Sunday, May 17, 2026
PeoplesBank Arena (formerly XL Center), downtown Hartford
for those awarded degrees in Sept. 2025, Jan. 2026, and May 2026
- Graduate Ceremony (master's and doctoral recipients), 9 a.m.
- Undergraduate Ceremony (associate and bachelor's recipients), 2 p.m.
Commencement 2026
The regular and extended periods for ordering cap and gown for the May 2026 Commencement ceremonies have ended.
Pickup dates and times at the Campus Store for those who selected campus pickup when ordering their regalia is as follows.
Those who failed to meet all deadlines may pick up a cap and gown, subject to availability, for a $25 walk-in regalia fee at the Campus Store May 12–14 during the hours listed above.
Please see our ceremony/FAQ page for helpful information on all aspects of Commencement 2026.
News: Prominent NBA Executive and Top Health Care CEO to Give UHart's 2026 Commencement Addresses. Learn more
Information for Graduates
Our annual May Commencement exercises are scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at the PeoplesBank Arena (formerly known as the XL Center) in downtown Hartford. It will celebrate the academic achievements of all who were awarded degrees during the 2025–26 academic year (Sept. 2025, Jan. 2026, May 2026). The Graduate Ceremony (doctoral and master's degrees) will be held at 9 a.m. with the Undergraduate Ceremony (bachelor's and associate degrees) taking place at 2 p.m.
Before you can walk across the stage, you need to make sure you've completed all the necessary steps for graduation.
See Next StepsQuestions? Contact Us.
Questions about any aspect of Commencement? Email us at hawkgrad@hartford.edu.