University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.

Students who have applied to graduate in December 2025 are invited to participate in the Winter Commencement Ceremony and will also be invited to the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026.  December 2025 graduates may attend one ceremony or both.

Photo Gallery

Ceremony Recording - Coming Soon!

Graduate Regalia
  • Graduates are to wear the official regalia set (cap, gown, and tassel) issued by The University Store.
  • Regalia sales are online only.
  • Click here to purchase regalia.
  • Volunteers will be on site to assist with any regalia issues or concerns.
  • The tassel is to be worn on the graduate’s RIGHT side of the cap during the processional.
  • Caps are to be worn parallel to the floor, not at an angle.
  • Grads are welcome to decorate their caps, but all content must be appropriate for this academic ceremony.
  • Graduates do walk up and down a few steps and across the stage during the ceremony, so please keep that in mind when selecting footwear for the day.

How to order:

  1. Add the Johnstown Bachelor Regalia Set to your cart and complete the order form.
  2. Proceed to the cart, payment options, and select the Pitt Passport login option from the login registration screen.
  3. Please select the "Johnstown Campus Pick Up" shipping method to receive free shipping on or before Sunday, November 30.  These items will be shipped to UPJ and distributed by the Conference & Events Office.  More details to come on this.

Notes regarding options at checkout:

  1. The University Store on Fifth is located on the Pittsburgh campus. Only select this option if you plan to pick up your regalia at that location.
  2. Dorm delivery does not apply to the Johnstown campus.
  3. If the graduate is not the person placing the order, please enter the graduate's name in the comment box.
  4. Orders containing diploma frames will include a $17.95 shipping fee; orders containing all other items are subject to a $9.95 shipping fee. 
  • Please retain proof of purchase, as you will need this when picking up regalia.
  • Contact The University Store on Fifth with questions regarding your regalia purchase. Phone:  412-648-1455

 

Honors cords will be available for graduates who meet the following criteria and will be distributed by the Office of Conferences and Events at a later date.

  • 60 letter-graded credits
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 as of the last fully completed term
Guest Information
  • Doors will open for guests at 12:30 P.M.
  • Commencement coordinators will be available to assist.
  • The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center is a disability accessible venue.  Please reach out if there is a specific need.
  • Ample parking is available in all of the lots surrounding the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, the Living/Learning Center, and Krebs Hall.
Tickets
  • Guest tickets are not required for the Winter Commencement Ceremony.
  • Due to the venue capacity, we do kindly ask that you reach out to the Office of Conferences & Events if you plan to bring more than ten guests.  Email us at upjgrad@pitt.edu.  
Graduate Information
  • Graduates should arrive at the staging area between 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.  Enter through the main front entrance of the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. Volunteers will be on site to direct you.
  • If there is a line at the doors upon arrival, graduates should move to the front of the line to ensure promptness.
  • Once inside, graduates will sign in upon arrival and receive a card listing their name, major(s), and honors, if applicable. During the ceremony, you will hand this card to the announcer as you approach the stage. Without the card, your name will not be announced.  Please do not lose your card.
  • After signing in, please find the seat in the staging area with your name on it. Ceremony coordinators will provide additional instructions. Please listen carefully to these instructions.
  • The staging area will not be locked during the ceremony, so please do not leave any personal items in that area.
  • The ceremony requires graduates to enter and exit the stage via several steps.  Please email upjgrad@pitt.edu if you need specific ADA accommodations.
  • If you are processing in the ceremony and live on campus, you may stay in your residence hall until 5:00 p.m., December 14.  In order to do so, however, be sure to submit the Late Stay Request form available on the Housing Portal.  If you have any questions about a late stay, please contact the Housing & Dining Office at upjhousing@pitt.edu.
General Information
  • All graduates and guests are invited to a light reception in the PPAC lobby immediately following the ceremony.
  • While it is difficult to predict precisely, the ceremony is estimated to last approximately 1.5 hours.
  • A professional recording of the ceremony will be available on the Winter commencement website after the ceremony date. 
  • There will also be a photo backdrop in the main lobby during the reception for graduates and guests to use for their own photos.
  • The photography company Grad Images will be on site, taking professional photos of graduates.  Photos will be available for purchase in the weeks following the ceremony.  

         

 

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