Commencement Ceremony

Event Description

Duke holds one university-wide commencement ceremony to celebrate the three graduating classes of that academic year. September 2022, December 2022, and May 2023 graduates from all ten Duke schools are invited to attend. We do not anticipate a guest limit for this ceremony at this time.

The ceremony begins with the procession of degree candidates, faculty, administration, and platform party.  President Vincent E. Price presides over the ceremony and remarks are given by a selected student and a keynote speaker. Duke also awards honorary degrees during the ceremony to people who have exemplified the highest ideals and standards in their work. Honorary degree recipients are typically announced in March.

The commencement ceremony typically concludes by 11 AM, and many departments host gatherings and departmental ceremonies in the afternoon.

Explore previous commencement ceremonies.

Ceremonies Hosted by Schools and Departments

While degrees are officially conferred at the university-wide commencement ceremony, diplomas are distributed by departments and schools either by mail or at separate events throughout commencement weekend.  Students will receive detailed information about their event directly from their school.  A list of the  departmental ceremonies and other events may be found here.