Commencement Ceremony
We will host our 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will take place at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, 4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Event Details
Students are required to register for the SPIA commencement ceremony by Friday, April 24 by completing the online form here. Eligible participants include graduates from August 2025, December 2025, April 2026, as well as students on track to graduate in August 2026. (*Please note that August 2026 graduates will have their names announced and will cross the stage but will not be listed in the printed program.) There is no limit on the number of guests each graduate may bring, and tickets are not required. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Paid parking is available in the Soldiers and Sailors parking garage. Guests with physical disabilities can enter the building via the ramp and accessible entrance located on the University Place side of the building (west side, or left side if looking from 5th Avenue). Restrooms for visitors with physical disabilities are located on the third level, accessible via two elevators.
Matt Murray (MPIA ’97), a senior U.S. State Department official and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, will deliver the commencement address at this year's ceremony. A career diplomat of nearly 30 years, his career has contributed to U.S. economic and security policy across the Asia-Pacific and reflects a longstanding commitment to global leadership and public service. Learn more here.
Livestream
The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. A link to the livestream will be provided here prior to the event. The recording will also be available on SPIA's YouTube channel following the live event.
Academic Regalia
All participating students are required to purchase and wear regalia. Regalia may be ordered online for in-store pickup from now through May 3. Please use this link for ordering and questions about regalia. Only the University Store of Fifth can answer questions about regalia and handle ordering. Shipping is available for out-of-state graduates for an additional fee. To ensure delivery in time for commencement, please place shipped orders by April 17.
Additional Resources and Events
The University-wide Graduation Central Kickoff will take place at the University Store on Fifth on April 7 during normal business hours. This event is a great opportunity to prepare for commencement by purchasing regalia, class rings, diploma frames, and alumni gear. Activities include live music, giveaways, snacks, and photo opportunities. Pre-ordered regalia may also be picked up at this event.
For graduating students and families looking for dining opportunities on campus, we encourage you to explore the University Club. They accept reservations for their restaurant and also offer private catered events. More information can be found here: Commencement at the Club — University Club.
Graduating students can also visit the main Pitt events website at www.commencement.pitt.edu for more University-wide commencement resources. Check back for relevant information as it is updated. Please tag us in your shares #PittSPIA or @pitt_spia - we want to celebrate with you!