Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Commencement Ceremony

10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Bryce Jordan Center

Graduates are to arrive at 9:00 a.m. to register.

For a complete schedule, please visit: http://www.commencement.psu.edu/future.html

Please read and keep these instructions. These will answer many questions that you may have concerning commencement and help to make conferral of your degree a memorable and joyous experience for you, your family and friends.

The University joins in your personal joy and satisfaction in achieving your academic goal--conferral of your degree. We want to make the commencement ceremony a memorable one for you and your guests, keeping with Penn State's proud academic heritage. If you have questions about whether you have met all degree requirements, please contact your dean's office.

Please arrive at 9:00 a.m. and bring the name card that you will receive in the mail approximately two weeks before commencement. Enter Gate B of the Jordan Center. Once in the building, enter the arena floor via Portal 15 and sit with your classmates. Graduates should be in their seats 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. It is not necessary to take seats by alphabetical arrangement.

At the appropriate time during the ceremony, your row of graduates will be directed to the stage. Bring your name card with you when you approach the stage for your name to be read. If your name tends to be mispronounced, please help the nomenclator by writing appropriate cues on the enclosed card (for example, Ryan Kufta "Koofta".)

The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes and include special remarks by the commencement speaker; the conferring of degrees; individual recognition of each graduate as he or she crosses the stage; and a welcome into the Alumni Association.

Academic regalia or the uniform of one of the armed forces is customary. Graduates receiving commissions in the armed forces will stand with their classmates when the academic degree is conferred, and also when receiving acknowledgment as a group. Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge.

Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State commencement ceremonies.

Due to the formality of this occasion, it is requested that men wear slacks, dress shirt with tie, or suit. For women, slacks with a blouse, or a dress is appropriate. Please wear dress shoes; flip flops are not recommended.

Graduates may pick up their caps and gowns and order their personalized announcements from the Penn State Bookstore. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for processing printed announcements. If you need assistance, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-863-3558 or 800-543-5659.

Graduates With Disabilities
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. It is very important that graduates notify the Office of University Relations 814-865-2501 by August 1 2008, if they anticipate needing any type of special accommodations. This information is available in alternative media on request.

Please Note
• Alcoholic beverages, including champagne, are prohibited. Persons coming to the ceremony with alcoholic beverages will be asked to surrender them to University commencement staff.

Parking Information
General parking will be available in the Stadium West, Jordan East and Orange E (near Shields Building) lots. There is no fee for parking. Graduates should enter Gate B of the Jordan Center. Once in the building, graduates should enter the arena floor via Portal 15. For directions to the Jordan Center, visit http://www.bjc.psu.edu/Directions/

Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed approximately six weeks after graduation to the graduate's home address or eLion diploma mailing address. For more information, visit http://www.registrar.psu.edu/

Guest Seating/Tickets
Seating for guests will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets are not required and there is no guest limit. Admittance into The Bryce Jordan Center will be permitted at 8:00 a.m.

If you have any questions regarding the ceremony, please contact the Office of University Relations at 814-865-2501 or visit http://www.commencement.psu.edu/

Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Commencement Ceremony

Summer Session 2008 Commencement

Information for Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Graduates