All Dietrich Arts and Sciences' undergraduates require a minimum of 120 passing credits to graduate, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, and completion of all General Education classes ("gen eds"). In addition, students must fulfill required classes (including internships and field experiences/camps) for at least one major. Each student is responsible for tracking registration appointments, required classes, credits, general education courses, and graduation deadlines.
To graduate, you must apply for graduation the term before graduation. In your senior year you should get an email from the Registrar's Office alerting you to the deadlines to apply to December, April, and August graduations without paying a fine. Here is a link to the Registrar's graduation page, which includes a link to commencement. Unfortunately, the applications to graduate and the details on the commencement page are not always available: They come and go seasonally, alas. Student Records (140 Thackeray Hall) will also know the deadlines to apply for graduation.
Attending the University Graduation Ceremony
In the month prior to April graduation, check Graduation Central, which should appear on Pitt's home page, for information about tickets and regalia. Candidates for graduation are encouraged to appear in person at commencement, usually held the Sunday after the spring term ends (and four days before final grades are assigned). If you are graduating in August but would like to be invited to go to the April graduation with your graduating class, please send something like the following email to gradinfo@pitt.edu:
Subject: April graduation ceremony for August 202X graduates
Hello!
I am a geology major who will be taking my capstone class for the major this summer, and I will be graduating in August. My advisor, Dr. Charles Jones, has said that I should write you to say that I have been approved to go on the list of people to be invited to attend the April 202X graduation ceremonies.
Thank you very much for your help!
Sincerely,
Your name.
Obviously you can edit this as you see fit. Be sure to put the correct year for the dates.
You can also just show up and they generally won't turn you away as long as there is room. But sending an email will get a invitation mailed to you and/or your parents, so that's nice, plus you are guaranteed seats. It is worth knowing that no undergraduates receive their diplomas at graduation because Student Records (and your advisors) need the time to certify everyone for graduation. Instead, all undergraduate diplomas are mailed to students six to eight weeks after graduation.
Attending the Department Graduation Party
We hope that you will attend the Department graduation party even if you decide to not attend the University's graduation ceremony. It is normally held on the same day as the main graduation ceremony. Arrive early for the best snacks, and bring tubs if you want stay to the end and want delicious leftovers! You and your family/significant others should get an invitation to our party; if you do not, please contact your advisor!