Spring Graduation Ceremony
May 2026
Registration: Open February 10–26
In-Person Ceremony: Saturday, May 2
Elliott Hall of Music, Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Virtual Ceremony: Sunday, May 3
Online only; no in-person attendance
Deadline: No new registrations or changes accepted after Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.
Questions? Contact graduation@purdueglobal.edu.
Checklist: Prepare for Graduation
Your Graduate Slide Photo
Photo appears on your graduate slide as name is called.
Follow these guidelines to ensure your photo is accepted:
- Headshot: Graduate only — no other people or animals
- Attire: Business professional or regalia (no hats or sunglasses; graduation caps allowed)
- Uniformed personnel: Follow local agency/unit guidelines for attire and insignia
- Photo Requirements: Original photo only (no screenshots); suitable for an academic audience
- Background: Light-colored and uncluttered (not in a car)
- Not Permitted: Logos, text, filters, or graphics; non-compliant photos will be cropped or removed
Sample Slide:

Headshot Dos and Don’ts:

Register for the Ceremony
- Registration for the May 2026 ceremony opens on February 10.
- Deadline: No new registrations or changes accepted after Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.
- Need for Registration: Student Email, Student ID, headshot photo
Order Cap and Gown
Required for in-person attendees only
- Order regalia 6 weeks before the ceremony
- Visit the Caps and Gowns page for ordering instructions
Plan to Attend in Person
- Order Regalia: Allow 6 weeks for delivery (required for in-person attendees)
- Book Travel: View parking & hotel info
- Tickets: No tickets or guest limit for May 2026
- National Anthem Audition (Optional): Submit to perform at graduation
- Ceremony & Live Stream Info: After registering, visit the Commencement Showroom for details
Plan to Attend Virtually
- Ceremony and Online Viewing Info: After registering, visit the Commencement Showroom for details
- What to Expect:
- Registered virtual grads are featured with their name and slide
- Virtual Ceremony is in Zoom
- Graduates won’t appear in the live ceremony, but can see fellow graduates in Zoom
- Recordings posted later on YouTube
- View a past ceremony
Submit Family Photo (Optional)
Submit a family or support system photo for a chance to be featured in commencement videos.
Family or Support System Photo [Example]:

Invite Guests
- Send invitations: Download and personalize your commencement invitation.
- Share online viewing link: Direct guests to the Commencement Showroom.
Graduation Weekend Schedule

Black & Gold Celebration
Friday, May 1, 5:00–6:30 pm ET
Purdue Memorial Union | West Lafayette, IN
Family-friendly social hour
All ages welcome | No tickets required

Commencement
- Saturday, May 2: Commencement (In-Person)
- Sunday, May 3: Commencement (Virtual)
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.







