Commencement 2025

The Department of Economics hosts an annual Graduation Ceremony & Reception for all graduating undergraduate economics majors*, master's students, Ph.D. recipients, and their guests.

*Diplomas will be at the ceremony for students' first majors. Students who plan to attend their second major ceremony will need to make arrangements with the respective departments ahead of time to arrange diploma pickup.

Date: Sunday, May 11th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium

The Duke Economics ceremony takes place immediately after the university-wide Commencement Ceremony. The event will last about one hour, with a definite end time no later than 1:30 p.m. Tickets are not required for this event.

RSVP

Guests (NOT graduating students) should RSVP on our event registration website. The RSVP site will close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 4th. You can attend the ceremony if you do not RSVP, however, accessible floor seating cannot be guaranteed if you have not requested the seats in advance. Tickets are not required.

Open seating is provided for guests on the second floor of Cameron. As these seats offer the best sight lines to the stage, we recommend sitting upstairs when possible.

Designated accessible seating can be reserved on the first floor of Cameron Stadium when you RSVP. This seating is intended for guests using wheelchairs, and/or persons with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. A limited number of assisted listening devices will be available at the sound booth. Three (3) companions may accompany each guest with a disability in these designated sections. However, we will do our best to seat your entire party together. See the Commencement website for more disability resources.

Reserved floor seats will be indicated with signage, and ushers will be available to assist you in locating your seats.

If you have questions, please email graduation@econ.duke.edu.

Live Stream the Event

For those who are unable to attend the department ceremony, our event will be live-streamed via YouTube.

Seating & Diploma Information

Guest Seating

Ample open seating is provided for guests on the second floor of Cameron. As these seats offer the best sight lines to the stage, we recommend sitting upstairs when possible. Designated accessible seating can be reserved on the first floor of Cameron Stadium when you RSVP. This seating is intended for guests using wheelchairs, and/or persons with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. Please refer to the RSVP section of this page to find instructions for making reservations.

Graduate Seating & Ceremony Participation 

The middle two sections of floor seating will be reserved for graduates. Students may sit within the reserved seats wherever they would like* and do not need to sit in a specific seat or in alphabetical order. Please remain seated for the duration of the ceremony (except for the trip to the stage to receive diplomas). Students should not sit with their guests. Graduates will be cued by an usher when it is time to rise and ascend to the stage by the ramp at stage left to receive their diplomas. A professional photographer will take a picture as you receive your diploma and at the foot of the stairs. After pausing for the photo at the foot of the stairs, please return to graduate seating.

*Undergraduate Honors Students only

Undergraduate honors students will have reserved, alphabetical seating at the front of the floor seating area, on the right-hand side. Honors students should sit in these reserved seats, because they will be called up separately to receive their diplomas. 

Diploma & Name Card Pickup
(Undergraduates and Master's Students ONLY)

Prior to the start of the ceremony, all graduates must visit the diploma and name card tables located at the back of Cameron on the first floor. There will be signs directing students to these tables, so please look for them as you enter. Fall graduates should also go to the diploma tables to pick up their name card. Students must keep their name cards in their possession and bring them to the stage during the Recognition Ceremony. The card will be used to read names as graduates cross the stage.

Parking, Travel, Lodging, & General Commencement Information

Parking

Please refer to the University commencement webpage for parking lots and shuttle services. Cameron Indoor Stadium is adjacent to Wallace Wade Stadium. You will not need to move your vehicle if attending both ceremonies.

Lodging in Durham

Durham offers over 60 diverse lodging options. These include downtown hotels close to the city's center, more rustic bed and breakfasts, and everything in between. We strongly recommend making reservations well in advance. Room rates often differ over commencement weekend, and many hotels require three-night minimum reservations.

The Durham Convention and Visitors' Bureau (at 800-446-8604) is a valuable resource for finding lodging in Durham. To find lodging options near Duke's campus, please refer to the "Where To Stay" Commencement page for Duke University.

For activity and dining recommendations, as well as general commencement information, please visit the commencement page for Duke University.

Graduation Photography

There will be professional photographers at the event, supplied by PhotoSpecialities, Inc. Graduates will have their photos taken twice: once while receiving their diplomas, and once off-stage with their diplomas.

Graduates will receive an email from PhotoSpecialties with a link to a website and a password that allows for viewing and ordering of graduation photos online. A free color proof will also be mailed to graduates' permanent addresses. Graduates who do not receive a proof within a week of the ceremony should email info@photospecialties.com or call 1-800-722-7033. There is no obligation to purchase prints.

Graduation Speaker

TBA