The Countdown Continues

Dear Families,

As we continue to approach Commencement Weekend 2019, we want to keep you well informed on what to expect. As always, the commencement website has the most up-to-date information, but keep reading for some important updates!

- The Special Events & University Ceremonies and Parent & Family Program Teams

Overview of Important Dates

Commencement Weekend Timeline

Baccalaureate Services • Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11
University-Wide Commencement Ceremony • Sunday, May 12
Departmental Ceremonies • Dates/times vary

Other Important Dates & Deadlines

April 29 - May 11 • Baccalaureate ticket pick-up

* Specifics about each of these dates can be found
in the body of the newsletter below.

Prepare for Commencement Weekend

Guidebook

Download Guidebook!

Help make the most of commencement weekend by planning ahead. Guidebook allows you to customize your schedule and will be the system we utilize to communicate any important messages over the weekend.

Eating on Campus

There are numerous options for families to eat on campus. If you want something more special, we invite you to celebrate commencement weekend with dinner and brunch at The Commons! Dinner and brunch reservations may be made by calling 919-684-4619 or by clicking here.

Find a full list of campus dining facilities open during commencement weekend here.

Plan for the Weather

Be aware that Sunday's commencement ceremony occurs outdoors. In 2018, we saw a record heat index and encourage guests to plan accordingly.

There will be a livestream of the ceremony available online for your convenience. If you have elderly or infant family members, please take into consideration that it may be easiest for them to watch the livestream to avoid heat exhaustion.

It’s important to stay hydrated prior to coming to the ceremony and wear light clothes (think linen and breathable fabrics!). More information will be sent as we approach the big day in regards to how to prepare.

Departmental Ceremonies

Get familiar with your student’s departmental ceremony to help build your schedule for the weekend.

Baccalaureate Services

Service Times

Baccalaureate service times are determined by the student's last name:

Friday, May 10 (surnames A-H) at 4:30pm
Saturday, May 11 (surnames I-Q) at 11:30am
Saturday, May 11 (surnames R-Z) at 3:00pm

Tickets

Tickets may be picked up from the Bryan Center Information Desk. See below for specific dates and pick-up times.

Monday, April 29 - Friday, May 3
11:00am - 6:00pm
Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10
11:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 11
9:00am - 3:00pm

The ticket request period is over. For questions regarding baccalaureate, please contact commencement@duke.edu directly.

Baccalaureate Seating for Guests

Due to space constraints, guest seating is limited in Duke Chapel. The Chapel will predominantly seat graduating students with guests viewing from Page Auditorium.

University-Wide Commencement Ceremony

Ceremony Logistics

The university-wide commencement ceremony will occur on Sunday, May 12 on Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Please note:

Gates open at 7:30am.
Procession begins at 9:00am.

Tickets are NOT required for the university-wide commencement ceremony.