Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony

Graduates who have submitted an application for graduation with the Office of the University Registrar by the appropriate deadlines will be recognized in the hooding program.

Students who have completed or who are registered to complete all degree requirements by the end of fall 2024 or spring 2025 semesters are permitted to participate in the hooding ceremony. Students who are in good academic standing and who can finish their degree requirements by summer 2025, according to a plan that has been reviewed and approved by their respective dean, are also permitted to participate in the hooding ceremony.  

• Apply for graduation on PointWeb the semester before you intend to walk. You must declare your intent to graduate with the Registar's Office so they can confirm you have met the requirements. Read their webpage for details. Questions? Contact Brian Eisiminger at beisiminger@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3866.
• RSVP to attend the Hooding Ceremony by April 15. Please note, this is a separate step. You must inform the University of your plan to attend the ceremony.
• Order your regalia. You must purchase or rent your cap, gown and hood and bring it to Hooding. The University will not have additional regalia available. You can order it at the Graduation Fair or online. (Website portal will be live on 2/7).

   

  The deadlines to order regalia are as follows:

  February 20 for custom doctoral regalia*

  March 20 for in-store pickup orders and doctoral rental orders

  April 6  for ship to home orders (non-doctoral)

  *If you are receiving a doctoral degree and would like to purchase custom regalia, please contact the bookstore directly before the 2/20/25 deadline. The online portal will be live on February 7.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in LH Ballroom

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in LH Ballroom

Please join us for this excellent opportunity to get all of your graduation questions answered. Complimentary graduation announcements will be distributed, and caps, gowns and class rings will be available for sale. Representatives from the Office of Alumni Relations, Office of the University Registrar, University Advising Center, Conference and Event Services and the Bookstore will be present to guide you through the graduation process.

Pick up your 10 complimentary announcements at the Graduation Fair. If you are unable to attend, you can pick up your complimentary announcements in the Registrar's office on the 9th floor of Thayer. 

If you need additional announcements, class rings or diploma frames they can be purchased online at Herff Jones. 

• Doors Open by 8 a.m.
• Students report to line-up by 8 a.m.
• Ceremony: 9:00 a.m.

Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduate as he or she receives the diploma cover. You will be contacted by GradTrak Graduate Images via mail and email directly if you are interested in purchasing. There is no obligation to purchase.

Questions regarding your academic eligibility to graduate and the state of your application:

• Office of the Registrar
  Brian Eisiminger
  412-392-3866
  beisiminger@pointpark.edu

Questions regarding your financial eligibility to graduate and the state of your student account:

• Student Accounts
  Meredith Meddings
  412-392-3424
  mmeddings@pointpark.edu

• Conference & Event Services
  412-392-4200
  events@pointpark.edu

General Questions about the venue or program:

• Office of the Provost
  412-392-3976
  academicaffairs@pointpark.edu

Parking is available in the PPG Paints Arena East Lot as well as the PPG Paints Arena Garage for a fee.

Reserved accessible parking is available in a number of lots near PPG Paints Arena. Designated spaces are available for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate. These reserved accessible spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly. Additionally, accessible parking is available in the parking garage attached to PPG Paints Arena.

Forbes Ave is closed from 6^th Street to the Armstrong tunnel. Guests should use Center Ave to make their way to the arena.

When you secure directions to the Arena, please be sure they do not include Forbes Avenue between 6th and the Armstrong tunnel.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Family and friends are NOT required to have a ticket. The main entrance is the HIGHMARK gate and guest seating begins at approximately 8 a.m. Please note the Verizon gate will be closed.

Accessible seating is available on all seating levels of PPG Paints Arena.  PPG Paints Arena has a limited number of wheel chairs available and will be used to escort individuals in need. This service is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly recommended those who have limitations bring their own wheel chair.

The ceremony will be close captioned for those who are hearing impaired. When you RSVP to attend the ceremony, please indicate other special accommodations you may require.

We strongly recommend checking the PennDOT website for any construction and traffic detours prior to leaving for the ceremony.

To assist you with your travel to our city, please visit the Visit Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership websites. These sites will provide you with vital information about the city, such as upcoming events, featured attractions, hotel information, dining options, etc.