Frequently Asked Questions
For Participants
When will I receive specific information regarding May Commencement?
May degree candidates and summer and January graduates typically receive an official email with “to-do action items” in early March. This email includes information for cap and gown ordering, name and hometown verification for the diploma and program, and any updated information concerning Commencement weekend events.
Students may RSVP and request tickets at https://gradapp.nd.edu/ or search for "Graduation Application" through InsideND. For more details, refer to Guest Tickets/RSVP section of the Registrar's Commencement site.
What events do I need to attend?
May degrees will be awarded and doctoral students will be hooded at the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Saturday. In addition, all graduates are encouraged to take part in their departmental and college Commencement-related events. Many graduates traditionally participate in the Graduate Commencement Mass on Friday, and the University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday. Please visit the Schedule of Events page.
Cap and gown/Hooding protocol
An integral part of the Commencement Ceremony is the hooding of doctoral graduates. The doctoral hood, carried on stage by the graduate, is placed over the head and onto the shoulders, symbolizing support of the graduate and passing on of knowledge between one generation of doctorates to another. Generally, the faculty adviser, dissertation chair, or another faculty member of the dissertation committee performs the hooding. Asking and arranging for a faculty member to hood a student is the responsibility of the graduate.
To let us know who will be hooding you, please make sure you have updated your Graduation Application.
More information regarding the ordering for graduate regalia can be found here. For a brief demonstration of a doctoral hooding and the proper way to wear a hood (for both master's and doctoral students), refer to the Post-Baccalaureate Hooding page on the Registrar's Commencement site.
Graduate Commencement Mass
Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Friday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. All members of the Notre Dame community are invited to the Graduate Mass and Blessing, especially graduating master's and doctoral students and their families and guests. No tickets are needed for this event.
Photography
GradImages® is the official photographer and will be taking individual photos of each graduate at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony. Proofs will be emailed and/or mailed to students along with information for ordering prints.
To expedite your proofs, please visit GradImages website to pre-register your contact information at www.gradimages.com or they can be reached at 800-261-2576.
Potential Banned Items
As part of an ongoing commitment to safety and security, the University of Notre Dame will continue to institute policies on items that are permitted in and around our campus buildings. Seat cushions are permitted for 2023; refer to the guest information, below. Please click here for more information on potential banned items for ND Stadium and/or the Compton Family Ice Arena.
For Guests
Accessibility Information for Guests
The Registrar’s office has provided the following information: a number of golf carts will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to provide assistance for those with mobility limitations. Contact NDSP at 574-631-5555 for further assistance. If you have questions regarding accessibility accommodations within a specific venue, please contact commencement@nd.edu.
In the past, students have also rented wheelchairs for family members with mobility limitations. Rental wheelchairs are available from local vendors. For information please see the Disability Resources page of University's Commencement website.
Stadium Seating: Seat Cushions
Seat cushions are permitted in the stadium. They are also for rent inside Gates A and B for $10. You can preorder your seat cushion here.
Live Web Stream
Family and friends unable to attend the ceremony are invited to view a live webcast of Saturday morning's Graduate School Commencement Ceremony, featuring the Commencement speaker's address and the conferral of awards and degrees.
Visitor Information
All students, staff, faculty, friends and family of the participants are invited to attend the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Saturday. Guest tickets are not required for this ceremony, but we do ask that you provide a rough count of those who will be attending to ensure adequate seating arrangements. More information regarding the Commencement Weekend can be found by on the Plan Your Visit page of the Commencement website.