Graduation & Commencement
The University has three graduations each year: August, 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 16, 2026, doctoral recipients will be hooded and doctoral and master's degrees conferred. Note: Separate diploma ceremonies are held for graduate students in architecture and law, as well as business master's programs. 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. Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., 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 gradsch@nd.edu for assistance.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Action Item | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 graduates: Complete the graduation portion of ND Roll Call | Jan. 20 | |
| Deadline to purchase customized doctoral regalia. Orders placed after March 7, are not guaranteed for Notre Dame's Spring Commencement. | $1,185* | Mar. 7 |
| Deadline to purchase master's regalia with free shipping to the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. | $82* | Mar. 7 |
| Complete the Tassel RSVP forms for both the Graduate School and University commencement ceremonies (required of all 2025–26 graduating students, regardless of ceremony participation) | Mar. 20 | |
| Deadline to rent doctoral regalia. Orders placed after April 6, are not guaranteed for Notre Dame's Spring Commencement. | $170* | Apr. 6 |
| Pick up pre-ordered master's cap and gown purchase at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.* | Apr. 14–18 | |
| Deadline to purchase master's regalia to be shipped to your address. | $82* | Apr. 15 |
| Pick up rented doctoral regalia at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.* | May 11–15 | |
| Deadline to return rented doctoral gowns to the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore; late fees will be incurred after this date. | May 19 |
*May be subject to tax and/or shipping fees. Consult the order form for details. Contact Trish Aschenbrenner at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore if you have any questions related to doctoral or master's regalia: supplies@nd.edu or 574-631-1399.
2026 Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events
Refer to the Registrar’s Commencement website for more events occurring over Commencement Weekend.
| Day | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 |
Graduate Student Mass and Blessing at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. All members of the Notre Dame community are invited, especially graduating master's and doctoral students and their guests. | 11:30 AM |
| May 16 | 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 | |
| 2026 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 17 | University Commencement Ceremony. See the Registrar’s Commencement site for more information. | 9:00 AM |