Letter from the Dean

Dear May 2026 Graduates:

I am pleased to provide you with information about this year’s Spring Graduation – May Commencement which will take place in two separate ceremonies on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm (BGS, EDU, SPS), and Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am (ECA, CAS and NHP), for those students who complete their degrees in May 2026.  This letter will be sent in Mid-April to all students who have applied for May Graduation and/or are completing (or have completed) requirements for graduation.

May Commencement will be held on the Front Lawn, adjacent to Main Hall, and facing the Library. 

May Commencement will include academic regalia and a formal ceremony.  Graduates are welcome to invite their families and friends.  There are no tickets for the outdoor ceremony, but we do ask that invite 20 or fewer guests.  The Ceremony will be held Rain or Shine, so please be prepared.

May Commencement Schedule of Events

Please complete the May 2026 Graduation RSVP Form, which is due by Friday, May 8, 2026

For May Commencement every graduate will need a black cap, black gown, and black tassel.  Also, for bachelor’s and master’s degrees you will need an academic hood, and for an associate’s degree, you will need a collar.  If you previously purchased your Cap and Gown for the Cap and Gown Convocation, you would only need to purchase the hood or collar at this time.

Regalia Purchase: Business Office, located in Main Hall 114 (1st floor)
Regalia Pickup: Student Affairs, located in Main Hall 223 (2nd floor)

Regalia Sales and Pickup will begin on Monday, April 27, 2026, continuing through Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during the following hours:

• Mondays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Tuesdays: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Wednesdays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Thursdays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Fridays: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Also on Saturday, May 9, 2026: 8:00 am—2:00 pm

The prices for regalia are:

• Associate’s Degree: Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00 and Collar: $23.00  (Total cost: $55.00)
• Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate): Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $32.00 and Hood: $28.00  (Total cost: $60.00)
• Master’s Degrees (Graduate): Cap, Gown, Black Tassel $33.00 and Hood: $29.00 (Total cost: $62.00)

Please note that Graduates will receive their collar or hood at check-in on the day of their in-person ceremony on graduation day.

Graduation Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey – we are eager to learn about your experience at Trinity and your next steps after graduation at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TYY2S2K

Welcome New Alums!
You are joining a network of 17k+ Trinity graduates – an incredible resource, and a community of which you are now an important part. Please give us your current contact information so our Alumnae/i Office can send you news and invitations to events.

Best regards,

Michele Bowie, Dean of Student Services
Dr. Karen Gerlach, Vice President for Student Affairs

Questions about Commencement? Call the Dean of Students Office at 202-884-9611 or email commencement@trinitydc.edu.