Only two days until graduation! Our 2026 Commencement exercises take place at downtown Hartford's PeoplesBank Arena (formerly named the XL Center) on Sunday, May 17. The ceremony for master's and doctoral degree recipients will take place at 9 a.m.; the ceremony for all undergraduate degrees will be held at 2 p.m.
There is no limit to the number of guests who can come to watch the Class of 2026 achieve this milestone. Seating at the XL Center is general admission; no tickets are required.
Graduate Arrival
Please arrive no more than one hour prior to your ceremony start time. Graduating students need to bring their complete regalia with them. We recommend pressing or steaming regalia at home; there will not be a place to do so at the PeoplesBank Arena. You may bring a small purse or bag for personal items. There will not be a place to store personal belongings during the ceremony. There will be plenty of signs and PeoplesBank Arena staff to guide you when you arrive. Students will be brought to a staging area to line up for the ceremony, while guests will be led directly to audience seating.
Photography
Graduating students will be photographed by a professional studio, Island Photography, specializing in Commencement photography. Each graduate will be photographed two to three times as they cross the stage and return to their seat. Within 24 to 48 hours, each graduate will receive an email containing a direct link to access their photo proofs and ordering details. Prices start at just $7.95, with a variety of packages and options to choose from. As a gift, each graduate will receive a complimentary 5x7 photo of their favorite pose from their gallery. If you have any questions, the dedicated Island Photography Customer Service Team is ready to assist. Call 516.767.1234 or email your question to custserv@islandphoto.com.
To ensure you receive your Commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, we encourage you to complete Island Photography's advance digital check-in, which includes providing your contact information and a selfie (or other recent image of you). You also have the option to add contact info for family members or friends who would like to receive proofs and the ability to order prints following the ceremony.
Undergraduate Ceremony Check-In
Graduate Ceremony Check-In
Livestream
A livestream of each ceremony will be available for viewing on May 17. The livestream link will be on our Commencement page and our main UHart page on Sunday.
More Commencement Info
Directions to PeoplesBank Arena and Parking Options
Two alumnae who have risen to the peak of their professions will deliver the University of Hartford's 2026 Commencement addresses.
UHart basketball legend Vin Baker to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree,
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see our comprehensive list of FAQ and more information on the Commencement website. If you have questions not addressed, please email the Commencement Committee.
Congratulations to all graduates. We can't wait to celebrate your accomplishments this weekend!