Commencement

All University Park commencement locations utilize walk-through metal detectors at entrances and there are restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the venue for commencement.

Permitted Bags at Commencement Venues

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5”x 6.5” x 1".

Each guest is permitted one bag. No backpacks allowed. All bags will be inspected and tagged. Guests will be asked to return non-approved or excess bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to venue entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items. An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection.

All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment will be checked prior to entry (at the walk-through metal detectors).

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Information about commencement is available in alternative media on request.

Parking: For an ADA access map of campus, visit the ADA Access Interactive Map. Parking in these lots is available upon a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow extra time for traffic and parking. A valid, state-issued ADA placard or license plate is required for ADA parking.

Seating: ADA seating will be available in each venue.

If you or your guests anticipate needing any type of accommodation not mentioned above or have questions about the physical access provided for Commencement, please contact the Office of Campus and Community Events at graduation@psu.edu. Accommodation arrangements should be made at least 2 weeks before commencement to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Candidates for the baccalaureate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge.

Important notes about appropriate dress:

• Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies.
• Gowns should be worn closed.
• Wearing the Schreyer Honors College medal is welcomed.
• Due to the formality of this occasion and safety concerns regarding walking on the steps and stage, please wear appropriate footwear; flip flops, clogs or other loose-fitting shoes are not recommended.

• Commencement and Graduation are not mutually exclusive. Commencement is the symbolic ceremonial conclusion of your academic career as an Undergrad at Penn State. Graduation is an academic records process which takes place after commencement. A student can be graduated (degree conferred, and diploma mailed) without attending commencement, and likewise, someone who attends commencement can potentially not graduate.

• Ceremony is approximately 90 minutes in duration.

• No tickets are required for guests of Arts & Architecture graduates. Seating is first come first served.
• Check with respective Penn State venues for ADA accessible seating areas.

• There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can bring with them to the ceremony.

• At this time, the dates for the senior survey have not been confirmed, however is you are engaged in student teaching, study abroad or otherwise unable to stop by in person to fill out your survey and receive your distinction cords and name card, please request yours via email to AAundergrad@psu.edu.

• Students who have applied for graduation should expect to start seeing information from both the University and the College hit their Penn State email in late March / early April
• If you have not applied to graduate, the College won’t know to contact you. If you intend to graduate in a given semester, please reach out to your academic adviser as early as possible in that semester so you can be added to the graduation list.

• Penn State has done away with the practice of printing programs for its commencement events. However, there will be programs available online at commencement.psu.edu for each of the colleges after the ceremonies.

• Students who are within 8 credits of completing their degree can apply for permission by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Outreach to ‘walk’ in a commencement ceremony during a semester that differs from when they’ll complete their remaining credits.
• If you’d like to walk in a commencement ceremony, reach out to your academic adviser as soon as possible. They can verify your remaining credits and help you apply.