Homepage 2024

Bag Policy

Bags, backpacks and purses will not be permitted inside the Arena. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7” and medical bags and parenting bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6" will be permitted.  All bags permitted are subject to security screening.  If you are bringing a medical or parenting bag, please use the Capital One Cardholder Entrance on the corner of 6th and F Street.

Arena Policy

Tickets

The University hopes the change in venue will allow the Class of 2024 – which is among our largest graduating classes – to celebrate this momentous occasion with even more of their loved ones at the Commencement Convocation on May 11.

Tickets & Regalia

Important Information

Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at Capital One Arena, located at 601 F Street, NW Washington, D.C. We look forward to seeing you there!

Graduates are expected to arrive by 7 a.m. to line up for the processional. 

Arena doors will open to all guests at 7:30 a.m. The processional will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, please see the For Graduates page. If you are attending as a guest, please see the Attendee Information page.

Commencement Oratrix

Thasunda Brown Duckett will serve as the commencement orator during the 156th commencement ceremony at the Capital One Arena at 10 a.m. on May 11, 2024.

She is the president and chief executive officer of TIAA, a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions for millions of people and thousands of institutions.

 

Learn More about Thasunda Brown Duckett

2024 Honorary Degree Recipients

The Howard University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the list of recipients who will receive honorary doctorate degrees from the University in 2024.

See the list of 2024 honorary degree recipients