Congratulations graduates, families, and friends! The Catholic University of America welcomes you to our 2025 Commencement celebrations. We invite you to learn more about the festivities below. Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025
Catholic University alumnus Bishop Robert Barron, bishop of Winona-Rochester and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries will serve as the commencement speaker for The Catholic University of America’s 2025 graduation ceremony.
Bishop Barron had the following message to the class of 2025 upon the announcement of his selection as speaker:
Graduates and their families can submit photos and messages to be displayed at the Commencement Ceremony here.
A full schedule of events for the week of Commencement can be found here. Information on the school specific receptions will be provided by your academic dean’s office.
March 26 - Be on the lookout for an email from cua-commencement@cua.edu to register to participate in the spring Commencement exercises! Note: This registration is in addition to your completed application in Cardinal Station. Once registered you will receive a QR code that is unique to you that will be your “stage pass” and will be your key to having your name pronounced correctly when you walk across the stage at Commencement!
April 21 - Final day to log in to register and create your stage pass. If you are not registered by April 21 you will need to email cua-commencement@cua.edu to participate in May’s ceremony. Please note that April 21 is during the Easter Break. You are encouraged to complete your registration as early as possible!
Regalia may be purchased at The Cardinal Shop & Bookstore. If you are unable to visit The Cardinal Shop & Bookstore, please visit Oak Hall to order your cap and gown. The deadline for orders is Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Tickets are not required to attend. Commencement events are open to all graduates and their guests.
Seating is first come, first served. Please encourage your guests to arrive early for the best seats. All guests should be seated prior to the beginning of the processional at 9:30 a.m. Once the processional starts, access to seating will be very limited.
The Catholic University of America wants all Class of 2025 graduates and their guests to have the very best experience while attending Commencement and related ceremonies.
A request form is available here for students to complete for comprehensive consideration of accommodation requests for themselves and / or their guests. More information on accommodations for Commencement can be found here.
Every attempt will be made to keep the Commencement exercises outside. In the event of inclement weather, the Commencement exercises will be moved to the Upper Church of the Basilica. Due to the size of the graduating class, guests will not be permitted inside the Shrine. Guests may view the ceremony at various viewing locations across campus. These locations will be provided a week or two prior to Commencement. Graduates will be notified via email and text alert if the rain plan is called.
Contact the Commencement team at cua-commencement@cua.edu if you have other questions concerning commencement activities.