburg Hall Behind School of Information Systems & Management |
| Integrated Innovation Institute | Carnegie Mellon Cafe Resnik House Behind Engineering graduates |
| Mellon College of Science | Baker Hall, second floor |
| School of Computer Science | 5200 Corridor Gates & Hillman Centers |
| Science and Humanities Scholars Sunday Only |
Baker Hall, first floor Behind BXA graduates |
| Silicon Valley | Carnegie Mellon Cafe Resnik House Behind III graduates |
| Tepper School of Business | Atrium, second floor Tepper Building |
7. Review COVID-19 Safety Information
Tartan Testing is strongly recommended for all asymptomatic graduates who have not had a positive test within the last 90 days. Tartan Testing will be available:
- May 9: 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
- May 10-12: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Appointments for commencement week will become available starting Friday, May 6. Facial coverings are required when visiting Tartan Testing.
If you will not be on campus in time for a Tartan Test, we recommend that you test yourself before returning to campus.
For more information, visit CMU's COVID-19 webpage.
8. Review Visitor Information
Review the Families & Guests page for information on travel, parking, wireless access, wheelchairs and more.
Resources for Alumni
Commencement Merchandise
You can purchase items to help commemorate your graduation at the University Store.
Visit the University Store website and choose the Graduation tab for more information on ordering CMU personalized class rings, personalized announcements, gifts, diploma frames and more to celebrate your graduation.
Update Your Contact Information
To ensure that you receive all the information you need to participate in this year's commencement activities, please update your alumni community profile or submit an information update through the CMU engage website.
Career and Professional Development Center
The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) offers a variety of career services for students and alumni. In addition to the services described on the CPDC website, alumni can use all of the resources available to current students, including job postings in Handshake.
CMU Alumni Association
Congratulations to the Classes of 2020 and 2021, and welcome to the Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Association! We encourage you to stay engaged with the university and other alumni by joining the CMU Alumni Community. As alumni, you have access to career and professional development, networking events and university news. And as your city, job and contact information change over time, please keep your community profile current so that we can stay in touch!