Updated on May 13, 2022

Commencement Ceremony 

Every attempt will be made to hold the Commencement ceremony outdoors. At this point in time we are going to move forward with the outdoor ceremony on the University Mall at 10am - light rain is expected. If the weather changes significantly we will communicate any changes early tomorrow morning. 

Lightning/Thunder Plan - If the weather shifts abruptly and there is lightning or thunder during the main ceremony we will announce from the stage for everyone to move to the designated shelter locations - please follow DPS officers directions.

If there is lightning in the area during the diploma ceremonies held outside (in or outside of a tent), we will notify the designated person at your site who will make an announcement to move to the shelter location. We have designated areas - listed below - where everyone can shelter if needed. Please be familiar with your shelter location.

Architecture and Planning: Shelter in Crough

Arts and Sciences (Graduate): Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, Great Room
Arts and Sciences (Undergraduate): Shelter in McMahon or Shahan Hall

Tim and Steph Busch School of Business: Della Ratta Auditorium

Canon Law:  Shelter in Caldwell Hall

Engineering: Shelter in Law School

Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art: Shelter in Ward Hall

Conway School of Nursing: Great Upper Church, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Philosophy: Theological College, Chapel

Metropolitan School of Professional Studies: Heritage Hall, Father O'Connell Hall

National Catholic School of Social Service: Shelter in McGivney

Theology and Religious Studies:  Ukraine Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family

However, in the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made no later than 8:00 a.m. canceling the University-wide Commencement ceremony. 

With the exception of the School of Arts and Sciences undergraduate ceremony and the Conway School of Nursing, each school will hold its diploma ceremony as planned at their given time and location. The Main Commencement address would then be part of the Arts and Sciences undergraduate ceremony and would be held in the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 10 a.m. Undergraduates in the School of Arts and Sciences will line up in Memorial Hall at 9:30 a.m.. The procession will begin at 9:50 a.m.. The Conway School of Nursing ceremony would begin after the conclusion of the School of Arts and Sciences undergraduate ceremony.

The School of Architecture Ceremony will take place in the Law School Atrium at 11:45 a.m..