Commencement

Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern (graduates arrive at 9:15a.m.)
East College Lawn (located outside of the Emison building)

Commencement is a very special ceremony to officially confer degrees and celebrate the academic achievements of all DePauw graduates. Additional information will be shared on this site and through campus email to help ensure that all graduates have a memorable time with family, friends, guests, and the campus community.

Ordering Regalia

Graduates can order regalia (cap, gown, tassel) from herff.ly/depauw.

Ship to Bookstore Deadline:

• Place order by April 1

Ship to Home Deadline:

• Place order by April 24

Important policies related to regalia:

• Traditional black regalia is required at commencement.
• Any additional adornments added to traditional black regalia (cap and gown) must represent excellence in higher education and academic performance at DePauw University.
• Anything that is raised or that does not denote a positive message on the traditional board cap) must be removed.

Overnight Lodging

Guests are encouraged to seek overnight lodging arrangements in Greencastle, IN or nearby towns. Housing will not be available on campus for guests.

Additional information

• Accessibility Accommodations: For questions about accessible seating for guests or to request accommodations (including language translation or ASL services), please contact Heather Wright at 765-658-1087 or heatherwright@depauw.edu by Friday, May 8, 2026. To accommodate as many families as possible, accessible seating is limited to the individuals requiring assistance plus two guests. Additional family members/guests are welcome to enjoy the Commencement ceremony from the general seating area.
• Professional Photos: Commencement day graduate photos will be taken by GradImages. Ordering information and promotions are available on their website.
• Inclement Weather: Commencement will take place outside, rain or shine, unless there is a lightning storm. Instructions will be shared as soon as possible if we have to move indoors.

Schedule of events:

Friday, May 15

10:00 A.M. - Noon - Commencement Rehearsal

Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center, Neal Fieldhouse

Rehearsal will be held for all graduates at Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center, Neal Fieldhouse (more details forthcoming from the University Marshal).

Saturday, May 16

4:00 P.M. - Baccalaureate

Green Center for the Performing Arts, Kresge Auditorium.

The Baccalaureate Celebration Ceremony kicks off the first formal event of Commencement Weekend, during which President White addresses the graduating class. The celebration includes prayers and readings from many traditions, as well as inspiring music, reflections from student leaders. Tickets are not required.

Live stream available at depauw.edu/stream

8:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. - DePauw Under the Stars

Stewart Plaza (Inclement weather location Hoover Hall and the Union Building Living Room)

An evening of music and conversation for graduates and their families/guests.

Sunday, May 17

10 A.M. - Commencement Ceremony

East College lawn

Tickets are not required for the outdoor ceremony, but will be necessary if we have to move commencement indoors (only in the event of inclement weather). Each graduate can reserve up to 5 e-tickets for their family and guests. (Ticket information will be forthcoming).

Note: graduates processional line up will begin at 9:15 a.m. - more details forthcoming from the University Marshal

Live stream available at depauw.edu/stream

All arrangements are subject to change. Graduates will be notified via campus email.

We appreciate your continued patience as we work to plan special celebrations. Health and safety protocols will be in place per campus guidelines.