Spring Commencement Weekend Schedule 2026

Saturday, May 16^th, 3:00 p.m.

• College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Doctoral Hooding and Commencement Ceremony - All participants should check in by 2:15 p.m. in the Bell Center gym. Further details for this event will be distributed via email from the College of Pharmacy. Questions may be directed to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Dean's Office at 271-3018. 

 Saturday, May 16^th, 7:00 p.m.

• The Law School Commencement –Students will line up in the Law School at 6:00 p.m. Processional begins at 6:45 p.m. Knapp Center opens for guests at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 17^th, 10:00 a.m.

• The 159th Commencement Ceremony for Undergraduate Degree Recipients – Approximate ceremony length is two hours. Students check in at the Bell Center gym by 9:15 a.m. Knapp Center doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Instructions and announcements for the processional and the recessional will be at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 17^th, 2:00 p.m.

• The 159th Commencement Ceremony for Graduate and Doctoral Degree Recipients – Approximate ceremony length is one and a half hours. Students check in at the Bell Center gym by 1:15 p.m. Instructions and announcements for the processional and the recessional will be at 1:30 p.m.

Commencement Programs

Visit this page to view the Law School and Main Commencement Ceremony Programs, or use this link to see both.

Photography

• The Grad Team is pleased to provide this complimentary service for each graduate who crosses the dais during the commencement ceremony. Go to https://thegradteam.com/events/drake/ for information about commencement photographs.  
• There is no obligation to purchase. If a valid e-mail address is available to the photographer, a link to commencement photograph proofs will also be sent to participating graduates via e-mail.
• Please do not contact the school with inquiries related to photographic service.

Special Notes 

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all, please do not bring noise makers (including air horns) or latex items to the commencement ceremonies. A current Drake student has a latex allergy, and exposure may be life-threatening. If you need to bring a medically necessary latex item, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 515-271-2025 in advance. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Questions?

Please call the Office of the Registrar toll-free at 1-800-44DRAKE, extension 3093, with any questions. Locally, call 515-271-2025.