Graduates
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We can't wait to celebrate with you during Commencement, May 9 – 11, 2025.
The following groups are eligible to participate in commencement exercises:
- Bachelor’s degree students who completed their degree in August 2024, December 2024 and expected May and August 2025 graduates.
- Master’s degree students who completed their degree in August 2024, December 2024 and expected May and August 2025 graduates.
- Doctoral degree students who have defended their dissertation and completed all degree requirements in August 2024, December 2024 and expected May 2025 graduates.
As you plan for commencement weekend, refer to this page for information about deadlines, cap and gown, robing, processional and more. We will update the site with new information frequently so check back often!
Resources for Graduating Students
Student Commencement Speaker
Each year, Carnegie Mellon University chooses one student to represent their graduating class at Commencement. The selected student speaker is given the unique opportunity to speak directly to their classmates, staff, faculty members, families and other guests with an address of their own creation.
To attend an info session, learn more about the selection process or submit your application, visit the SLICE website. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.
Senior Portraits
If you're interested in having your in-person senior portraits taken by Lauren Studios, check the SLICE website for a full list of available dates in 2025. All photos will be taken in room CUC 303. Questions can be directed to info@laurenstudios.com.
Cap & Gown
If you plan to attend the main commencement ceremony or your diploma ceremony, you should plan to purchase a cap and gown.
To purchase your cap and gown at an exclusive in-person discount during Commencement Fair, be sure to stop by Rangos Ballroom on March 12-13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out graduation swag, class rings and announcements, and enter to win door prizes.
If you are unable to attend, you can purchase your regalia at the University Store or order online. The last day to place an order online and have it shipped in time is April 5 . Student regalia fees and deadlines can be found here.
Tartan Commencement Ad Reservation
If you are a family member or friend of a CMU student graduating in spring 2025, you can honor your student's achievements with a Commencement ad in The Tartan.
Request ad space here by Thursday, Feb. 20, for a 10% discount.
Diploma Frames, Class Rings and other Graduation 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.
Diplomas
Graduating students will receive diplomas at their diploma ceremonies, which colleges/schools/departments will host throughout the weekend. We will share a final schedule in the coming weeks.
If you are unable to attend your diploma ceremony, we will mail you your diploma. You should enter your diploma delivery addresses in SIO under Academic Info > Graduation and Diploma. Because students often move shortly after graduation, we use this address instead of your permanent address.
If you are eligible to receive honors cords and medallions, you will receive them either prior to commencement or at your diploma ceremony. We will share more details in the spring.
If you have questions regarding diploma distribution, please contact Enrollment Services at uro-diplomas@andrew.cmu.edu.
CMU Alumni Association
Congratulations graduating students and welcome to the Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Association! Learn how to connect with other alumni and engage with the university through events and other alumni programming by joining the CMU Alumni Community.
Following your graduation, you will begin receiving information about upcoming events, available resources, campus news and more to help introduce you to the Alumni Association. To ensure that you receive these messages, please update your contact information. And as your city, job and contact information change over time, please keep your information current so that we can stay in touch!
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.