Commencement

Step 1: Tickets 🎟️

Initially, up to four (4) tickets will be allotted to each graduate participating in commencement exercises for seating in the KOA Arena. Additional tickets will be granted for overflow seating to watch the live commencement stream in the Bromeley Family Theater. You will request your tickets when completing the Commencement Participation Form below. Tickets will be distributed at Graduation Central on Wednesday, April 23, or can be picked up in the Student Affairs office between Thursday, April 24, and Friday, May 2.  

Pitt-Bradford is committed to making our events, like Commencement, accessible to everyone. If a guest requires an accommodation or service to participate fully, please indicate this on the Commencement Participation Form. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Chad Hockaday at cjh187@pitt.edu or 814-362-7609 at least three days prior to the event.

The Timeline 📅

Below are the dates, times, and locations of all Commencement-related activities. Please note these items on your calendars and read all the information carefully.

Graduation Cap Decorating Party
Thursday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mukaiyama University Room, Frame-Westerberg Commons

Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 2, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
KOA Arena, Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center

Brunch for Graduating Students Living on Campus
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
KOA Dining Room, Frame-Westerberg Commons

Graduation Celebration Reception
Saturday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
KOA Dining Room, Frame-Westerberg Commons

Brunch for Graduating Students Living on Campus
Sunday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
KOA Dining Room, Frame-Westerberg Commons

Pinning Ceremony for A.S. in Nursing Graduates
Sunday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.
Bromeley Family Theater, Blaisdell Hall

Graduates Line Up for Commencement
Sunday, May 4, 1:15 p.m.
Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse, McDowell Sport and Fitness Center

Commencement
Sunday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
KOA Arena, McDowell Sport and Fitness Center

Commencement Rehearsal 🎓

Rehearsal will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the KOA Arena in the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center, and end by 4:30 p.m. Please make every effort to attend, as it will make the ceremony run more smoothly on Sunday if you are familiar with the procedures in advance. Please inform the Student Affairs Office at upb.studentaffairs@pitt.edu or 814-362-7651 if you cannot attend rehearsal.

Graduation Celebration Reception 🎉

The Office of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement will send you detailed information on this Saturday, May 3, evening event in March.

A.S. in Nursing Pinning Ceremony ⚕️

For graduates receiving the A.S. degree in nursing, a pinning ceremony will occur at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, in the Bromeley Family Theater, in Blaisdell Hall. This is in addition to your participation in Commencement. Pinning will last no longer than 30 minutes, giving you adequate time to get to the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center for the Commencement processional lineup. Detailed instructions regarding the A.S. in Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be provided to you by the Department of Nursing.

Commencement Line-Up ✔️

It takes time to ensure each graduate is positioned correctly for the processional. Please be sure to be in the Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse in the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center, fully dressed in your regalia, by 1:15 p.m. sharp on Sunday, May 4.

Parking & Shuttle Vans 🅿️

On Commencement Day, a free shuttle van will run between the central part of campus and the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center, both before and after the ceremony. The first shuttle will depart at 12:30 p.m. We ask that as many graduates as possible park in lots on the central part of campus and either walk or use the shuttle. This will provide parking at the McDowell Sport and Fitness Center for family members and friends who require special accommodations.

Important Information for Family and Friends:

• Before you arrive, here are some maps and directions
• Find out where to stay
• While you're here, check out some area attractions

Important Information for Graduates:

• Graduation Checklist
• Information Technology Graduation Checklist
• Please remember to update and submit your information on the Alumni website as well.