Frequently Asked Questions

Read on for helpful information for the day of Chatham's Commencement ceremony. 
For additional questions not addressed in the following FAQs, please email commencement@chatham.edu.

Getting to the Ceremony

Use Google Maps to navigate to Highmark Stadium, located at 510 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Driving Directions to Highmark Stadium:

  • From the Airport: Take I-376 E towards Pittsburgh. Take Exit 69C for PA-51 N/US-19 N (Saw Mill Run Blvd). Follow PA-51 N to W. Carson Street and turn toward W. Station Square Drive.
  • From the East | PA Turnpike: Take I-376 W toward Pittsburgh to the Grant Street Exit (71A). Turn left onto Fort Pitt Blvd, left onto the Smithfield Street Bridge, right onto E. Carson St., and right into Station Square.
  • From the West | PA Turnpike: Take I-376 E toward Pittsburgh. Take Exit 69C (US-19 N/PA-51 N) toward West End. Turn right onto W. Carson St., then left onto W. Station Square Drive.
  • From the North: Take I-79 S to I-279 S (Fort Duquesne Bridge). Follow signs for the West End/Carson Street and merge onto W. Carson St. Turn left onto W. Station Square Drive.
  • From the South: Take I-79 N to I-279 N (Fort Pitt Tunnel/Bridge). Use the right lanes to exit toward Station Square/W. Carson St.

Public Transportation:

  • From the Airport: Use the Pittsburgh Regional Transit 28X Airport Flyer. Exit at the W. Carson Street + Duquesne Incline stop. Walk ~14 minutes to Highmark Stadium.
  • Local Access: Guests can take the Light Rail (The T) to the Station Square Station, which is a short walk from the stadium entrance.

Helpful Resources:

Parking is available for $5 in the Station Square West Lot (adjacent to the stadium under the Fort Pitt Bridge). Additional parking is available at the Station Square Garage or the East Lot. Please note that Station Square Parking typically uses a pay-by-plate or attendant system; please allow extra time as parking will be at a premium.

At the Ceremony

Yes. Graduating students receive instructions on how to pick up guest tickets. Students receive up to 4 guest tickets, with 2 additional tickets available on a waitlist. Tickets can also be picked up at Will Call at Highmark Stadium starting at 3:00 p.m. the day of Commencement. Children who can sit on an adult's lap do not need a ticket.
The stadium gates open at 3:00 p.m. All guests should be seated by 3:45 p.m.
Graduating students should arrive between 3:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to begin lining up.

The ceremony will proceed as planned in the event of rain. However, in the case of extreme weather (e.g., lightning), the ceremony may be delayed or paused. Please check Chatham’s official social media channels for real-time updates on the day of the event.

Highmark Stadium enforces a Clear Bag Policy. Only clear bags (max 12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (max 4.5” x 6.5”) are permitted. Umbrellas are strictly prohibited inside the stadium to ensure visibility for all guests; in case of rain, please bring a poncho.
A sign language interpreter will be present. Highmark Stadium is ADA accessible with reserved seating areas and an elevator in the main building. An accessible drop-off point is located in the West Lot near the entrance. Please email commencement@chatham.edu with specific requests for accommodations.
Reserved seating is not available for the general public. It is open seating in the stands, so please plan to arrive early.
Graduates must wear full regalia. Underneath, please wear professional attire (dress shirt/pants, skirt, or dress). We strongly recommend comfortable footwear for the stadium field and parking lots.
The ceremony will last approximately two and a half hours.
Yes. A concession stand will be open for guest purchases. Please note the venue is cashless and accepts credit cards or mobile pay. Flowers for graduates will also be available for purchase.
Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed at chatham.edu/live.

After the Ceremony

A ceremony recording is available on YouTube and can be viewed by clicking here. 
Yes! After the ceremony, Chatham will create an online album where you can download professional photos. A link will be emailed to graduates.