49th Commencement Ceremony
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 9.
Buildings 32 and 42 are expected to remain closed through Nov. 10. This date is our current estimate and is subject to change pending ongoing evaluations and the safe restoration of the affected electrical systems.
The continued closure of Buildings 32 and 42 will affect School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) operations as well as the operations of the Art, Digital Media and Chemistry programs. This includes in-person instruction and certain campus activities housed within those facilities. Emergency Remote Instruction (ERI) will remain in effect for impacted courses.
Visit the Campus Alerts page for more information.
For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.
49th Commencement Ceremony
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 9.
Muriel Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of Washington, DC. She has a strong record of creating a bold urban policy agenda, making tough decisions in a high-stakes environment, and shaping a diverse economy.
Mayor Bowser has served her hometown in elected office since 2004 as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (2004–2006), Member of the DC Council (2007–2015), and Mayor since 2015. She is only the second person elected three times as mayor of Washington, DC, and the first African American woman elected to three, four-year terms as mayor of an American city.
Read More About Mayor BowserUDC is awarding the degree Honorary Doctor of Laws to Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and the degree of Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Dennis and Zandra Chestnut of Groundwork Anacostia River, DC, with all the honors, privileges and duties pertaining thereto.
Read About the 2026 Honorary Degree RecipientsEach participating graduate may invite up to 8 guests to the commencement ceremony. Instructions for confirming guests are emailed to graduating students. Children three and older will be counted as guests. An adult must accompany children at all times.
More information for Graduating StudentsCommencement is an important event in the life of the university, its students, faculty and staff. It is a joyous yet solemn event that represents the culmination of the graduates’ years of study. Thank you for joining us and for being a part of the celebration. Again, we welcome you!
More Information for Guests
