Computer Science 2026 Commencement

The 2026 Computer Science Commencement Ceremony will be held on Duke University’s campus at the Cameron Indoor Stadium (115 Whitford Drive, Durham 27705).

RSVP 

ONLY graduating students who plan on participating in the Computer Science commencement ceremony are required to register. It is critical that graduating students let our organizers know they will take part in the ceremony. Graduating students: Register by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Note to our graduating CS Second Majors - You are also welcome to participate in the Computer Science Departmental graduation ceremony--i.e., attend, walk across the stage, and have your picture taken with the CS Department Chair while holding a diploma jacket. However, you must register by May 1, 2026 in order to participate. You will still need to see your first major department to receive your diploma cover.

All other guest students, faculty, staff, family and friends are welcome to attend--no registration or tickets required.

Registration form

Duke's Department of Computer Science 2026 Commencement Ceremony LIVE

Our graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on Friday, May 8th at 1pm. Guests may click on the following link to attend virtually:

Coming soon!

Graduation Rehearsal

We will have a rehearsal of the Computer Science ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium before actual commencement day.

NOTE: While not required, we highly recommend all graduating students who intend to participate in our departmental commencement exercises on Friday come to this practice session--to familiarize themselves with the planned program and the space.

Day and time TBD.

NEW! - Undergraduate Diploma Distribution

This year Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and Pratt School of Engineering have decided to change the way that undergraduate students receive their diplomas. Undergraduate diplomas will NOT be handed out during this year’s departmental ceremony, unlike in past years. Instead, students will be given the empty diploma folder at the event. Later, after commencement weekend, the Registrar will mail the physical document to undergraduate students.

PLEASE NOTE: Graduate students will receive their diplomas via USPS as has been done customarily in the past. Graduate students will not be provided with diploma covers.

Guest Seating

We ask that guests be seated no later than 12:30pm. Please allow plenty of time for travel and parking.

Accessible Seating

Designated accessible seating will be available at the venue to those guests using wheelchairs and/or persons with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. A maximum of 2 companions may accompany each guest with a disability in these designated areas. Graduating students must register in advance for these special accommodations when RSVP’ing their participation in the event.

Parking 

General parking will be available at the Science Drive Garage located at 302 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708. Click here to see parking location on Google Maps.

Enter the parking deck off Science Drive near JB Duke Hotel.

Rate: General parking is FREE.

Clearance:  8' 2"

NOTE: General parking on campus is on a first-come basis, so please allow plenty of time for parking on commencement day and throughout the weekend.

ADA Parking

Proximity parking is available at Cameron Indoor Stadium for those guests with mobility issues or other impairments which are impacted by walking. Graduating students must register in advance for these special accommodations when RSVP’ing their participation in the graduation event.

Bags and Other Venue Policies

Bags and items larger than 12” x 12” x 6” (including backpacks, duffel bags, large purses, suitcases, wrapped gifts, banners, flags, signs, etc.) are prohibited from entering the venue. Please leave such items in personal vehicles or hotel rooms. Exceptions: bags for medical or childcare reasons.

Umbrellas are permitted.

No pets allowed.

Prohibited items:

• NO BALLOONS, NO CONFETTI, NO GLITTER
• No Alcoholic Beverages
• No Drones and No Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – https://drones.duke.edu/policies
• No Backpacks
• No Balloons
• No Confetti
• No Duffel Bags
• No Flags on poles
• No Glitter
• No Hazardous Materials
• No Items obstructing the sightlines of other guests (including signs, banners, flags, posters, etc.)
• No Laser Pointers
• No Noisemakers that can disrupt the ceremony (air horns, bullhorns, etc.)
• No Pets (exception: service animals)
• No Suitcases
• No Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
• ...And again NO BALLOONS, NO CONFETTI, NO GLITTER

Tobacco-free Campus

Duke University is a Tobacco-Free Campus. The use of any tobacco-based product is prohibited, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, snuff, and electronic smoking devices (including e-cigarettes, vaping products, and IQOS). For more information on Duke University’s Tobacco-Free Campus policy, please visit: healthy.duke.edu/tobaccofree/

CS Commencement Schedule

12 NOON  Graduates arrive.
12:45 PM   Procession starts.
1:00   PM  Computer Science Diploma Ceremony will begin at 1pm sharp.

Registration

Graduating students please be sure to register your participation in the 2026 Duke Department of Computer Science Graduation Ceremony by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Questions 

Please contact Pam Spencer.