Main Commencement Ceremony

During the weekend, we will honor the hard work and dedication of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates. The ceremony will be held in Gesling Stadium and is open to graduates, families, guests and friends of the CMU community.

• Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates and their guests are invited to join the main commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 12, 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.
• The ceremony will take place on CMU’s campus and will be approximately 1.5 hours long.
• There is no limit on number of guests who can attend the main commencement ceremony and tickets are not needed.
• Seating is open in the stadium and includes bleachers and seating on the field. Download the seating map to easily find and locate your seating location and other key locations in Gesling Stadium.
• Accessible seating is available on the field (up to four seats per accessible guest). Additional guests may sit in the bleachers. You do not need to contact us to utilize accessible seating.
• The ceremony takes place outdoors in Gesling Stadium rain or shine. The stadium is not covered and there is no shade. Please plan accordingly.
• All guests must be seated by 9:15 a.m. Access to Gesling Stadium will be restricted during procession.
• Ponchos will be distributed, if necessary.
• Please note that items that obstruct the view of other guests or that can be used as projectiles or are deemed inappropriate/hazardous by university police are prohibited. This includes weapons, noisemakers, umbrellas, drones, fireworks, flags, posters, and large signs. These items may be confiscated or you may be asked to leave the stadium. Animals, except service dogs for guests with disabilities, are also prohibited.

Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 12