Winter Commencement Checklist

Make sure you're ready for the big day!

Verify that you have completed all degree requirements with your advisor.
Apply for graduation with the University Registrar by November 1, 2025. Only candidates who have applied to graduate will receive an official invitation from the Office of Special Events.

Register for the winter university-wide commencement ceremony. Invitations will be sent to all eligible graduates via their Pitt email address the week of October 13.
Record your name via NameCoach. A link will be provided in your commencement registration confirmation email. This email is sent immediately upon successful completion of commencement registration. Check your spam and junk folders for the email address: commencement@pitt.edu.
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 closes promptly on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Follow @pittcommencement for updates, alerts, reminders and more!

Order your class ring online.
Order your Regalia (Cap and Gown) and pick it up at Graduation Central Spook-tacular kickoff October 28 - 31, at the University Store on Fifth.
Get your professional and graduate portrait taken by M&M Photography on Tuesday, November 18, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Ballroom. Pre-registration opens October 1! A $10 deposit will be collected and used towards your package purchase; multiple packages with pricing available.

Ticketmaster links and codes for obtaining Guest tickets for the ceremony will be sent to all successfully registered candidates Pitt email the week of December 8. Candidates do not need a ticket to enter the building. Your Name Announcement Card is the graduate's ticket.
If a candidate requested additional tickets during registration, and they become available, the additional tickets will be sent with the guaranteed (4) tickets the week of December 8.
Download and transfer your tickets to your guests by December 11. Technical assistance by the Office of Special Events will not be available after this date.
Tell your guests to visit the Family and Friends Portal of the Commencement website.

Review your instructions on the Graduate Portal.
Print your Name Announcement Card in preparation for the ceremony. Every candidate must bring this card with them to the ceremony. Your Name Announcement Card serves as your ticket for entry into the Petersen Events Center. A digital version of your Name Announcement Card on any device will not be accepted.
- Name Announcement Cards will be sent December 4 and 5 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 full-size on 8.5 x 11 white paper.
- Candidates will hold onto their Name Announcement Card until they reach the stage during the ceremony, at which time they will be collected.

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).