Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Spring 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, April 30 at 11:00am | Victory Heights Arena
The ceremony recording is available below or can be viewed directly on YouTube.
Commencement The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Spring 206 Commencement Ceremony for graduate students receiving master’s and doctoral degrees will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at the Victory Heights Center. We are looking forward to holding this joyful celebration to honor the hard work and achievements of our Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 graduating classes.
Location and Address
Victory Heights Arena - Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Directions and Parking Information
OC Parking Lot
3537 Allequippa Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage
4390 Bigelow Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Information
- Students are required to RSVP for the ceremony for themselves and for their guests by completing the online form which will be emailed to them.
- The ceremony will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. The webcast can be accessed through our website.
- Students are permitted to bring a maximum of 8 guests.
- The graduation ceremony should last approximately 2.5 hours.
- Students will be recognized individually as they walk across the front of the stage during the ceremony. Ph.D. students will be hooded.
- Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For additional information, please contact asgrad@pitt.edu
Academic Regalia
- 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.
- Beginning in February 2026, students may order their academic regalia through the University Store on Fifth. Visit the store website for more information and you may also visit the University commencement website for additional information.
When and Where Do Students Enter the Victory Heights Arena
- Students should arrive for the ceremony between 10 - 10:15 a.m.
- They should enter through the main entrance of the Victory Heights Arena.
- 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.
What Should Guests Know?
- Guests should arrive at 10:30 a.m.
- After arriving, guests should proceed to the Victory Heights Center.
Other Important Information
- 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.
- Live Stream the Event on Our Website
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.
- Drop-off in front of the Field House will be allowed for those with wheelchairs or accessibility requirements.
- Additional parking is available at various lots on the Pitt campus.
Photography Packages
- Photography packages will be available for purchase for the graduating students from GradImages®.
- GradImages® is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime. Finding your graduate’s photos after the ceremony is easy. Visit www.GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.GradImages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. We have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.