Congratulations, Graduates!
You have achieved your academic goal—conferral of your degree.
Fall 2024 Commencement
Baccalaureate and Associate Degrees – University Park Campus
Time: Sunday, December 22, 2024 (see schedule for ceremony times)
Location: Bryce Jordan Center
Please Note: Graduates are asked to arrive one hour prior to their ceremony start time. Gates open 90 minutes prior to the ceremony
*The Graduate School ceremony details can be found at Advanced Degree Candidates
These instructions will answer many of the questions you might have concerning commencement and help to make the conferral of your degree a memorable and joyous experience for you, your family, and your friends. For future commencement ceremonies, please see the general schedule.
Arrival
Graduates should arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony and enter through Gates A, B, or C. Inside the building, enter the arena floor via Portal 15 (Gate B is closest to portal 15), and sit in your college’s section; alphabetical arrangement is not necessary. Be in your seat at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. At the appropriate time during the ceremony, you will be directed to the stage.
Academic Dress
Academic dress or the uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces is required in order to participate in graduation exercises. Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge. Students may order and purchase their caps and gowns from the Penn State Bookstore or our vendor Jostens directly. If you need assistance, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-863-0206.
Note: Schreyer Honors Medals and cords received through the University (academic distinction and/or military cords) are University recognized commencement attire. Additional ornamentation is not permitted.
Name Card
You will pick up your name card on-site at the ceremony. Carry your name card with you when you approach the stage; your name will be read as you cross.
Guests and Tickets
There are no ticket requirements or guest limitations for your Fall 2024 commencement ceremony. Guest limitations and ticket requirements are subject to change each semester based on the number of graduates for your college and venue capacity.
Academic Distinction Cords
Questions regarding academic distinction cords should be directed to your college as they oversee the distribution.
Military Recognition
All Penn State students who have met graduation requirements and have served on active duty, in the Reserve/National Guard, or who will be granted a commission through Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are eligible to receive a red, white and blue honor cord to wear with approved academic dress at commencement ceremonies. Students should contact the Office of Veterans Programs at veteran@psu.edu or 814-863-0465 to coordinate a pickup inside the Penn State Student Veteran Center. ROTC personnel may pick up their honor cord from their representative/office. Students who have not yet submitted the required proof of service to receive an honor cord should visit Priority Registration / Honor Cord for specific guidance.
Venue Bag Policies
Photos & Livestream
Guests are welcome to bring any hand-held photo and video device that can be used from their seats.
Commencement ceremonies are live streamed and available following commencement.
GradImages is our vendor for the platform-crossing and photo station photos from the commencement ceremonies at University Park. Inquiries may be directed to: ecc.giservice@gradimages.net, (800) 261-2576, or Grad Images.
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed by the Office of the University Registrar to the graduate’s home address or LionPATH diploma mailing address approximately four weeks after graduation. For more information, visit the University Registrar.
Transcripts
To order transcripts, visit the University Registrar.
World Campus
For more information about commencement call 814-863-5256 or email graduationcoordinator@worldcampus.psu.edu.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the commencement ceremony, you may contact graduation@psu.edu.