Commencement
We share and celebrate our graduates' accomplishments and this important milestone in their lives.
Commencement 2026 Dates
- Reserve Your Commencement Tickets - February 28 at 10 a.m. through March 20
- Traditional In-Person Undergraduate Students 10:00 a.m.
- Graduate & Online Programs 2:00 p.m.
- Pick Up Your Cap & Gown - April 1st at the Grad-Finale
- Investiture (Undergraduate Hooding) - Thursday, May 7th
- Commencement Rehearsals - Friday, May 8th
- 9 a.m. — In-person Traditional Undergraduate Programs
- 12 noon — Graduate and Undergraduate Online Programs
- Master Hooding - Friday, May 8th
- Baccalaureate - Friday, May 8th
- Commencement 2026 - May 9th:
- 10 a.m. — In-person Traditional Undergraduate Programs
- 2 p.m. — Graduate and Undergraduate Online Programs
Is there a difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Yes, there is. Graduation is the official awarding of degrees earned. Commencement is the event which celebrates the completion of degree programs.
Catawba students can graduate at the end of the fall, spring, and summer semesters while we award degrees in December for the Fall semester, May for the Spring semester, and July for the Summer semester.
We hold our Commencement ceremony once a year in May. Find information about this annual event below:
Event Information
Event Information
View key information about the schedule and events that make up this wonderful and exciting time:
Quick Links:
Sustainable Caps & Gowns
Catawba College graduates wear sustainable caps and gowns made from fabrics sourced from renewable managed resources, ensuring that our graduates not only celebrate Commencement in beautiful regalia, but also help make the world a better place. When purchasing their recyclable caps and gowns, graduates can give back to the environment using a code included on their gown's hang tag. For every code redeemed, our regalia provider Jostens donates $1 in Catawba's name to support sustainability efforts worldwide.
