Congratulations, Class of 2027!
We look forward to celebrating our graduates and their accomplishments on Saturday, May 1, 2027.
Please check back for additional ceremony information in the coming months.
- Graduate Regalia
Graduates must wear official academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel). Regalia may be purchased through The University Store on Fifth, Pittsburgh campus.
- Be sure to choose the "Johnstown Regalia" option.
- Orders may be shipped to you or picked up at The University Store on Fifth in Pittsburgh.
- Contact The University Store on Fifth with ordering questions: 412-648-1455.
- Tassel colors are specific to each academic division. Select the appropriate color during the purchase process.
Business & Enterprise Drab (Tan) Education Light Blue Engineering Orange Humanities White Natural Sciences Yellow Nursing & Health Sciences Apricot Social Sciences White Honors Cords
Honors cords will be provided to graduates who meet the following criteria as of their last fully completed and graded semester:
- 60 letter-graded Pitt credits
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
Eligible graduates will receive their cords during ticket pickup.
- The tassel should be worn on the graduate's right side of the cap during the processional.
- Caps should be worn parallel to the floor, not at an angle.
- Graduates are welcome to decorate their caps, but all content must be appropriate for this academic ceremony.
- Parking and Accessibility
- Parking is available at the Sports & Wellness Center, Penn Highlands Community College, along Highfield Avenue, and in the Biddle Hall parking lot.
- ADA parking is available closest to the Sports & Wellness Center. Police officers will be on-site to assist and direct guests.
- Guests who need assistance may be dropped off at the drive-up circle near the flagpole, closest to the Sports & Wellness Center.
- Accessible seating is located just inside the main entrance to the Sports Center, in the upper lobby overlooking the ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- One companion seat is available for each accessible seat or space to ensure there is enough room for everyone who needs accommodations.
- An ASL interpreter will be present at the ceremony and on the livestream and recorded video.
- A shuttle will be available to transport guests between the parking areas and the venue, with return service to the outer parking lots following the ceremony.
- Parking and venue entrance maps are available below:
- Tickets, Entrance Times, and Livestream
- Each graduate will receive five guest tickets.
- Tickets are required for guests entering the live ceremony in the Sports Center gymnasium. Graduates do not need a ticket.
- Due to venue capacity, additional tickets are not available.
- Be sure to RSVP for the ceremony and purchase your regalia before picking up guest tickets.
- December 2025 graduates: We know many of you may not live near campus. Watch for a separate email with instructions on how to receive your tickets. If you are near campus and able to pick up your tickets, please do so.
- Doors will open for guests at 11:30 a.m.
- The ceremony will be livestreamed for those celebrating virtually. The link will be available on this website on the day of the ceremony.
- The livestream will also be shown in the air-conditioned Wellness Center gymnasium viewing area for guests without tickets.
- Graduate Arrival
- Graduates must arrive at the staging area between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and should already be dressed in their academic regalia.
- Staging area: Wellness Center gymnasium.
- If there is a line at the building entrance, graduates should move to the front of the line to ensure prompt arrival.
- Graduates will check in at the staging area and receive a card listing their name, major(s), and honors, if applicable. During the ceremony, this card must be handed to the announcer before going on stage. Without the card, the graduate will not be announced. Please do not lose your card.
- After checking in, find the seat in the staging area with your name on it. Ceremony coordinators will provide additional instructions. Please listen carefully.
- There are several steps onto and off the stage. Please email upjgrad@pitt.edu if you need specific ADA or mobility accommodations.
- Professional Photography
Professional photography company Grad Images will photograph graduates as they cross the stage.
Photos will be available for viewing and purchase after the ceremony. Please allow time for processing.
Graduates may register on the Grad Images website in advance to receive a discount.
- General Information
- The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours.
- Everyone is welcome to join the post-commencement reception in the Wellness Center gymnasium following the ceremony.
- Graduates and families are welcome to visit campus, especially the Mountain Cat, for photos!
- For additional questions, email upjgrad@pitt.edu.