Commencement FAQs
At the Ceremony
Yes, graduating students have either already received their requested guest tickets, or they can pick them up at Will Call in the second floor Lobby of the Convention Center. Children who can sit on another’s lap do not need a ticket to attend.
The Commencement ceremony will take place in Halls B and C, located on the second floor of the venue.
A sign language interpreter will be present for anyone needing this service.
Also, the Convention Center has a limited number of wheelchairs available, and there are limited spaces for wheelchairs. All accommodations for wheelchair/special seating must be made in advance by emailing commencement@chatham.edu. No wheelchairs are permitted in the aisle where the students will process.
Reserved seating is not available. It is open seating, so please plan on arriving early.
Getting to the Ceremony
Use Google Maps or MapQuest to David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
From the Airport:
Take I-376 E (towards Pittsburgh) through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and across the Fort Pitt Bridge. Take Ft. Duquesne Boulevard Exit 6C. Follow signs to Convention Center/Strip District on 10th Street Bypass. The Convention Center will be located on the right.
From the East | PA Turnpike:
I-76 W (PA Turnpike) to Exit 57 Pittsburgh. Take I-376 W to Exit 72B Boulevard of the Allies. Take I-579 N to Seventh Avenue/Convention Center Exit. Take Seventh Avenue. Turn right onto William Penn Way. William Penn Way becomes 10th Street. The Convention Center will be straight ahead.
From the West | PA Turnpike:
I-76 E (PA Turnpike) to Exit 28 Cranberry. Follow signs to I-79 S to I-279 S across Ft. Duquesne Bridge to 10th Street Bypass. The Convention Center will be located on the right.
From the North:
I-79 S to I-279 S across Ft. Duquesne Bridge to 10th Street Bypass. The Convention Center will be located on the right.
From the South:
I-79 N to Exit 59A Pittsburgh to I-279 N through Ft. Pitt Tunnel and across the Ft. Pitt Bridge. Take Ft. Duquesne Blvd Exit 6C. Follow sign to Convention Center/Strip District on 10th Street Bypass. The Convention Center will be located on the right.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Information
From Pittsburgh International Airport, consider using the 28X Airport Flyer, operated by PRT, located on the lower level of the airport’s landside building, Door #6.
Taxi Info
Flight Info
A 700-car parking garage with an 7'8" clearance is available at the Convention Center. The entrance is located on 10th Street. For more information, please visit Alco Parking Corporation. Elevators from the Convention Center garage on 10th Street will take you up to the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom area on the third floor.
Please be aware there will be other events taking place at the Convention Center on this day, and parking will be at a premium. If necessary, you may also visit ParkPGH.org for real time parking availability in the downtown area.