Carnegie Mellon University

Commencement Schedule

We are proud to celebrate our newest graduates during this year’s commencement exercises!

Main Commencement Ceremony

  • Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates and their guests are invited to join the main commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 14, for the conferral of all degrees.
  • The main ceremony will include remarks from the president, keynote speaker, student speaker and academic deans, in addition to recognition of the honorary degree recipients.
  • There is no limit on number of guests who can attend the main commencement ceremony and tickets are not needed.
  • The ceremony will take place on CMU’s campus and will be approximately 1.5 hours long.

Diploma Ceremonies

  • In addition to the main commencement ceremony, each college/school/department will host a diploma ceremony to recognize all graduating students. Diploma ceremonies will be held over the course of the weekend (Friday, May 12–Sunday, May 14).
  • Diploma ceremonies will include the presentation of diplomas to graduates, hooding of doctoral candidates and remarks from their college/school/department leadership. Each ceremony is organized and customized by their college/school/department.
  • Diploma ceremonies will take place both on and off campus. Locations and times for diploma ceremonies will be provided soon.
  • Diploma ceremonies typically include a reception and the length of time for each ceremony varies based on the number of graduates.

Thursday, May 11

Phi Beta Kappa Initiation Ceremony
Ceremony: 2-3 p.m.
McConomy Auditorium, Cohon University Center
Reception: 3-4 p.m.
Connan Room, Cohon University Center
Contact:
Joanne Ursenbach
joanneu@andrew.cmu.edu 

412-268-2830

First Gen Graduation Recognition Ceremony 
Ceremony: 4:30-5:30 p.m. 
Kresge Theater, College of Fine Arts 
Reception: 5:30-6 p.m. 
Alumni Concert Hall, College of Fine Arts 
Contact: 
M. Shernell Smith 
csdi@andrew.cmu.edu 
412-268-2150

Friday, May 12

Diploma Ceremonies
Various
times

Senior Leadership Recognition Ceremony
4–5:30 p.m.
Wiegand Gym, Cohon University Center
Undergraduate students and their guests by invitation only. This ceremony recognizes nominated seniors who have reflected upon their specific leadership contributions during their time at CMU.


Saturday, May 13

Diploma Ceremonies
Various
times

Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion Ceremony
12-2 p.m.
Simmons Auditorium, Tepper Building
Contact:
Sam Colavecchio

412-268-2150

Naval ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Ceremony: 1:30-2:30 pm
Auditorium, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum *
4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Contact:
Mike Danko

412-268-8747

The President's Reception in honor of CMU's Doctoral Candidates
4-6 p.m.
Atrium, Tepper Building

Sunday, May 14

Robing and procession for graduates
9–10 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony
10–11:30 a.m.
Gesling Stadium, CMU’s campus

Diploma Ceremonies
Various times