Congratulations Class of 2026!!
Duke Department of Computer Science takes this moment to recognize you, the graduating CS undergraduate and graduate students who make up our Spring 2026 Class. Congratulations on your many successes and achievements. We are proud of you. We celebrate you. We encourage you as you prepare to make your mark on the world, but remember you always have a home here with Duke Computer Science.
Welcome to the 2026 Computer Science Commencement Ceremony
2026 Duke Computer Science Graduation Program
Duke Department of Computer Science 2026 Commencement Ceremony LIVE
Order of Service
Department of Computer Science
Presentation of Degrees and Awards
Friday, May 8, 2026
Processional
Welcoming Remarks
Jian Pei
Department Chair
Presentation of Doctorate Degrees
Conferred 2025 - 2026
Rong Ge
Director of Graduate Studies - PhD Program
Presentation of Master’s Degrees
Conferred 2025 - 2026
Xiaowei Yang
Director of Graduate Studies - MS Programs
Caitlin Nemecek
Lecturer of Computer Science
Presentation of Undergraduate Awards and Diplomas
Conferred 2025 - 2026
Susan Rodger
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Owen Astrachan
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
Kristin Stephens-Martinez
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
Closing
Undergraduate students must apply to graduate during their final year.
General information about eligibility and preparation for graduation is available here:
More about Graduation Eligibility
Helpful guide to applying for graduation
Apply for Graduation
All graduate students must apply to graduate by the deadline for the semester during which they plan to graduate.
Go here to see the guidelines, steps, and schedule provided by the Graduate School:
In addition to the Computer Science Departmental Ceremony, graduating Ph.D. candidates are highly encouraged to participate in the traditional Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony. More info about this special tradition can be found here:
Here is a complete list of graduation contacts by school: https://registrar.duke.edu/help-guides/apply-graduation/#contacts
No, diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. Undergraduate diplomas from Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering will be mailed to students after Commencement. Graduate students will also receive their diplomas via mail.
CS undergraduate 1st majors will, however, be given their empty diploma folders at the CS departmental graduation. CS 2nd majors will need to get their diploma folders from their first major department or program.
PLEASE NOTE: Graduate students will not be provided with diploma covers.
You can update your degree address in DukeHub. See this help guide which explains how to update your degree address in DukeHub: https://registrar.duke.edu/help-guides/degree-address/.
NOTE: The last day to update your address is Commencement Weekend.
If you need the option to pick up your diploma instead, please reach out to the University Registrar at registrar@duke.edu.
Whether you plan to graduate early or late, yes, you can change your expected graduation term with the approval of your academic dean.
Find out more about the policy and process here:
https://trinity.duke.edu/undergraduate/academic-policies/graduation-change-graduation-date
Eligible degree recipients (September 2025, December 2025, and May 2026 graduates) are invited to participate in the university-wide ceremony--often referred to as the "BIG" Duke ceremony--held in Wallace Wade Stadium on Sunday (May 10, 2026) of Commencement Weekend. Participants in this ceremony consist of graduating students from all 10 Duke schools, on both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Graduating students will receive registration and ticketing instructions for the university-wide ceremony directly from the Commencement Office and their schools.
Important Links:
Commencement Weekend Website
https://commencement.duke.edu/
Info about Commencement
https://commencement.duke.edu/commencement-information/
Schedule Details for University-wide Commencement Ceremony
https://commencement.duke.edu/schedule-of-events/commencement-ceremony/
Commencement apparel and regalia, e.g., cap and gowns, hoods
https://commencement.duke.edu/commencement-information/apparel/
Memorabilia and Mementos
https://commencement.duke.edu/commencement-information/memorabilia-traditions/mementos/