Commencement

Commencement is a most special event at Duquesne University, not only for our students, but for the campus at large. It is a time to celebrate your accomplishments and to revel in the camaraderie of your fellow classmates. It is also a very special time for family and friends, as they look forward to this opportunity to show their pride and celebrate you.

Students are required to RSVP for the graduation ceremonies for themselves and their guests.

May 2025 Commencement Schedule

May 9, 2025, is the University's official graduation date for undergraduate and graduate students. In celebration of our graduating students, individual school ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 9, Saturday, May 10, and Saturday, May 17 as outlined below.  Ceremonies are expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

The Hooding Ceremony for Doctoral Candidates from the Schools of Liberal Arts, Nursing, Education, and Science & Engineering will be celebrated on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Power Center Ballroom.  Doctoral Candidates will receive a separate invitation for this event.

The School of Pharmacy and Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The School of Pharmacy ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University Ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.

A Baccalaureate Mass where all are welcome to attend is scheduled for Friday, May 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

RSVP for the May Ceremony

We ask that all graduates RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and their guests. Registration will open in March 2025. Let us know you plan to attend!

Regalia – Caps & Gowns

Graduates must wear appropriate caps and gowns at commencement, which are available through the University bookstore. Students can order regalia online until March 18, 2025 (pick up at store) or April 12, 2025 (ship to home).  After those dates students can call (412)314-0286 or visit in person the bookstore at the Power Center for questions about regalia.

Ceremony Livestreaming

The Graduation Ceremony will be transmitted live through a YouTube™ channel for those who cannot attend in person.  When available, visit the livestream link above at the time of the ceremonies.

Guest Seating, ADA Seating, and Parking

No tickets are required for commencement. It is very important that you register for the ceremony using the RSVP link when available. Complimentary parking is available in University parking garages on all commencement days. ADA accessible parking is available on Magee Street or in the surface lot on Forbes Avenue (adjacent to the entrance of the Forbes Garage).

Gates to the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse will open 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. For guests with mobility issues, it is recommended to drop off guests at the AJ Palumbo Gate, located at the corners of Locust and Magee Streets. Accessible seating is available on the Concourse Level of the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, behind Sections 109 & 110.

For those attending the School of Music commencement ceremony, it is recommended to drop off guests with mobility issues in front of the Student Union building.

December 2025 Commencement

Graduates from August 2025 and degree candidates for December 2025 are cordially invited to attend the University's Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.

Visitor Information

For more information about Pittsburgh, where to stay, places to eat, shop and sightsee:

• Duquesne University Area Hotels
• Visit Pittsburgh