Further details will be posted here as they become available. Please note that the day and time of our 2027 ceremony is a departure from previous years, when our program was scheduled to follow the Sunday campus-wide commencement.
RSVP
Tickets are not required for this event but we do request that all students RSVP with their total number of expected guests. Invitations with the RSVP link will be emailed to our graduates.
Additional Information
Seating
Bachelor of Arts degree recipients will be seated in the first three, stage left rows of the auditorium. Seating will be alphabetically arranged; chairs will have place cards for each student.
Ample open seating is provided for guests. Accessible seating will be readily available. If you require additional accommodations, please email history@duke.edu.
Ceremony Participation
Please remain seated for the duration of the ceremony (except for the trip to the stage to receive diplomas). Graduates will be directed by staff when it is time to rise and queue up in preparation to ascend to the stage to receive their diplomas. A professional photographer will take a picture as you receive your diploma, after which you will exit stage right and return to your original seat.
NOTE: As of 2026, Graduates will no longer receive their actual diplomas during the formal ceremony. Duke will instead be mailing diplomas to students at their home address on file. The presentation ceremony will remain unchanged and students will still be presented with a diploma holder and pose for an onstage photo with the department chair.
Parking and Lodging
Parking
Free parking will be available in the East Lot, located directly behind Classroom Building.
Lodging in Durham
Durham offers over 60 diverse lodging options. These include downtown hotels close to the city's center, more rustic bed and breakfasts, and everything in between. We strongly recommend making reservations well in advance. Room rates often differ over commencement weekend, and many hotels require three-night minimum reservations.
The Durham Convention and Visitors' Bureau (link opens in a new window/tab) (at 800-446-8604) is a valuable resource for finding lodging in Durham. To find lodging options near Duke's campus, please refer to the "Where To Stay" Commencement page (link opens in a new window/tab) for Duke University.
For activity and dining recommendations, as well as general commencement information, please visit the commencement page for Duke University (link opens in a new window/tab).
Graduation Photography
Haley Yarborough Photography will be present during the Baldwin portion of our ceremony, photographing our graduates as they receive their diplomas, and taking group/class photos immediately following the ceremony.
Graduates will receive a link where they may download the digital image files for personal use (at no cost). Unless you request otherwise, the link will be sent to your duke.edu email address. It will also be possible to order a "Graduation Package" or individual prints directly through the Haley Yarborough Photography website.
