commencement

(For a full schedule of Commencement weekend, including the main ceremony, please visit the University’s website at: http://commencement.cua.edu.)

The College of Arts and Sciences will have one, college-wide Diploma Ceremony, including both undergraduates and graduates. It will take place immediately after the main Commencement ceremony concludes and in the same location (the east steps of the Basilica). Please read this site carefully to ensure you understand your role in the flow of the ceremony.

 

DIPLOMA CARDS PICK-UP

Our office will assign a Diploma Card with a number to each student in Arts and Sciences. The numbers represent the order in which you line up, process in, and are seated during the ceremony. 

There are different instructions for undergraduate and graduate students to pick up your Diploma Cards:

  • Undergraduate Students:
    Thursday, May 14, 2026
    9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    McMahon 102

    When you pick up your card in McMahon 102, please tell Ms. Smaldone how to pronounce your name. BE SURE TO KEEP THE DIPLOMA CARD IN A SAFE PLACE AND BRING IT WITH YOU ON SATURDAY MORNING.
    Graduate Students:
    Saturday, May 16, 2026
    8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
    Outside McMahon Hall (facing the Pryz)

    Please pick up your Diploma Cards at the Arts and Sciences table located outside of McMahon Hall on the morning of Commencement. Look for the flag indicating Arts and Sciences.

SATURDAY MAY 16th - COMMENCEMENT

(For more details about the main Commencement ceremony and the days leading up to it, please visit the University’s website at:  http://commencement.cua.edu.)

Please line up along the east side of McMahon Hall (towards the Pryz) at 8:45 a.m. wearing your gown and cap (tassel on the right).  The hood is carried on your left arm and only donned during the ceremony when the degree is conferred. At that time you will also move the tassel on your hat from the right to the left side.

Please line up according to the number on your Diploma Card. 

If you did not pick up your card or if you have lost your card, find the Arts and Sciences table near the line-up where you can get another card or receive help.

There will be faculty marshals on hand to assist you getting into the proper place in line. 

DO NOT lose your Diploma Card - carry it with you until told what to do with it during the Diploma Ceremony.

At 9:30 a.m. the procession to the front steps of the Basilica begins. 

Marshals will direct you to the proper seating directly at the bottom of the Shrine steps. Ushers will show you where to go once you arrive at the steps. 

Please stay in your place in the line! If someone is missing, leave a chair empty for that student in case he or she arrives late.

After the main ceremony, do not process out but remain in your seats. The Diploma Ceremony will begin promptly after the Main Ceremony, as soon as your guests have moved up to take their seats.

The Arts and Sciences Diploma Ceremony begins with an opening prayer read by a graduate student, followed by a few words of congratulations from Dean Jaqueline Leary-Warsaw.

After Dean Leary-Warsaw has spoken, the distribution of the diplomas begins. Associate Dean John Choy will invite graduate students to come forward to receive their diplomas when their names are called, followed by Associate Dean Seth Smith for the undergraduates. 

For all students, the diploma distribution will proceed as follows: Faculty marshals will assist you as you file out of your seats according to your Diploma Card number and process up to the top of the steps. You will take your Diploma Card with you and give it to Assistant Dean Lilla Kopár at the top of the steps.

When your name is called, you will walk across the stage to where Dean Leary-Warsaw will present you with your diploma. The photographer will take your picture at the same time (follow this link to access the photos: https://my.photoday.com/login?step=phone&galleryPath=catholic-univ-2026).

You will then walk down the steps and return to your seat. Again, the faculty marshals will help you. Remain in your seats until all students have received their diplomas.

When all of the diplomas have been presented, the ceremony will close with a prayer by an undergraduate student. With this closing prayer, the formal diploma ceremony is over and you are free to join your family and friends to celebrate.

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MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES REGARDING YOUR DIPLOMA

The Office of Enrollment Services has notified us that some graduates have outstanding balances on their accounts. If these are not settled before Friday, May 15th, your diploma will not be in the envelope that you receive on Saturday. Once you have settled your account you can pick up the diploma from the Office of Enrollment Services in Father O’Connell Hall. Please check your Cardinal Station to make sure that there are no other holds that might prevent you from receiving the diploma on May 16th.