Graduating Students

2026

Commencement Information for Graduating Students

Commencement 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 10 a.m. Each graduate will be given six tickets for guests. You will receive communication regarding Commencement as details are confirmed. Please continue to check your UDC inboxes throughout the Spring Semester.

Visit the Commencement website

Graduation Rehearsal

May 8
11 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Regalia Information — Cap, Gown, Hood and Tassel

Check back here later in the spring to access the Herff Jones regalia portal.

Cap and Gown Photos

Earl Howard Studios is this year’s official class photographer. Students will be able to take pictures at the Lamond-Riggs and Van Ness Campuses. If you are taking your cap and gown pictures on campus (March 10 or 11), you do not need to schedule an appointment. All you must do is come to campus.

Fee for Pictures

The sitting fee is $25 for photos taken on campus or in the Earl Howard Studios. Cash and credit card payments are acceptable.

Cap and Gown Picture Attire

Earl Howard Studios will provide cap, gown, hood and tassel for your photos. Gentlemen, a shirt and tie are required. Ladies, please be mindful of your nails and hairstyles as you will take pictures with your caps on and off and various poses. Also, do not wear any attire that covers your neck.

On-Campus Photo Schedule

Pictures Taken Off-Campus

You may schedule an appointment directly with Earl Howard Studios. To schedule an appointment: 

• Visit the Earl Howard Studios website
• Select “schedule appointment” 
• Scroll down to “UDC Students” and select “Book”

Graduation Tickets

Each graduate will receive six guest tickets. Please check back later in the spring to learn more about acquiring graduation tickets.

Requirements for Guests Attending UDC Commencement

• Tickets are required for admittance to the Commencement Hall.
• Guests must have their tickets. Children three and older will require a ticket. An adult must accompany children at all times.

Announcements

Please check back later in the spring to learn more about ordering announcements.

Commencement Decorum

The graduation ceremony is a festive occasion, but also a formal academic event. The celebration manifests itself in the dress of the students and faculty, adorned in academic regalia, and the joy and satisfaction of accomplishment. The ceremony is also marked by seriousness, where the actual conferring of degrees signifies the hard work of everyone involved: students, faculty, administrators, and family. Given the ceremony's serious nature, students and their guests are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consistent with the occasion.

• Expect to dedicate most of the day to your special day. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last approximately 3 hours.
• Graduates and their guests are expected to stay for the duration of the event.
• All graduates are expected to attend the entire ceremony and to participate in both the processional and recessional.
• Plan any after-Commencement events for after 2 p.m.

You have spent many years earning your degree, so you can take 3-4 hours to honor your achievement.

Commencement begins with the academic procession. The audience is asked to rise as the procession enters and remain to standing until the platform party has taken its place.

Commencement closes with the recessional. After the singing of the Alma Mater, the audience is asked to take their seats and remain seated for the retrieval of colors and the recessional of the platform party, faculty and students.

Other University-Related Information

Transcripts 

Learn more about requesting transcripts here. You can also review page 37 of the university course catalog. 

Academic Standing and University Honors 

For information regarding Academic Standing and University Honors (Dean’s List, High Honors, Highest Honors and Top Student), please refer to pages 38-40 of the university course catalog. University Honor Cords (High, Highest and Top) will be provided by the Office of the Registrar. For inquiries regarding Dean’s List Honor, please contact your College Dean. For questions or additional information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at uregistrar@udc.edu.

Honor cords and name cards (needed for commencement) may be picked up at the Office of the Registrar, Van Ness Campus, Building 39, A-Level. The Office of the Registrar is located in the Enrollment Services Suite and is open on the following schedule:

Contact Us

Office of Student Life

Van Ness Campus
4200 Connecticut Ave. NW
Building 56, Suite 107 
202-274-7213
studentlife@udc.edu

Percy Henry, III

Director of Student Life and Services
percy.henryiii@udc.edu