Purdue Commencement 2025–2026 is the official guide for graduates, families, and staff planning for commencement events.
This page explains key dates, registration requirements, ticketing rules, cap and gown ordering, and day-of logistics.
Use the official links to confirm details, then follow the checklist below to prepare. Plan travel, parking, and photo times in advance so you arrive relaxed and on schedule.
Review the FAQ and contact the Commencement Office or Registrar if you need help.
Purdue Commencement 2025–2026 covers ceremonies across Spring and Winter terms with multiple division events.
Major campus ceremonies occur at Elliott Hall of Music; some colleges hold smaller ceremonies in campus halls.
Table of Contents
Purdue Commencement Schedule 2025-2026
Winter 2025 Commencement Schedule
The 2025 Winter Commencement Schedule features three divisions held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette.
Each ceremony celebrates specific colleges and programs:
| Division | Date & Time | Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| Division I | Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. ET | College of Pharmacy, College of Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mitch Daniels School of Business, Joint and Special Programs |
| Division II | Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET | College of Agriculture, College of Engineering |
| Division III | Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. ET | College of Education, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, Polytechnic Institute |
Spring 2026 Commencement Dates
Purdue Commencements for Spring 2026 are scheduled from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Multiple ceremonies will accommodate all graduating students across Purdue’s colleges and schools. Specific division schedules and times will be announced closer to the date.
Summer 2026 Commencement
Summer 2026 graduates will celebrate at Commencement on Friday, August 8, 2026. This ceremony typically features a single division due to smaller class sizes.
Important Dates and Deadlines for Purdue Commencement 2025-2026
Understanding key deadlines ensures you don’t miss important steps in the graduation process:
Winter 2025 Key Dates
- Thursday, September 19, 2025: Last day to apply to graduate for Winter 2025
- Thursday, October 3, 2025: Commencement task list opens at 8:30 a.m. (cap and gown information appears after completing participation)
- Thursday, November 7, 2025: Last day to indicate participation in the ceremony
- Thursday, November 28, 2025: Last day to order cap and gown rentals at discounted price
- Thursday, December 5, 2025: Final day to order cap and gown through the commencement task list
- Thursday, December 19, 2025: Last day to provide diploma mailing address and pay for expedited shipping
- Tuesday, January 7, 2026: Anticipated date for Winter 2025 degrees posted to transcripts and diplomas ordered
- Sunday, January 12, 2026: Deadline to resolve degree deficiencies
- Tuesday, January 21, 2026: Deadline to return rental gowns to Herff Jones
Spring 2026 Key Dates
- Friday, February 6, 2026: Last day to apply to graduate for Spring 2026
- Friday, June 12, 2026: Last day to apply to graduate for Summer 2026
Check out: Purdue Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
Purdue Commencement Tickets and Guest Policy
How Many Tickets Do Purdue Graduates Get?
Each registered candidate receives four guaranteed guest tickets for their designated ceremony.
This allocation helps manage capacity at Elliott Hall of Music while ensuring families can attend this milestone celebration.
Extra Tickets and Overflow Viewing Options
Can I get extra tickets beyond my allotment? Extra tickets are limited and not guaranteed to be available. Here’s what you can do if you need additional seating:
- Monitor official releases: Extra tickets may become available closer to the ceremony dates
- Contact your college: Some divisions release additional tickets based on availability
- Utilize livestream options: The official Purdue commencement livestream provides excellent viewing for extended family
- Check overflow viewing locations: Fowler Hall and other campus locations may offer livestream viewing on large screens
Purdue Commencement Livestream Access
The Purdue commencement livestream is available on the day of the ceremony through the official commencement website.
Livestream links are typically posted the morning of each ceremony and remain archived for later viewing.
This option is particularly valuable for families who cannot travel to West Lafayette or when extra tickets are unavailable.
Who Can Participate in Purdue Commencement 2025-2026 & How to Register
To participate in Purdue Commencement 2025-2026 ceremonies, candidates must meet specific academic and administrative requirements.
Understanding these criteria ensures you can plan confidently for your graduation celebration.
Eligibility Requirements for Purdue Commencement 2025-2026
To participate in Purdue Commencement 2025-2026 ceremonies, candidates must meet specific academic and administrative requirements. Understanding these criteria ensures you can plan confidently for your graduation celebration.
Primary Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- All degree requirements completed or cleared by your academic unit
- Academic record shows degree posting or anticipated degree completion
- Minimum GPA requirements met for your specific program
- All required coursework completed with passing grades
Administrative Requirements:
- No outstanding holds, financial obligations, or clearance items
- Registration completed through myPurdue commencement task list
- Current enrollment status or approved leave of absence
- All university policies and conduct requirements are satisfied
Degree Completion Verification
Before registering for commencement, verify your academic standing through myPurdue:
- Review your degree audit to confirm all requirements are met
- Check for any incomplete grades that might affect degree conferral
- Verify that transfer credit applications have been processed
- Confirm substitute course approvals are reflected in your record
Purdue Commencement Registration Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Verify Academic Standing
Confirm your degree posting on your academic record through myPurdue. If your degree shows as “anticipated,” verify with your academic advisor that all requirements will be met by the graduation deadline.
Key verification points:
- Total credit hours completed
- Major and minor requirements satisfied
- GPA calculations are current and accurate
- All prerequisite courses completed
Step 2: Complete myPurdue Commencement Task List
Access the commencement task list in myPurdue and complete all required steps:
Required task list items:
- Indicate participation in the ceremony
- Confirm personal information and contact details
- Select the cap and gown vendor and sizing
- Provide diploma mailing address
- Complete any college-specific requirements
- Submit name pronunciation information (if using NameCoach)
Step 3: Resolve Administrative Holds
Check for and resolve any holds on your account before the registration deadline:
| Hold Type | Common Causes | Resolution Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Financial | The specific department is listed in hold | Bursar’s Office |
| The specific department is listed in hold | Incomplete coursework, grade disputes | Academic advisor, Registrar |
| Administrative | Missing transcripts, immunization records | Specific department listed in hold |
| Conduct | Disciplinary actions, policy violations | Dean of Students Office |
Step 4: College-Specific Requirements
Some colleges require additional registration steps beyond the standard myPurdue task list:
Common college-specific requirements:
- Confirmation emails to department coordinators
- Participation in college-specific ceremonies or receptions
- Submission of thesis or capstone project approvals
- Professional licensure or certification documentation
- Attendance at mandatory information sessions
Check with your specific college for additional requirements:
- College of Engineering may require senior design presentations
- College of Liberal Arts might need foreign language proficiency verification
- Graduate programs often require thesis defense completion
- Professional programs may need internship or practicum completion
Special Circumstances and Pending Grades
Can You Walk with Pending Grades?
The short answer: It depends on your specific situation and college policies. Here’s what you need to know:
Scenarios where walking may be permitted:
- Final grades expected before the degree conferral deadline
- Incomplete coursework with an approved extension from the instructor
- Pending transfer credits that don’t affect degree completion
- Administrative delays in grade posting (not academic deficiencies)
Scenarios where walking may NOT be permitted:
- Failed the required courses for your major
- Incomplete coursework without approved extensions
- GPA below the minimum requirements after final grades
- Missing core graduation requirements
Steps to Take with Pending Grades
- Contact your academic advisor immediately to discuss your eligibility status
- Reach out to the Registrar’s Office for an official degree audit and confirmation
- Understand your college’s policies regarding participation before final grade posting
- Consider timeline implications for degree conferral and diploma issuance
- Explore makeup options if coursework can be completed before the deadline
Grade Resolution Timeline
For Winter 2025 graduation:
- Final grades must be submitted by instructors before December 21
- Degree deficiencies must be resolved by January 12, 2026
- Late grade changes require department and college approval
Troubleshooting Common Registration Issues
Academic Record Problems
“My degree isn’t showing as complete.”
- Contact your academic advisor to review the degree audit
- Verify all transfer credits have been properly applied
- Confirm substitute course approvals are processed
- Check for processing delays in recent grade submissions
“I’m missing required courses.”
- Review options for course substitutions with your advisor
- Explore summer or winter session makeup opportunities
- Understand the impact on the graduation timeline
- Consider independent study or directed research options
Administrative Hold Issues
“I have a hold preventing registration.”
- Visit the specific office indicated in the hold description
- Gather required documentation before your appointment
- Allow 2-3 business days for hold removal processing
- Recheck myPurdue before contacting additional offices
“My financial hold won’t clear.”
- Contact the Bursar’s Office to verify payment processing
- Confirm financial aid disbursement timing
- Explore payment plan options if needed
- Request documentation of payment for your records
College-Specific Requirement Problems
“My college requires additional steps.”
- Check your college’s specific commencement webpage
- Contact your department’s graduate coordinator
- Attend any required information sessions or meetings
- Verify completion of professional program requirements
Special Student Populations
International Students
International graduates may need to complete additional steps:
Required documentation:
- Verify visa status and work authorization documentation
- Complete any required exit procedures with International Student Services
- Ensure all immigration paperwork is current for ceremony participation
- Coordinate with career services for post-graduation employment authorization
Timeline considerations:
- Allow extra processing time for international documentation
- Coordinate with immigration services for any status changes
- Plan for potential delays in transcripts or diplomas’ international mailing
Graduate Students
Graduate students should confirm specific requirements:
Thesis and dissertation students:
- Thesis or dissertation defense completion and approval
- Committee signatures on all required documents
- Format review and submission to the Graduate School
- Copyright and publishing permissions completed
Professional program students:
- Internship or clinical rotation completions
- Professional examination results (where applicable)
- Licensure application submissions
- Portfolio or capstone project approvals
Transfer Students
Students with significant transfer credits should verify:
- All transfer credits are properly applied to degree requirements
- Transfer GPA calculations are included in graduation eligibility
- Residency requirements satisfied at Purdue
- Final transcript submissions from previous institutions
Second Degree Students
Students pursuing additional degrees need to confirm:
- All requirements for the new degree have been completed
- Previous degree requirements don’t conflict with the new program
- Proper classification in myPurdue for the graduation ceremony
- Understanding of diploma and transcript posting procedures
Purdue Graduation Registration Support and Resources
Primary Contact Information
- Commencement Office: commencement@purdue.edu | (765) 494-1776
- Registrar’s Office: registrar@purdue.edu | (765) 494-7896
- Bursar’s Office: bursar@purdue.edu | (765) 494-0611
- Academic Advising: Contact your specific college advising office
Online Resources
- myPurdue Portal: Complete task list and verify academic record
- Degree Works: Review detailed degree audit and requirements
- College Websites: Access college-specific commencement information
- Official Commencement Website: Current deadlines and procedure updates
Getting Additional Help
If you’re struggling with registration:
- Start with your academic advisor for degree-related questions
- Contact the Registrar for administrative and record issues
- Reach out to the Commencement Office for ceremony-specific questions
- Visit Student Success Centers for comprehensive support
Emergency situations close to deadlines:
- Email the Commencement Office immediately with your situation
- Provide your student ID, full name, and specific issue
- Include relevant documentation or correspondence
- Request expedited review if circumstances warrant
Final Registration Checklist
8 Weeks Before Your Ceremony
- Apply to graduate through myPurdue
- Complete degree audit review with advisor
- Resolve any known academic or administrative holds
- Research college-specific requirements
6 Weeks Before Your Ceremony
- Complete the commencement task list when it opens
- Indicate participation in the ceremony
- Order the cap and gown before the discount deadline
- Confirm diploma mailing address
4 Weeks Before Your Ceremony
- Verify all registration steps are completed
- Resolve any remaining holds or issues
- Complete college-specific requirements
- Confirm final grade submissions with instructors
1 Week Before Your Ceremony
- Final verification of academic record
- Confirm ceremony division and timing
- Review participation requirements and procedures
- Prepare for any last-minute issue resolution
Cap, Gown, and Regalia Requirements
Ordering Your Academic Regalia
Order cap and gown through the University Bookstore or approved vendors well before deadlines. Academic regalia includes:
- Caps and gowns for all graduates
- Academic hoods for master’s and doctoral candidates
- Doctoral tams for Ph.D. recipients (varies by discipline)
Regalia Pricing and Options
| Item | Purchase Price Range | Rental Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Cap & Gown | $45-65 | $35-45 |
| Master’s Cap, Gown & Hood | $85-120 | $55-75 |
| Doctoral Regalia Set | $200-350 | $85-125 |
Pro tip: Rental options significantly reduce costs, especially for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Orders placed before deadline dates receive discounted pricing.
Day-of Commencement Logistics
Arrival and Check-in Procedures
Plan to arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony start time. Candidates typically check in at the Armory for lineup and processional preparation.
Here’s your day-of timeline:
- 2.5 hours before the ceremony: Parking lots open
- 90 minutes before: Candidate check-in begins at the designated staging area
- 60 minutes before: Family and guest seating begins
- 30 minutes before: Processional lineup begins
- Ceremony start time: Academic procession enters Elliott Hall
Purdue Commencement Parking and Campus Navigation
Commencement parking fills quickly on ceremony days. Parking Services provides:
- Designated family parking in lots near Elliott Hall
- Candidate parking in specified campus lots
- ADA accessible parking with a reservation
- Parking permits are available for purchase before the ceremony day
Alternative transportation: Consider using campus shuttles or rideshare services to avoid parking challenges during high-traffic ceremony times.
Essential Items to Bring
Graduation day checklist:
- Guest tickets (physical or mobile)
- Student ID
- Name pronunciation card (if using NameCoach system)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate layers under your gown
- Phone for photos and livestream sharing
Diplomas and Transcript Processing
When Are Diplomas Mailed?
Diploma mailing timeline varies by semester:
- Winter 2025: Diplomas ordered January 7, 2026, with mailing 4-6 weeks later
- Spring 2026: Diplomas typically mail 6-8 weeks after degree posting
- Summer 2026: Diplomas will be mailed approximately 4-6 weeks after the August ceremony
Ensure your diploma mailing address is current in myPurdue to avoid delivery delays.
Official Transcript Availability
Degrees post to official transcripts on specific dates set by the Registrar. You can order official transcripts through the Purdue transcript portal once your degrees are officially conferred.
Purdue Commencement Frequently Asked Questions
When is Purdue Commencement 2025?
Winter Commencement occurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with three separate ceremonies. Spring Commencement 2026 spans Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Where is Purdue commencement held?
Most ceremonies take place at Elliott Hall of Music on the West Lafayette campus. Some smaller divisions may use alternative campus venues.
How long is Purdue commencement?
Plan for approximately 2-3 hours per ceremony, depending on the number of graduates in your division. Larger divisions (like Engineering) may run longer than smaller programs.
Can I walk if I failed a class?
Eligibility depends on your specific academic standing. Contact your academic advisor or the Registrar immediately if you have concerns about degree completion or course requirements.
Who speaks at Purdue Commencement 2025?
Commencement speakers are typically announced 4-6 weeks before ceremonies. Check the official commencement website for the most current speaker information.
How to order cap and gown Purdue?
Access the commencement task list in myPurdue after indicating participation. The system will direct you to approved vendors for ordering or rental options.
ADA Access and Accessibility Services
ADA access and accessible seating are available for both graduates and guests. Contact Campus Accessibility Services well in advance to arrange:
- Wheelchair accessible seating sections
- Sign language interpretation services
- Assistive listening devices
- Accessible parking reservations
- Alternative ceremony participation accommodations
Photography and Social Media
Best Photo Locations on Campus
Popular post-ceremony photo spots include:
- Elliott Hall steps (classic graduation backdrop)
- Engineering Fountain (iconic Purdue landmark)
- Class of 1939 Memorial Fountain (traditional favorite)
- Bell Tower area (scenic campus views)
- Your specific college building (program-specific memories)
Social Media and Sharing
Use official hashtags to share your Boiler Up commencement photos:
- #BoilerUp
- #PurdueGrad2025
- #PurdueCommencement2026
- #PurdueUniversity
Contact Information and Resources
Essential Contacts
- Commencement Office: commencement@purdue.edu | (765) 494-1776
- Registrar’s Office: registrar@purdue.edu
- University Bookstore: bookstore@purdue.edu
- Parking Services: parking@purdue.edu
- Campus Accessibility Services: accessibility@purdue.edu
Approved Graduation Vendors
Licensed vendors for announcements, frames, and graduation products:
- Balfour
- CB Announcements
- Herff Jones
- Jardine Associates
- Jostens
- Midwest College Marketing Group Inc.
- Signature Announcements
Final Preparation Checklist
60 Days Before Ceremony
- Complete the commencement task list in myPurdue
- Order the cap and gown before the discount deadline
- Reserve hotel accommodations for the family
- Request time off work for the ceremony day
30 Days Before Ceremony
- Confirm guest ticket distribution method
- Share livestream information with extended family
- Plan parking and transportation
- Schedule professional photography if desired
1 Week Before Ceremony
- Verify diploma mailing address
- Check the ceremony division and timing
- Prepare graduation day timeline for family
- Download campus maps and parking information
Ceremony Day
- Arrive 90 minutes early for check-in
- Bring all required items and identification
- Allow extra time for photos and celebrations
- Share the livestream link with remote viewers
Conclusion
Purdue Commencement 2025-2026 represents the culmination of your academic journey at one of America’s premier public universities.
By following this comprehensive guide and staying informed about deadlines and requirements, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable graduation celebration.
Whether you’re participating in the Winter 2025 ceremony at Elliott Hall or planning ahead for Spring 2026, proper preparation ensures you can focus on celebrating this significant achievement with family and friends.
Remember to bookmark the official Purdue commencement website for the most current updates, and don’t hesitate to contact the Commencement Office with specific questions about your ceremony or requirements.
Boiler Up, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
