Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 8, 2026
12:30 p.m.
Petersen Events Center at the University of Pittsburgh
NOTE: This ceremony is for undergraduate students. If you are receiving a graduate degree, please visit the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony for information.
Watch the livestream of the ceremony
Check back later for a link to the livestream.
Important Details for Graduates
Students who have completed or who are registered to complete all degree requirements by the end of fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters are permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students who are in good academic standing and who can finish their degree requirements by summer 2026, according to a plan that has been reviewed and approved by their respective dean, are also permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Important: Students must submit an application for graduation with the Office of the University Registrar by the appropriate deadline to be recognized in the commencement program.
- Apply for graduation on PointWeb the semester before you intend to walk. You must declare your intent to graduate with the Registrar's Office so they may confirm you have met the requirements. Read their webpage for details. Questions? Contact Brian Eisiminger at beisiminger@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3866.
- Graduates are asked to RSVP to attend Commencement by April 15. Please note, this is a separate step. You must inform the University of your plan to attend the ceremony. Information will be emailed out when the RSVP is live.
- Order your cap & gown. You must purchase your cap and gown and bring it to Commencement. The University will not have additional regalia available. You have multiple opportunities to order:
- Graduation Fair in late February
- Purchase it online beginning in early February — If you would like it shipped to the bookstore for pick-up, the deadline is late March. If you would like to have it shipped directly to your address, the deadline is early April.
- Doors open by 11:30 a.m.
- Students report to line-up — 12 p.m.
- Ceremony —12:30 p.m.
The ceremony is expected to last roughly 2 hours.
Dates will be provided soon.
Please join us for this excellent opportunity to get all of your graduation questions answered. Complimentary graduation announcements and undergraduate honor cords will be distributed, and caps, gowns and class rings will be available for sale. Representatives from the Office of Alumni Relations, Office of the University Registrar, University Advising Center, Conference and Event Services and the Bookstore will be present to guide you through the graduation process.
Pick up your 10 complimentary announcements at the Graduation Fair in early March. If you need additional announcements, class rings or diploma frames, they can be purchased online at Herff Jones.
To qualify to wear honors cords in the commencement ceremony, you must have a 3.5 GPA at the end of fall semester. If you qualify, your honors cords will be distributed at the Graduation Fair. If you are unable to attend Graduation Fair, you can get your cords in the Registrar's Office on the 1st floor of Thayer Hall.
Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduate as he or she receives the diploma cover. You will be contacted by GradTrak Graduate Images via mail and email directly if you are interested in purchasing. There is no obligation to purchase.
Questions regarding your academic eligibility to graduate and the state of your application:
- Office of the Registrar
Brian Eisiminger
412-392-3866
beisiminger@pointpark.edu
Questions regarding your financial eligibility to graduate and the state of your student account:
- Student Accounts
Meredith Meddings
412-392-3424
mmeddings@pointpark.edu
- Conference & Event Services
412-392-4200
events@pointpark.edu
General Questions about the venue or program:
- Office of the Provost
412-392-3976
academicaffairs@pointpark.edu
Important Details for Graduates, Family and Guests
Visit the Petersen Events Center website for details such as directions, parking and accessibility information.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Family and friends are NOT required to have a ticket.
We strongly recommend checking the PennDOT website for any construction and traffic detours prior to leaving for the ceremony.
To assist you with your travel to our city, please visit the Visit Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership websites. These sites will provide you with vital information about the city, such as upcoming events, featured attractions, hotel information, dining options, etc.
