You are here: American University Events Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events

Back to top

Schedule of Events

All American University Commencement ceremonies take place in Bender Arena. Each ceremony lasts two to two and a half hours. Ceremony length can vary and times listed below are approximate. School receptions begin immediately following the ceremony and run approximately one hour. When making reservations or flight arrangements, please keep in mind that traffic leaving campus is often heavy during commencement weekend.

Fall 2019

December 13-14

Regalia, commencement ticket, and parking pass distribution (Tavern, Mary Graydon Center, first floor)

December 15

10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Fall Commencement ceremony

Fall Commencement recognizes students who receive degrees in August and September 2019 and eligible degree candidates for December 2019 from AU’s seven main campus schools. The ceremony will feature the conferral of undergraduate and graduate degrees, the commencement address, and remarks by President Sylvia Burwell.

Receptions immediately following ceremony:
CAS - Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center
SPA - Kerwin Hall Lobby
Kogod - Constitution Building, Room 1-3, East Campus
SIS - School of International Service Building
SOE - Mary Graydon Center, Room 3-5
SOC - McKinley Building
SPExS - Mary Graydon Center, Room 200

Spring 2020

Due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, the Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies have been rescheduled. See the COVID-19 FAQ page for additional information. Dates will be published here when they are available.