Friends & Family

Information for Friends & Family

Take part in this special occasion with your Duke graduate.

Commencement Events

Events start on Friday, May 9 and culminate in Commencement Day on Sunday, May 11. Individual departments and groups will host diploma ceremonies throughout the weekend. Check out the full schedule for details.

Mobile Ticketing Information

All guests must have a ticket to attend the University-wide Commencement Ceremony on the morning of Sunday, May 11.  Walk-up attendees without tickets will not be admitted due to capacity constraints.  Ticket registration will open on April 9 for students to request tickets for their guests.  Learn more about mobile tickets here.

Visitor VISAs

Need to apply for VISAs in order to attend the commencement ceremony? Have your graduating student submit this paperwork so you can join us for commencement weekend.

Plan Your Visit

Find information about parking, transportation, local accommodations, dining, and more as you build your commencement itinerary.

Disability Resources

Disability and access information for Commencement events

Traditions, Memorabilia, & Mementos

Learn about the history of commencement, the customs of the celebration, and order class rings and announcements.

Collage: Photos of family and friends enjoying commencement with their graduating loved ones.