What to Expect
Your Commencement TimelinE
Everything you need to do — and when — to get ready for commencement. Commencement has a lot of moving pieces, but following this timeline will ensure you’re on track from your first application step to the moment your diploma ships. Bookmark this page and check back often as deadlines approach.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Use the dates below as your guide to prepare for your upcoming commencement.
spring 2026
Important Action Items
Confirm Eligibility and Participation
Begin by confirming your eligibility to graduate. You must be an official degree candidate for your graduation term to take part in commencement. After confirming eligibility, submit your graduation application in myPurdue to be added to your college’s candidate roster.
When the Commencement Task List opens, confirm your plan to attend the ceremony.
- This step is required even if you’ve already applied to graduate or you’ll be performing in the ceremony.
If performing, notify your conductor/director of your graduation status so that you may be properly recognized. - Your cap and gown rental link will appear after you complete this participation step.
Order Your Cap and Gown
All participating candidates must rent official Purdue academic attire.
- Your cap and gown rental link appears on the Commencement Task List.
- Orders placed after the deadline must be done through the University Book Store.
- Check your shipment as soon as it arrives to ensure you have the correct gown, hood and tassel color.
Submit Your Diploma Mailing Address
Your diploma will be mailed 6–8 weeks after the term ends (8–10 weeks for international addresses).
- Confirm or enter an accurate diploma address on the Commencement Task List.
- Diplomas designated to be shipped to an international address will have a tracking number provided at the time of shipment.
Request Accessibility Accommodations
Purdue is committed to ensuring every graduate can fully participate in commencement. If you need accessible seating, mobility assistance or other accommodations, review the information below and submit an accessibility request early so we can best assist you.
- Requests should be submitted no later than two weeks before the ceremony.
- Accessible seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: Elliott Hall of Music does not have elevators. Accessible seating is located on the facility’s main floor.
If you have questions before your ceremony or need help submitting a request, contact the Commencement Team at commencement@purdue.edu. We’re here to ensure your entire experience is accessible, comfortable and memorable.
Learn more about accessibility and accommodations for your guests.
Request a Letter of Invitation
If your guests need a visa to attend commencement, the Office of the Registrar can issue a Letter of Invitation to help them with the visa process.
The Letter of Invitation will be emailed to you, and you can forward it to your guests for their visa application. Please allow at least 10 business days for processing. Requests for the current term are prioritized over future terms.
Reminder: Receipt of an invitation letter does not guarantee candidate status or participation in the ceremony.
Prepare Your Guests
Your guests should know:
- Attendees of all ages require a ticket.
- Doors open 90 minutes before the ceremony.
- Large bags are not permitted.
- Accessible entrances to Elliott Hall of Music are located on the north and south sides.