April 2023 Graduation

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School of Education Commencement Ceremony

Thursday, April 27, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Fitzgerald Field House (Directions)

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Key Details:

  • August 2022, December 2022, April 2023, and June 2023 graduates are invited to participate in this ceremony.
     
  • Students are required to RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and for their guests by completing the online form.
     
  • Students are permitted to bring a maximum of 8 guests.
     
  • Students are required to have full academic regalia (or their military uniform) in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. You may order regalia through the University bookstore.
     
  • The graduation ceremony should last approximately 2.5 hours.
     
  • Students will be recognized individually and their names will be read as they walk across the stage during the ceremony.
     
  • Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the bleachers section of the Fitzgerald Field House.
     
  • For additional information, please contact SOEGrad@pitt.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Health Rules Will Be Followed?
Is Academic Regalia Required for Students?
  • Academic regalia is required for graduating students in order for them to be able to participate in the ceremony.
     
  • Only students in full academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, and hood) will be permitted to participate. The only exception is for graduates in military uniform.
     
  • Students may order their academic regalia through the University Store on Fifth. Visit the store website for more information. Undergraduate students may also visit the University commencement website for additional information.
When and Where Do Students Enter the Fitzgerald Field House? 
  • Students should arrive for the ceremony between 5:00 - 5:15 p.m. Please do not arrive before 5 p.m.
     
  • They should enter through the main entrance of the Fitzgerald Field House. 
     
  • Students should arrive already dressed in their academic regalia.
What Happens Once a Student Arrives?
  • Once the student arrives, they should report to the line-up area and check in with their marshal (the staff or faculty member assigned to organize the students).
     
  • The student will receive their name card (for name announcing) in a bag on each graduate's seats.
When Should The Guests Arrive? Where Will They Sit?
  • Guests should arrive at 5:30 p.m.
     
  • After arriving, guests should proceed to the bleachers area of the Fitzgerald Field House.
What Accommodations Are There for Individuals With Disabilities?
  • When the student completes their RSVP for the ceremony, they should indicate if any accommodations are required for individuals with disabilities.
     
  • Wheelchairs will be available on site.
     
  • There will be an ASL interpreter during the main ceremony. 
Where is Parking Available?
  • Paid parking is available at the OC Lots across the street from the Fitzgerald Field House. There are also a limited number of metered parking spots on the street.
     
  • Additional parking is available at various lots on the Pitt campus
Will There Be Photography?
  • There will be a photographer on site who will take pictures of the graduating students.
     
  • The graduating students will be emailed a link to the main picture gallery where they can download pictures.
Is there also a University-wide ceremony that I can attend? 

The University holds a central ceremony for undergraduate students. However, there is not a University-wide ceremony for graduate students. 

The date of that ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 30th at 1pm at the Petersen Events Center. For more information regarding the undergraduate ceremony, please visit the University of Pittsburgh Commencement site.