Commencement FAQ
See the following frequently asked questions about May 2020 Purdue Commencement events and activities, along with our answers.
Do I need to let Purdue know if I plan to participate in a virtual ceremony in May?
Yes. We would like you to go back into your Commencement tab and indicate whether or not you will participate in the virtual ceremony.
If I do a virtual ceremony in May, does that mean I cannot participate in a future ceremony in person?
No. You are welcome to participate in the May 2020 virtual ceremony and then return to campus for any future summer or winter ceremony.
Can I walk in a future graduation ceremony?
Yes. You may contact commencement@purdue.edu prior to any summer or winter ceremony to arrange participation. More information can be found on our Returnee Participation Information page.
How can I purchase only the keepsake items (mortar board, tassel, stole)?
Please reach out to a representative of distributor Herff Jones via email to purchase these items.
Can I still rent the Purdue cap and gown for my family event?
Yes. Distributor Herff Jones will ship to you the cap and gown along with a prepaid envelope for you to mail them back. You should receive your cap and gown the last week of April, and you must return the cap and gown by May 29. If you are participating in the August ceremony, you do not need to return your cap and gown until Aug. 10.
Special note for international addresses: Due to COVID-19, your package may not be able to pass through customs. Please stay informed about your country's current restrictions. If no restrictions exist for receiving international packages, you may contact distributor Herff Jones at 800-837-4235 and speak to customer service about providing an international mailing address.
Can I keep the cap and gown to use when I return for a future ceremony?
If you choose to rent a cap and gown for the May 2020 virtual commencement ceremony and are also returning to campus to participate in the August ceremony, you may keep your cap and gown until Aug. 10.
Can I get a refund on my cap and gown?
Yes. If you cancel your order prior to receipt or you return it unopened, you can receive a refund. However, we do encourage you to consider renting the cap and gown for your special graduation photos.
How do I handle my graduation announcements now that the ceremony is canceled?
It’s okay to share your preprinted announcements. You are still a May 2020 graduate. However, if you prefer to receive announcements more reflective of a date, you may contact distributor Herff Jones at 800-837-4235 and speak with customer service to determine what may be offered.
When can I expect to receive my diploma?
Undergraduate and professional (Pharm D and DVM) students can anticipate receiving their diplomas no later than May 22. For students who share an international mailing address, we will provide a tracking number as soon as it is available while still aiming for the same May 22 arrival. All delivery dates are subject to U.S. Postal Service or other third-party vendors who handle the mailing.
Graduate student diplomas will be mailed as soon as degrees are cleared by the Graduate School. We will provide shipping with a tracking number to all students who provided an international mailing address.
Why didn’t Purdue just postpone graduation?
Purdue administration made the decision they felt was best given the information that was available at the time a decision was necessary.
Does Purdue only allow students to walk with "their class"?
No. Students routinely elect to participate in a ceremony with students that they didn’t enter college with for a variety of reasons: early completion, delayed completion, or travel constraints. We ensure each in-person ceremony looks the same, with a personal recognition of each participating graduate.
Have graduating seniors been involved in making decisions on what this virtual ceremony will look like?
Yes. We have engaged students and members of student government regarding the details of the virtual ceremony.
Does this affect my ceremony in the Vet School?
Yes. This is for all of Purdue’s West Lafayette and Polytechnic Statewide locations.
Does this affect my pinning or white jacket event?
No. This is the University commencement ceremony only. Please watch for communication from your college/school regarding plans to cancel or postpone those smaller, specific events.
