Important Dates

  • What are the key dates I need to know for commencement?

    Please mark these important dates on your calendar:


    • April 24, 2026 - Final day to purchase regalia online. After this date, regalia may be purchased at The Cardinal Shop & Bookstore.
    • May 14, 2026 - Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, 6pm at Heritage Hall.
    • May 15, 2026 - Honors Convocation, 1pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
    • May 15, 2026 - Baccalaureate Mass, 4pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
    • May 15, 2026 - President's Reception, following the Baccalaureate Mass at the Pryzbyla Patio and West Lawn.
    • May 16, 2026 - Commencement Day. Candidates must assemble no later than 8:45a.m. in their designated locations. The academic procession will begin at 9:30am and the formal ceremony will begin at 10am.

Changes to the 2026 Commencement Ceremony

  • What is different about this year's commencement ceremony?

    This year, The Catholic University of America commencement will include the main ceremony on the East Steps of the Shrine. Afterwards graduates will proceed to their separate school and college diploma ceremonies. 

  • When will I get my diploma?

    After the main commencement ceremony, students will receive their diplomas at their school or college degree ceremony; unless the student has a hold on their account.

  • What is the expected duration of the graduation ceremony?

    The main commencement ceremony will last approximately an hour and a half. The diploma ceremonies following commencement will vary based on the size of the school/college. Please plan accordingly for seating, transportation, and any post-graduation celebrations.

  • When and where are the school and college receptions and diploma distribution?

    After the commencement ceremony, colleges and schools will gather for receptions and to distribute diplomas. The locations of each reception will be listed here.

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degrees

  • Who is the 2026 commencement speaker?

    Alumnus Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary will deliver the commencement address to The Catholic University of America’s Class of 2026. As a university president, teacher, evangelist, interpreter of culture, and preacher, Monsignor Shea is deeply committed to the education and formation of young people.

  • Will there be honorary degree recipients at this year's ceremony?

    Yes. The 2026 honorary degree recipients are: 

    • Lisa Brenninkmeyer — Founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study program directed particularly to adult women, young adult women, and girls.
    • Dr. John Bruchalski — Founder of Tepeyac Clinic (now Tepeyac OB/GYN), who created one of the most extensive, innovative, humane, full service maternal care enterprises in the U.S.
    • Iqbal Z. Quadir — Distinguished Fellow at the University’s Busch School of Business, who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people.

Assembly Information

  • Where do I gather before the ceremony?

    Candidates for degrees must assemble no later than 8:45 a.m. in the following locations:

    • Doctoral candidates: East, front side of McMahon Hall
    • Candidates for master's degrees: East side of McMahon Hall
    • Candidates for baccalaureate degrees: North side of McMahon Hall - the parking lot side.

    Look for signage bearing your degree designation to help you find your location.

Regalia

  • How do I purchase my cap and gown?

    You can purchase your regalia online through Oak Hall until April 24, 2026. After that date, regalia may be purchased directly at The Cardinal Shop & Bookstore. Online purchases will be made active soon.

Law School Commencement

  • Is the Law School included in the main commencement ceremony?

    No. The Columbus School of Law will hold a separate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30am at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Photography and Video

Guests and Accommodations

  • Do my guests need tickets for the ceremony?

    No. Tickets are not required to attend. The Baccalaureate Mass, Presidential reception, commencement ceremony, and college and school diploma ceremonies are open to all graduates and their guests. Seating is first come, first served, so please encourage your guests to arrive early for the best seats.

  • What time should guests be seated?

    All guests should be seated prior to the beginning of the procession at 9:30am. Once the procession starts, access to seating will be very limited.

  • Are accommodations available for graduates or guests with disabilities?

    Yes. Catholic University wants all graduates and their guests to have the best possible experience. A request form is available for students to complete for comprehensive consideration of accommodation requests for themselves and/or guests. More information on accommodations can be found on the Commencement Accommodations webpage.

Inclement Weather Plans

  • What happens if there is bad weather on Commencement day?

    Every attempt will be made to keep the commencement exercises outside. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Shrine. Due to space limitations, guests will not be permitted inside the Shrine if the rain plan is implemented. Instead, guests may view the ceremony at various locations across campus, which will be announced prior to commencement. Graduates will be notified via email and text alert if the rain plan is activated.

Additional Questions

  • What if I have additional questions about the commencement ceremony?

    If you have additional questions about the 2026 commencement ceremony, please email cua-commencement@cua.edu.