Commencement - Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Congratulations Graduates!
What you need to know
Attending Commencement does not guarantee graduation. The Commencement Ceremony is a symbolic way to celebrate the completion of your academic career at Penn State, however graduation is a separate records process which takes place after the commencement ceremony.
Important Venue Information
In line with best practices at event venues, Eisenhower Auditorium will be utilizing walk-through metal detectors for commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 6, 2023. If you exit the facility at any time during the ceremony or prior to the ceremony, you will need to reenter via the metal detectors.
Please be sure to limit the size of your bag, and we ask that you only bring one bag to the ceremony. An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into one bag, after proper inspection. Backpacks are not allowed in the venue.
All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment must enter the front entrance to have each item inspected prior to entering the building.
Arrival and entrance for friends and families
All guests will enter through the front doors of Eisenhower Auditorium. Guests who require assistance or accommodations should seek out a Guest Services Representative or visit the Guest Services Kiosk to the right side of the lobby. You’re encouraged to arrive early.
Before the ceremony
Apply for graduation
The university needs to know you intend to complete your degree/graduate, and attend commencement activities. So students are asked to apply for graduate at the very beginning of their final semester in Lionpath. If you plan to graduate, and have not applied, talk to your academic adviser as soon as possible – they can help check that you’re ready to complete your degree and help you submit your application.
Check your grades
Final grades are due in the Spring semester after Commencement. Be aware of how the grades you will receive will affect your progress towards completing your degree. You cannot graduate with deferred or otherwise incomplete grades, so take the time to talk with your professors about a plan to resolve any issues before commencement.
Watch for commencement related information from both the University and the College
Beginning in mid to late March keep an eye on your PSU email for commencement related correspondence. There will be a few tasks you need to complete to prepare for the ceremony before the end of the semester.
Order your cap and gown or verify the appropriate academic dress for military commissions
Academic dress (cap and gown) or the uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces is expected at commencement.
Students may order and purchase their caps and gowns from the Penn State Bookstore the website: Regalia | Penn State Official Bookstore. If you need assistance, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-863-3589 or 863-2512
- Bachelor’s regalia is approximately $57.00
- Bachelor’s regalia with announcement is approximately $69.50
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.
Visit the Academic Affairs Office (104 Borland) to complete your Senior Survey
What are your plans after graduation? Will you enter the job market, travel, continue your education…A&A wants to know! During finals week, stop in to 104 Borland and take a short online survey. While here, you can pick-up your name card as well as any academic honor cords for commencement, receive a small gift from the Penn State Alumni Association and enter your name in a drawing for a $50 gift card. Keep an eye on your Penn State email for more specific information about when the surveys will be available.
Commencement 2023
FAQs
Do I have to attend Commencement in order to graduate?
- 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.
How long is the Commencement Ceremony?
- Ceremony is approximately 90 minutes in duration.
Do I need to purchase tickets for my family to attend the commencement ceremony
- No tickets are required for guests of Arts & Architecture graduates. Seating is first come first served.
- Check with Eisenhower auditorium for ADA accessible seating areas
Is there a limit to the number of guests who can join me at commencement?
- There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can bring with them to the ceremony.
When will the Senior Survey be available?
- 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.
I have not heard anything yet from the University of the College about Commencement
- 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 Spring, please reach out to your academic adviser as soon as possible so you can be added to the graduation list.
Will programs be available at commencement for our guests?
- 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.
Is it possible for me to attend commencement one semester and graduate in another?
- 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.