College of Engineering › Electrical and Computer Engineering › News & Events › Diploma ceremony FAQ

Please check here for the university's most recent information on commencement.

ECE Diploma Ceremonies

PhD Hooding Ceremony: May 9, 2025 | 1-2pm | Studio Theater, Cohon University Center, 1st Floor

PhD Reception: May 9, 2025 | 2-4pm | McKenna/Peter/Wright Rooms, Cohon University Center, 2nd Floor

Master's Ceremony: May 9, 2025 | 5:30-6:30pm | The Arena @ Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

Master's Reception: May 9, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | The Arena @ Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

Bachelor's Ceremony: May 10, 2025 | 1-2pm | The Arena @ Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

Bachelor's Reception: May 10, 2025 | 2-4pm | The Arena & Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

ECE Commencement FAQs

Where and when should ECE graduates arrive?

Graduates should arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to check-in.

Check-in Locations:

PhD Ceremony: Lobby area outside Studio Theater on the 1st floor of the Cohon University Center
Master's Ceremony: Lobby, Highmark Center for Health & Wellness
Bachelor's Ceremony: Lobby, Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

At check-in, all students will be given their name card when they check-in and line up for the ceremony. Each name card has a unique QR code that is scanned before you walk across the stage. A photo and personal message will appear on the display above the stage.

Do I need to RSVP to the ECE ceremonies?

Yes. A registration email will be sent in March to ECE graduates.

Do I need a cap and gown to attend commencement?

Yes, all graduates are required to wear a cap and gown to walk in the ECE diploma ceremonies and university commencement ceremony. The University Store will host a commencement fair in March for students to purchase a cap, gown, and graduation swag. You can also purchase regalia at the University Store, or order online by April 21 to have it shipped.

Can I have personal items with me?

You should NOT carry backpacks or purses during your ceremony. Please plan to leave any personal items with your guests/families or at the bag check area for your ceremony location.

Bag Check Locations:

PhD Ceremony: Caffee Room, CUC 2nd Floor

Master's Ceremony: Lobby, Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

Bachelor's Ceremony: Lobby, Highmark Center for Health & Wellness

Are there assigned seats for graduates?

No, you may walk the procession and sit anywhere with fellow graduates in your ceremony. At check-in, eligible graduates will receive a name card with a QR code that ECE scans before you walk across the stage. Your photo and personal message will appear on the display as you walk across the stage.

I am a doctoral candidate. Do I wear my hood during the procession?

All graduates should wear their gown, but doctoral candidates should NOT wear their hoods to the ceremony. They should carry them during the procession. Doctoral candidates will queue up to walk across the stage and give their hood to their faculty hooder, who will place it over the candidate’s head.

I am a master’s graduate. Do I wear my hood during the procession?

Yes, all master’s graduates should wear their cap, gown, and hood during the procession and throughout the ceremony.

I graduated in December. Do I need to bring my diploma to the May commencement ceremony?

No, you will not need your diploma for the ceremony.

I graduate in May 2025. When will I receive my diploma?

At each ECE reception following the ECE ceremonies, there will be a diploma pick-up table. If you do not pick up your diploma, the Registrar will mail your diploma to you. You should enter your diploma delivery address in SIO under Academic Info > Graduation and Diploma. Because students often move shortly after graduation, the university uses this address instead of your permanent address.

Who is eligible to walk in the ECE diploma ceremony?

Bachelor’s degree students who completed their degree in August 2024, December 2024, and expected May and August 2025 graduates.

Master’s degree students who completed their degree in August 2024, December 2024, and expected May and August 2025 graduates.

Doctoral degree students who have defended their dissertation and completed all degree requirements in August 2024, December 2024, and expected May 2025 graduates.

Who is eligible to get hooded at the ECE PhD ceremony?

All August 2024, December 2024, and expected May 2025 doctoral degree candidates who have defended their dissertation and completed all degree requirements prior to commencement are invited to participate. Those who have not yet defended are invited to participate in future hooding and commencement exercises.

My family is applying for a tourist visa. Where can I request supporting documentation?

Please view this page for visa information.

Is there a guest limit?

No, the ECE ceremonies and receptions do not have a guest limit and will not require guest registration.

Where do I park?

Friday, May 9:

Visitor parking will be available in the East Campus Garage only, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance reservations are not required.
Regular parking rates will apply.
Faculty, staff and students with campus parking permits will have access to their lots.

Saturday, May 10:

Reservations are required: Parking will be managed on a pre-reservation/pre-paid basis and guests will be able to choose the lot where they’ll park in advance. Please see directions below.
Parking must be reserved prior to guests’ arrival on campus using the ParkMobile app, for $10 per space, per day.
Once purchased, guests will receive a one use only QR code for their specific day and lot which will need to be scanned at the parking gate to gain access.

For May 10 or 11, guests must purchase parking prior to arrival. Parking will not be available for day-of purchase on either May 10 or 11.

Download the ParkMobile app on your mobile device.
Once you open the app, select the "Reserve" button on the bottom navigation menu, then enter "Carnegie Mellon University" in "Search Location" and click the blue ticket button on the map that says "Carnegie Mellon University Campus Events."
Click on Commencement and choose your desired date and parking lot.
Click on the green "Reserve" button to select parking. If the "Reserve" button is not available, parking is sold out in that lot.

What should I expect at the reception?

A light reception will follow each diploma ceremony. We highly recommend guests make reservations at their desired restaurant ahead of time.