Commencement | FAQs

RMU President Michelle Patrick will preside over the ceremony. All students participating in the commencement ceremony will be recognized by name and congratulated on stage.

What are the Dates of Graduation?

  • May 16th, 2025 at 4:00pm - Graduate Ceremony (Master's and Doctoral Degrees)
    • Doors open at 2:30pm
    • No tickets required. Guests are welcome.
  • May 17th, 2025 at 10:00am - Undergraduate Commencement (Bachelor's Degrees)
    • Doors open at 8:30am

How many tickets will we be able to reserve?

  • Ticket Requests: Each graduating student will be able to request a maximum of six (6) guest tickets.
  • Ticket Request Form: A dedicated online form will be distributed via email in April. Please note that ticket requests are not automatically granted and will require submission through this form.
  • Additional Tickets: If additional tickets become available after the initial request period, a separate email notification will be sent out.
  • Friday Evening Ceremony: Please note that no tickets are required for the Friday evening ceremony.

We understand the importance of celebrating this milestone with loved ones. We appreciate your cooperation in the ticket request process.

When do we order Cap and Gown?

  • Regalia can be ordered here.
  • Free Shipping to RMU Spirit Store: To receive free shipping to the RMU Spirit Store, please place your order by March 21st. Regalia can be picked up during the Grad Fair on April 23rd and 24th in Patrick Henry at the RMU Spirit Store located next to the library.
  • Home Shipping: To ensure timely delivery to your home address for the commencement ceremony, please place your order by April 19th.

Please note that ordering deadlines are crucial to ensure timely delivery and avoid potential shipping delays.

What would I do if I didn't order my cap and gown on time?

  • Please visit the RMU Spirit Store located in Nicholson across from the Library.  There you will find a LIMITED selection of regalia including hoods, caps, gowns and tassels for all degree levels.  If you should have any questions, please contact the RMU Spirit Store at 412.397.2665 or via email at  2313mgr@follett.com.

Do we practice?

  • As there will be no official commencement ceremony practice, you will be given instructions for the day upon your arrival.

Where do we report?

  • All students will report to the practice gym at the upmc events center 1 hour prior to the ceremony .  We will have staff on hand to assist you with finding your way.

Do I have an assigned seat?

  • Graduates will line up with their academic school. You are welcome to line up with your friends in the practice gym as the line is not alphabetical.

What should I wear?

  • We ask that you wear professional attire under your regalia. Suit jackets are not necessary, as they may be uncomfortable underneath the regalia.

When do I get my Academic Honors Medallion?

  • Undergraduate students who earned academic honors should claim their medallions prior to the commencement ceremony in the practice gym. Honor medallions are based on the previous semester’s grade point average.  All medallions are prepared before grades are due. Preparation time is limited between the grade due date and commencement to review all student’s grade point averages to adjust for changes. Degree honors will be printed on transcripts and the diploma following the ceremony.  The following week after commencement, we can exchange medallions if the GPA increased or decreased.

    • Honor medallions are exclusively for undergraduate students.
      Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Honors:
      GPA RANGE    HONORS AWARDED
      3.50 – 3.74       Cum Laude
      3.75 – 3.94       Magna Cum Laude
      3.95 – 4.00       Summa Cum Laude

What accommodations do you have for guests traveling in wheelchairs, with walkers, or guests with mobility challenges?

  • Special parking is reserved in the Upper UPMC Lot. Guests with special accommodations should enter the UPMC gate. Reserved seating is available for guests traveling in wheelchairs. Staff will be available to assist your family in finding seats.

What time do doors open for guests? 

  • Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the ceremonies for your guests.

Is there a reception?

  • A reception will be held in the West Concourse of the UPMC Events Center following the ceremony.

How long is the ceremony?

  • While there is no set time, we estimate that the ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

Does the graduate receive their actual diploma on stage?

  • During the ceremony, graduates will receive a diploma certificate cover. Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address about eight weeks after the conferral of the degrees. Please be sure your address is updated in your banner profile, especially if you are moving after graduation.
    • Doctoral students will receive their diploma on stage.

Students earning a dual degree (e.g. BFA and BS) will receive two diplomas, one for each separate degree.  Students earning two majors or two concentrations within the same degree will receive one diploma. Only Engineering majors and Bachelor of Science in Business Administrations have a concentration printed due to accreditation requirements.  Minors are not printed on a diploma.  Undergraduate honors of either Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude will be printed on the diploma.  All majors, minors, certificates and degree honors are printed on the transcript.

The name printed on your diploma is pulled directly from the information submitted from the graduation application that you submitted. Your name must match the information on file in your student profile.  If you need to change your name, you must complete a Name Change Form and provide legal documentation to the Office of the Registrar. This must be completed by November 15th.

Is there a livestream of the event?

What parking information is needed?

  • There is free parking available in the UPMC Lot, Colonial Way Lot, Upper UPMC Lot, and other lots across campus. Graduation day brings a heavy amount of traffic to campus and University Boulevard. Please plan to arrive early to avoid any traffic delays.
  • For the safety of RMU guests and to maintain traffic flow, stopping and drop-off are prohibited along Campus Drive. Limited accessibility drop-off is permitted in the drive-through circle directly in front of the UPMC Gate on Massey Way.
  • The UPMC Gate parking is an ADA primary parking and drop off location.  The upper lot is next to the ADA lot on Massey way. There are no drop-offs at the People’s gate.

When will I receive my honors cords?

  • Graduation cords are handled by the particular honor society or organization and distributed to the graduates by the individual group/organization.