Commencement Checklist

Apply to Graduate

  • Verify that you have completed all degree requirements with your advisor.
     
  • Apply for graduation with the University Registrar.

Register for the Commencement Ceremony

  • Register for the university-wide winter ceremony. Invitations with registration links were sent on October 7, 2024.
     
  • Can't find your invitation? Search your PITT email for "You're Invited | Winter Commencement Ceremony" or commencement@pitt.edu. Be sure to check your spam and junk folders!
     
  • Registration is due before Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. 
     
  • Follow @pittcommencement for updates, alerts, reminders and more!

Gear Up

  • Order your class ring online.
     
  • Order your Regalia (Cap and Gown) and pick up at Graduation Central October 29 & 30 at the University Store on Fifth.
     
  • Honors Cords will be distributed at the University Store on Fifth during Graduation Central.
     
  • Get your professional and graduate portrait taken in the William Pitt Union Ballroom. Register here and arrive between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. A $10 deposit will be collected and used towards your package purchase; multiple packages with pricing available.

Get Your Guests Involved

  • Guest tickets will be sent to all candidates who successfully registered to attend the ceremony the week of December 9. (Candidates do not need a ticket to enter the building)
     
  • Download and transfer your tickets to your guests as soon as possible.
     
  • Tell your guests to visit the Friends & Family page of the Commencement website.

Big Day Prep

  • Read over the Graduate Instructions.
     
  • Print your Name Announcement Card in preparation for the ceremony. Every candidate must bring this card with them to the ceremony.
     
    • Name Announcement Cards are sent the week of December 9 to all successfully registered candidates.
       
    • Candidates will have a personalized QR code on their Name Announcement Card. The card is in PDF form and must be printed on 8.5 x 11 white paper.
       
    • Candidates who do not bring their Name Announcement Card will not have their information displayed or announced at the ceremony.
       
    • Candidates will hold onto their Name Announcement Card until they reach the stage during the ceremony, at which time they will be collected.

After Commencement

  • Order your commencement day photos from GradImages.
     
  • Receive your diploma in the mail (about 6-8 weeks after the end of your term of graduation)