Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
Friday, April 26, 2024
9 a.m.
PPG Paints Arena
NOTE: This ceremony is for graduate students only. If you are receiving an undergraduate degree, please refer to the page for the Commencement Ceremony.
Keynote Speaker
Tyler Cook, Ed.D. '20
Principal, Klein Elementary School
Dr. Cook is a speaker, author and coach who is passionate about developing high-impact leaders who will grow their districts, staff or students to their fullest potential. Dr. Cook is the co-author of “Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You,” an Elementary Principal and church executive director.
A graduate of Point Park's Leadership and Administration doctoral program, Dr. Cook was recently featured on the University website.
Dr. Cook lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with his wife and their four children.
Student Speaker, Aryanna Wagner
Aryanna Wagner, who will receive a Ph.D. in Community Engagement, has been selected as the student speaker. Wagner will share from her personal journey, which includes her experience as an Army combat veteran. "I bring not only my personal story of overcoming adversity but also a message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of dedication and education," Wagner wrote in her application to be speaker.
Sarah Schulz, Ph.D, who served on Wagner's dissertation committee, said, "I learned early in our work together that Aryanna is an unstoppable force, and I believe she will serve as an inspiration for both her graduating peers/colleagues and their families who are in attendance at the ceremony."
Wagner was selected from a group of students who met strict QPA criteria and auditioned before a panel of judges.
Important Details for Graduates
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 2023 or spring 2024 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 2024, 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.
The deadlines to order regalia are as follows:
Monday, February 19 for custom doctoral regalia*
Sunday, March 17 for in-store pickup orders and doctoral rental orders
Wednesday, March 27 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 2/19/24 deadline. The online portal will be live on February 1.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in LH Ballroom
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 11 a.m. to 6 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.
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
Important Details for Family, Friends and Guests
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.
From the NORTH
Via 79S or 28S:
Take 279S to 579S, follow signs to PPG Paints Arena (Veterans/Liberty Bridge), take PPG Paints Arena/6th Avenue exit, turn left at light to PPG Paints Arena.
From the SOUTH
Take 79N to 376 Business toward Pittsburgh, through Ft. Pitt Tunnel, bear right (toward Monroeville) and take first exit on left (Grant Street) to 7th Avenue, turn right to PPG Paints Arena.
From the EAST
Take 22W to 376W (Monroeville), through Squirrel Hill Tunnel, take Grant Street exit to 7th Avenue, turn right to PPG Paints Arena.
From the WEST
Take Route 22E to 376 Business, through Ft. Pitt Tunnel, bear right (toward Monroeville) and take first exit on left (Grant Street) to 7th Avenue, turn right to PPG Paints Arena.
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.
