Mark your calendars for the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. The academic procession will begin at 9:30am and the ceremony will begin at 10am on the east steps of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Main Ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in-person. More information on the livestream to come soon.
Individual school and college diploma ceremonies will follow the Commencement Ceremony. The Conway School of Nursing and the College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing's diploma ceremonies will starts app. 1:30pm.
Graduates who participated in the 2025 December Commencement Ceremony are also eligible to participate in the May 2026 Commencement events.
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.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.
Venue: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Athletics Senior Banquet, 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Great Room, 3rd Floor, Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Heritage Hall
Phi Beta Kappa Induction, 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Caldwell Auditorium
Honors Convocation, 1:00 p.m.
Venue: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Baccalaureate Mass, 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
President's Reception, immediately following Mass.
Venue: Pryzbyla Patio and West Lawn
Commencement Exercises, 10:00 a.m.
Venue: The steps of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Procession will begin at 9:30 a.m..
College and School Diploma Ceremonies: Immediately Following Main Ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences: East Steps of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing: The Great Upper Church, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
School of Architecture and Allied Arts: Della Ratta Auditorium, Maloney Hall
School of Canon Law: The Happel Room, Caldwell Hall
National Catholic School of Social Service: Heritage Hall, Father O'Connell Hall
School of Philosophy: Saint Vincent DePaul Chapel
School of Theology and Religious Studies: Caldwell Auditorium, Caldwell Hall
School of Professional Studies: Gowan Auditorium, Gowan Hall
College and School Diploma Ceremonies: 1:30 p.m.
Conway School of Nursing: The Crypt Church, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Tim and Steph Busch School of Business: The Great Upper Church, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Regalia may be purchased online through Oak Hall. Please visit this website, https://oakhallcg.com/pages/catholic, to order your cap and gown.
If you are unable to order online, regalia will also be available to purchase through The Cardinal Shop & Bookstore on the first floor of the Pryzbyla Center.
The deadline for orders is Friday, April 24, 2026.
Regalia is required for all graduates.
Contact the Commencement team at cua-commencement@cua.edu if you have other questions concerning commencement activities.