Commencement 2018 will be celebrated Sunday, May 20. The ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. with convocation—the university-wide gathering where President Barbara R. Snyder confers degrees to all the graduates. Convocation is a traditional ceremony attended by many faculty, guests and dignitaries, and is the only time that graduates from across the university are together. The convocation speaker delivers the commencement address, and honorary degrees are presented to recognize excellence in human endeavor. Information about the convocation speaker and honorary degree recipients will be announced this spring.
Convocation is followed by eight separate diploma ceremonies, where schools present diplomas to students.
Tickets are required for all guests attending convocation. Graduating students who register to attend the university-wide convocation ceremony secure two guest tickets. For guests without tickets, convocation will be broadcast in several auxiliary viewing locations on campus and online via a live webcast.
A full schedule of activities—including school diploma ceremonies and receptions—is available online.