Celebrating CIM's 2026 Graduating Class

 

The Cleveland Institute of Music's 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 16, with Leonard Slatkin delivering the commencement address. Honors Convocation will be held the day before, on Friday, May 15 to celebrate our students' many accomplishments. Commencement weekend will be a live, in-person celebration, but families are also welcome to tune in on the livestreams of both events. Click on the event below to access the livestream link and program. 

COMMENCEMENT 2026 FAQs

  • CAPS AND GOWNS: May be picked up in the Mail Room beginning May 1, 2026.  Please iron your robe and hang it on a hanger for 24 hours prior to Commencement to eliminate wrinkles. Master of Music, Professional Studies and Artist Diploma students will wear hoods during the ceremony.  

  • HONORS CONVOCATION: Friday, May 15, 2026; 10:00am in Mixon Hall

    Honors Convocation is the event at which all annual prizes will be awarded. All students are encouraged to attend. Prize winners will be notified in advance by the Dean’s Office and invited to attend in person.

  • COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL:  Thursday, May 14, 2026; 2:00pm in Gartner Auditorium 

    Everyone should be there! If you are unable to attend the rehearsal and expect to participate in the ceremony, please email registrarweb@cim.edu to let us know. 

  • COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY: Saturday, May 16, 2026; 11:00am in Gartner Auditorium.

    All participating students must check in at 10:15 am in the lower level 

  • PARKING: The gates at CIM will be open if you would like to walk over. Otherwise, paid parking is available in the garage at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
  • Please return your cap, gown and hood to Pogue Lobby immediately following the ceremony.  If you do not return the cap, gown, and hood you will be charged the rental fee. 
  • DIPLOMAS: The folder you receive at commencement will not contain your diploma. All diplomas will be handed out in Pogue Lobby following the ceremony once you return your cap and gown and we confirm that you don’t have any holds on your account. 
  • TICKETS: RSVPs for commencement are due May 8 by 3pm. Please email boxoffice@cim.edu with any questions, or if you want to request additional tickets.