HistoryOn Sunday, May 12, 2024, the Department of History will host a Graduation Ceremony & Reception for our undergraduate history majors*, Ph.D. recipients, and their guests.
The event will begin in Baldwin Auditorium at 12:30pm. Once that program is complete, we will move into nearby Classroom Building where a buffet lunch will be served and a smaller service will recognize the unique and accomplished research of our newly-minted Ph.D.'s.
View the invitation here.
*Unless prior arrangements are made, only diplomas for History first majors will be available at the ceremony.
RSVP
Tickets are not required for this event but we do request that all students RSVP with their total number of expected guests (including the graduate) by Monday, May 6. If you're not clicking on the link above, the RSVP form can be found later at bit.ly/HistoryRSVP.
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. Ph.D.'s may sit with their guests.
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.
Following the Department Chair's final remarks, faculty, followed by all graduates (B.A.'s and Ph.D.'s), will proceed out to the front steps of the auditorium for class/group photos. There will be a photo for Bachelor of Arts degree recipients, and a separate photo for Ph.D. degree recipients. See below for photography details.
When group photos are complete, guests will proceed to the second floor of Classroom Building (a very short distance away), where lunch will be served, followed by a more intimate gathering that will spotlight our Ph.D. recipients.
Parking and Lodging
Parking
Free parking will be available in East Gated Lot 1, 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 print copies of their individual and class photos, along with a link where they may download these same digital files for personal use. It will also be possible to order a "Graduation Package" or individual prints directly through Haley Yarborough Photography.
