Commencement

May 3, 2026

Save the date for the Spring 2026 Commencement—Sunday, May 3! On this page, you'll find information about the ceremony, submitting your degree conferral, ordering regalia and guest tickets, and more. 

Congratulations to all of Chatham University's graduates! We look forward to celebrating with you this May.

Three Chatham University graduates in gowns and caps pose for a photo

Spring 2026 Commencement

Spring 2026 Commencement will occur on Sunday, May 3, at Highmark Stadium. The Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed at www.chatham.edu/live. More information, including the start time, is forthcoming.

Two Chatham University graduates in gowns and caps pose for a photo

Commencement Ticket Pick-Up

During April, you may pick up your commencement tickets at the following places and times:

  • Graduation Central: Wednesday, April 15, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
  • Anderson Lobby: Friday, April 17, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    Monday, April 20, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    Monday, April 27, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
  • Eastside, Outside of Classroom 290: Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

A graduating student in robes poses with two family members, all of whom are smiling broadly on Commencement Day

Graduation Central

Graduating seniors and graduate students, please join us in the James Laughlin Music Hall, Welker Room on Wednesday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for a one-stop shop for all things graduation! Pick up your cap and gown, learn more about graduation-related events, peruse exclusive alumni merchandise, and be welcomed into the Alumni Association. Plus, there will be an opportunity to get pictures in your cap and gown! 

View Event : Checkerboard 3 - Graduation Central
Chatham University student in graduate robes and cap, decorated with pearls and flowers

Cap Decorating

Join us in the Carriage House Main Lounge on Wednesday, April 29th, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. for graduation cap decorating, a beloved tradition in which seniors transform their mortarboards into vibrant canvases with glitter, flowers, and meaningful quotes. It serves as a way for students to celebrate their hard-earned degrees and showcase their unique personalities during the commencement ceremony. Supplies provided!

View Event : Checkerboard 4 - Cap Decorating
Photo of a graduation celebration on Chatham University's Shadyside Campus

Graduation Toast

Graduating students, please join us on Friday, May 1, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the James Laughlin Music Hall Welker Room to celebrate your accomplishments and upcoming commencement from Chatham! This event will feature cocktails and heavy appetizers. Open to all graduating undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. You must register to attend. Registration closes on April 26th.

View Event & Register : Checkerboard 5 - Graduation Toast
Photo of Chatham University graduates at the Lavender Graduation ceremony, wearing matching purple stoles with rainbow

Multicultural & Lavender Graduation Celebration

Join us for our annual Multicultural & Lavender Graduation Celebration on Saturday, May 2, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in the Mellon Board Room and patio. This annual event is a joyful tradition honoring the achievements, resilience, and leadership of our graduating students of color and LGBTQ+ graduates. Please note that graduates must register for the event.

View Event & Register : Checkerboard 6 - Multicultural & Lavender Graduation Celebration
Three Chatham University graduates in robes pose for a photo

Order Your Regalia

Order your graduation regalia through our Herff Jones website. The deadline to order for free campus pick-up at the post office was March 13th. For orders shipped to your home, they must be placed by April 5th (a $13.75 fee applies). For any questions about regalia pick-up, please email postoffice@chatham.edu.

Chatham University student in graduation garb poses for a photo with family

Celebrate Your Accomplishment

You can order your graduation announcements and other Commencement celebration items through Herff Jones. Additional Chatham gear can be purchased through the Campus Bookstore.