Graduation & Commencement
The University has three graduation each year: Summer, January, and May. Degrees are conferred and diplomas awarded at the time of each graduation. Students who expect to receive a degree at the end of a term must register and complete ND Roll Call, where they will have an opportunity to add themselves to the graduation list. If a student is not on the graduation list and questions their status, they should contact their graduate program's administrative assistant.
Graduate School Commencement Ceremony
The Graduate School holds one Commencement ceremony in May of each year. Students whose degrees are conferred in the summer and January graduations are traditionally invited to participate in Commencement celebrations the following May.
During the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, doctoral recipients will be hooded and doctoral and master's degrees conferred. Note: Separate diploma ceremonies are held for graduate students in architecture, business master's programs, and law. Please consult your program for additional information.
Dr. Michael Hildreth, vice-president and associate provost for graduate studies and dean of the Graduate School, will host the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony. Fr. John Jenkins, president of the University, will confer degrees to candidates as presented by the college deans. Witnesses to the conferral of degrees will include Dr. John T. McGreevy, provost of the University, other senior academic officers, and family and friends in the audience.
If you have any questions about the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony, please contact our coordinators at gscomm@nd.edu for assistance.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Action Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
| May 2024 graduates: Complete the graduation portion of ND Roll Call | January 23 |
| Deadline to purchase customized doctoral regalia ($1,098)* | March 1 |
| Cap & Gown Expo — purchase master's regalia ($66) at the expo* | March 5–6 |
| Complete the Registrar's Graduation Application (required of all 2023-24 graduating students, regardless of ceremony participation) | March 22 |
| Deadline to rent doctoral regalia ($150)* | March 31 |
| Pick up rental regalia; payment is due on receipt (Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM)* | May 13–17 |
| Deadline to return rented doctoral gowns to the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore; late fees will be incurred after this date | May 21 |
*Contact Trish Aschenbrenner if you have any questions related to doctoral or master's regalia: supplies@nd.edu or 574-631-1399.
2024 Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events
Note: Dates, times, and prices for the May 2024 Graduate School Commencement Ceremony will be confirmed and updated in March 2024. Refer to the Registrar’s Commencement website for more events occurring over Commencement Weekend.
| Day | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
|
May 17 |
Graduate Mass and Blessing at Basilica of the Sacred Heart. All members of the Notre Dame community are invited, especially graduating master's and doctoral students and two guests. | 11:30 AM |
| May 18 | Check-in opens for graduates at Rockne Gate in Notre Dame Stadium. | 8:00 AM |
| Academic procession into Notre Dame Stadium. Cap and gown attire required. | 8:35 AM | |
| 2024 Graduate School Commencement Ceremony; degrees will be conferred and doctoral graduates from August, January, and May will be hooded at this ceremony. No guest tickets required. | 9:00 AM | |
| May 19 | University Commencement Ceremony. See the Registrar’s Commencement site for more information. | 9:00 AM |