2026 Graduate School Commencement Week
2026 Graduate School Commencement Week
Class of 2026, get ready to celebrate Commencement Week with the Graduate School, May 5-9, 2026. During this week of celebrations, we will recognize the accomplishments of the Graduate School's summer and fall 2025 and spring 2026 graduates.
We are so excited to see you achieve this important milestone and look forward to celebrating with you, and your families, during Graduate School's Spring 2026 Recognition Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (EDT) at Cramton Auditorium. The University-wide Main Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Commencement Week Schedule
Tue, May 5 | Graduate School Ticket Pick Up Windows
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 5 10:00am- 1:00pm |
Each Graduate School graduating student who has met the academic and financial clearance obligations required by the University outlined in this policy is eligible to have four (4) reserved seating Commencement tickets for their guests. Before ticket pick up, please ensure you have met the academic and financial clearance requirements linked above. You must present a valid photo ID at the time of pick up. Students who miss this pickup window can return to the Undergraduate Library on Thursday (May 7) or Friday (May 8) to obtain their tickets. |
Undergraduate Library Room 023 (The Seminar Room) |
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 5 3:00pm- 5:00pm |
The University requires entry tickets for all faculty, staff, students, and guests who will be seated at Cramton Auditorium. Each prospective graduate who has RSVP'd for the Graduate School's Recognition Ceremony will receive 1 student ticket to present to Cramton at entry and five (5) reserved guest tickets for their guests to attend the Ceremony. |
Graduate School, Room 200 |
| May 6 11:00am- 2:00pm |
For students unable to pick up their Graduate School Recognition Ceremony tickets during the designated ticket pick-up window (on May 5th) there is an alternate ticket pick up window for May 6th. |
Graduate School, Room 200 |
Tue, May 5 | Rehearsal for Graduate School Ceremony
| Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 5 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
Graduate School Ceremony Rehearsal required of all prospective graduates. | Cramton Auditorium |
Tue, May 5 | Webinar: 2026 Commencement Prospective Graduates Ceremony Participation Orientation
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 5 7:00pm |
This webinar has been created for the 2026 Commencement Convocation Prospective Graduates to provide graduates insights and direction regarding their participation in the main ceremony. The Webinar will provide information regarding how to prepare for the May 9 ceremony the day before, the day of the ceremony, and after the ceremony has concluded. | Virtual (See email for registration link) |
Thu, May 7 | Graduate School Recognition Ceremony
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 7 12:00pm |
Ph.D. Student Check- In and Name card Distribution | Biology Auditorium |
| May 7 12:45pm |
Ph.D. Candidates Photoshoot | The Valley |
| May 7 1:15pm |
Ph.D. Lineup and Ceremonial Walk | Procession to Cramton |
| May 7 1:15pm - 1:40pm |
Guests Proceed to Cramton Auditorium (Tickets Required for Entry) | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 1:45pm |
The Procession Begins | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 2:00pm |
Graduate School Recognition Ceremony | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
Annual President’s Reception | Ballroom, Blackburn University Center |
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 7 12:45pm |
Master's and Certificate Candidates Photoshoot | Business School (across from Cramton) |
| May 7 1:15pm |
Master’s and Certificate Student Check- In, Name Card Distribution, and Lineup |
Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 1:15pm - 1:40pm |
Guests Proceed to Cramton Auditorium (Tickets Required for Entry) | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 1:45pm |
The Procession Begins | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 2:00pm |
Graduate School Recognition Ceremony | Cramton Auditorium |
| May 7 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
Annual President’s Reception | Ballroom, Blackburn University Center |
Fri, May 8 | Commencement Prayer Breakfast
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 8 7:30am - 10:00am |
Commencement Prayer Breakfast | Ballroom, Blackburn University Center |
Sat, May 9 | University Main Commencement
| Date & Time | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 9 7:00am |
All Graduate School degree candidates must report to Greene Stadium in full regalia for line up. | Greene Stadium |
| May 9 7:00am |
Guests arrive for seating. Additional guests may be seated in the general seating section (bleacher seating) or at a designated satellite location on a first-come, first-served basis. | Main Yard |
| May 9 8:15am |
The procession begins | Main Yard |
| May 9 1:00pm |
Commencement closes | Main Yard |