Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Commencement Ceremony

Fall Semester 2009 Commencement

Information for Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Graduates

The Bryce Jordan Center

9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 19, 2009

Please read and keep these instructions which will answer many questions that you may have concerning commencement.

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 an enjoyable 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.

Graduates are to arrive at the designated times below and are to bring your name card that you will receive in November via U.S. mail. Reserved seat tickets will not be needed for guests, but older persons should arrive early to avoid the last-minute rush. Enter Gate B of the Jordan Center. Once in the building, enter the arena floor via Portal 15 and sit with your college 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. A seating chart will be available in November.

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, 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.

Graduates of the following colleges are to be at The Bryce Jordan Center no later than 8:15 a.m. to register for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony:

• College of Agricultural Sciences
• Smeal College of Business
• College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• College of Engineering
• College of Information Sciences and Technology

9:00 a.m. Seating Chart

Graduates of the following colleges are to be at The Bryce Jordan Center no later than 11:45 a.m. to register for the 12:30 p.m. ceremony:

• College of Arts and Architecture
• Associate Degrees
• College of Communications
• College of Education
• College of Health and Human Development
• College of the Liberal Artsœ†
• School of Nursing
• Eberly College of Science

12:30 p.m. Seating Chart

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 purchase their caps, gowns and personalized announcements by ordering them from the Penn State Bookstore at your earliest convenience.  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 their college commencement coordinator by Tuesday, December 1 if they anticipate needing any type of special accommodations.  This information is available in alternative media on request.

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. For directions to the Jordan Center, visit http://www.bjc.psu.edu/Directions/.

Guests with Disabilities Parking

Guests with disabilities are to park in Orange L (the Founders Room lot). Special parking permits are not required to use this lot. Guests will then enter the Jordan Center at the Founders Room entrance. Special seating is available, but is limited to the guest with a disability and one other person unless space permits for more seating.  There is no fee for parking. For more detailed parking information, please visit the Guest Seating tab in this web site.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be mailed approximately four to 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 one hour before each ceremony.

Transcripts

To order transcripts, please visit http://www.register.psu.edu/

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