2025 David C. Frederick Honors College Winter Commencement Ceremony
- Date: Thursday, December 11
- Location: Heinz Memorial Chapel (S. Bellefield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
- Time: 3 p.m. (Doors open at 2 p.m., graduates must check in in 2:30 p.m.)
Guest Information
Doors Open
Guests may begin entering the chapel at 2 p.m. through the front red doors of Heinz Memorial Chapel.
Guest Limit
Due to the intimate size of the venue, each graduate is permitted up to 3 guests.
Seating
Seating is available on a first-come, first-seat basis. We DO NOT issue guest tickets for this event like Main Commencement. Accessibility seating is available throughout the chapel and cannot be pre-reserved.
Zoom Livestream Access
A Zoom link will be emailed to your graduate's student email five days prior for remote viewing. Out of respect for safety and privacy, our office is unable to share this information with guests. Please contact your graduate directly for this information.
Ceremony Duration
The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include remarks from Dean Foote, speeches by our guest and student speaker, and the Recognition of Names; a moment when each graduate will walk onto the stage and be photographed with the Dean. Photos will be shared directly with graduates approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the ceremony. Please contact your graduate directly for these pictures.
Accessibility Information
A paved, level entrance for guests with accessibility needs is located on the left side of the chapel (facing Fifth Avenue).
An elevator and accessible restroom inside.
A drop-off zone is located behind the chapel on South Bellefield Avenue.
The venue does not provide wheelchairs or mobility assistance, so we recommend planning ahead for guests with limited mobility.
Security & Bag Policy
Guests should refrain from bringing bags, backpacks, or purses with them to the ceremony.
Parking & Directions
For all events held at Heinz Chapel, the University of Pittsburgh recommends that attendees park in the Soldiers & Sailors Parking Garage (10 min walk). Please note that both cash and card are accepted; however, parking rates may vary on event dates.
Parking Garage Address: 4390 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15213
Graduate Information
RSVP Required
This ceremony is not required; however, an RSVP IS REQUIRED for those who wish to participate. Graduates must RSVP no later than November 21 by using the link sent to your Pitt student email in mid-September. RSVPs will not be accepted after this deadline, and graduates who do not RSVP by then will not be eligible to participate.
Guest Requests
Each graduate may invite up to 3 guests.
We DO NOT issue guest ticket for this event like Main Commencement.
Requests for additional guests can be submitted as a part of the RSVP form sent to your student email with final decisions on these requests communicated one week after the RSVP deadline.
We are unable to grant additional guests any early earlier until it is determined how many graduates will be participating in our ceremony. Guest requests from sources other than the graduate will be automatically denied.
University Regalia Requirement
All graduates must wear official University of Pittsburgh Academic Regalia (cap, gown, and hood) for both the University of Pittsburgh Main Winter Commencement and the supplementary David C. Frederick Winter Commencement Ceremony.
These items will be available for purchase through your campus University Store at the appropriate time.
Loaner University Regalia
Limited loaner University regalia is available for those who need it. Please email Lauren DelSignore (LND16@pitt.edu) with your home school, height, and weight by November 1.
University Honors Cords
Pittsburgh Campus: University Honors cords (summa, magna, cum laude) are distributed by your home school, not the Frederick Honors College. Any issues with University Honors graduation cords are handled through your home school, not the Frederick Honors College.
Greensburg Campus: University Honors Cord (summa, magna, cum laude) are distributed during the Main University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg Winter Commencement ceremony. You will receive a letter from Academic Affairs regarding your honors status.
Frederick Honors Regalia Enhancements
Graduates of the Frederick Honors College do not need to purchase their Frederick Distinction Cord, Frederick Degree Stole, Frederick BPhil Medallion.
These items will be distributed at the Frederick Fit Check Hub based off what program you have completed. If you have any questions regarding the completion of your graduate degree classification, or your eligibility to participate in the commencement ceremony please your Frederick Honors academic advisor. The Office of Signature Events is unable to confirm this information.
- Frederick Honors Cord: Honors Distinction Program
- Frederick Honors Stole: Honors Degree Program
- Frederick Honors Medallion: Bachelor of Philosophy
The Frederick Fit Check Hub will take place for ALL WINTER GRADUATES on November 10 to 14, between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 35th Floor, Frederick Honors Collaboration Space in the Cathedral of Learning. For Greensburg Frederick Honors Graduates, you can retrieve these items through your academic advisor during this time.
Ceremony Logistics for Graduates
Arrival Time
Doors open 2 p.m.
All graduates must check in at the registration table in the lobby by 2:30 p.m.
Dress Code
Arrive fully dressed in your University of Pittsburgh Academic Regalia AND your Frederick Honors Regalia (Frederick Distinction Cord, Frederick Degree Stole, and/or Frederick BPhil Medallion).
No changing areas will be available.
It is vital that you remember to bring your Frederick Distinction Cord, Frederick Degree Stole, and/or Frederick BPhil Medallion that you received at the Frederick Fit Check Hub to Heinz Memorial Chapel. These items are required to participate, and we will not have extras available on site.
Military Service
Graduates may wear ceremonial military uniforms in place of academic regalia.
Name Cards
Pre-printed name cards, including pronunciation guidance from your RSVP, will be provided to graduates at registration. If you'd like to offer our reader additional guidance before walking onto the stage, you are welcome to do so.
Livestream Link
The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours and a Zoom link will be emailed to your student account 5 days prior to the ceremony for you to share with family and friends unable to attend.
Additional Resources: University Main Commencement
The David C. Frederick Honors College does not aid in the planning or execution of this milestone event and as such is not able to answer questions regarding this ceremony.
The University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh campus) main commencement is planned by the Office of Special Events. Please see commencement.pitt.edu for the most accurate and up to date information or contact them directly at gradinfo@pitt.edu, 412-624-7100.
The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus main commencement is planned by their Office of Events. Please see greensburg.pitt.edu/academics/commencement for the most accurate and up to date information or contact them directly at sherramoors@pitt.edu, 724-836-7189.
Spring Commencement 2026
- Date: Thursday, April 30
- Location: The Petersen Event Center (3719 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261)
- Time: 3 p.m. (Doors open at 2 p.m., graduates must check in by 2:30 p.m.)
- Length: Approximately 2 1/2 Hours
Check back in late January for additional updates and logistics!