Graduation & Commencement

Congratulations! Graduating from college is a major milestone and we look forward to recognizing the achievements of our graduating seniors; we are delighted to welcome friends and family to campus for this exciting event. Be sure to review our instructions and Penn State's Commencement policies below so you and your family can enjoy this memorable time.

SPRING 2023 Graduation, Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Ceremony

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 1:00 P.M., Pegula Ice Arena

Visit Penn State's Commencement website for general commencement information, accommodations for guests with disabilities, speakers, diplomas, transcripts, and other information.

For questions about the EMS Commencement, contact Heather Kimble at 814-863-4024 or hmo106@psu.edu.

Location

Pegula Ice Arena

Address: 250 University Dr, State College, PA 16802

PEGULA ICE ARENA BAG POLICY

Guests are not permitted to bring backpacks, briefcases, or duffle bags of any size into the arena.

Bags and purses smaller than 8.5” x 11” x 6” are permitted and are subject to search upon entrance

Umbrellas are permitted.

Masking

Please note that, due to rapidly evolving COVID-19 conditions, the University reserves the right to amend any requirements, including masking, based on COVID-19 conditions.

Guests and Tickets

There is open, free seating for guests of the graduates. The suggested limit of guests per graduate is twelve. Tickets are not required.

Parking

Parking Information

Pegula Ice Arena Parking Map

Guests are urged to park at East Deck; however, parking is available at East Deck, Jordan East and Stadium West. ADA Parking is available at Yellow H Shields, located north of Pegula Ice Arena and accessible from Curtain Road via University Drive or Bigler Road.

Accessibility

Accommodations are available for guests and graduates with disabilities. ADA Parking and Disability Seating are available. Although reservations are not required, early arrival is recommended.

Please contact Heather Kimble, at hmo106@psu.edu, if you have any questions.

Nomenclator (Name) Cards

Details to be announced.

Attire: What to Wear

Academic dress (dress shoes; no flip-flops) or the uniform of one of the armed forces is required. Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge. You must wear regalia to participate.

You may purchase and pick up caps and gowns from the Penn State Bookstore at your earliest convenience. If you need assistance, contact the bookstore at 814-863-3589 or visit their website to download an order form.

Please 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.

Arrival

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Students will enter GATE C. Families and guests will be invited to enter GATE A. Students MUST be in their seats and on the arena floor by 12:30 p.m.

There is no list for ADA guest seating; there should be ample room, but early arrival for ADA guests is advised. Please note that there is one single companion seat for each ADA-accessible seat. The remaining family members may find their seats in the general arena seating.

The Commencement Ceremony

Please visit https://www.commencement.psu.edu/students/. The ceremony will conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Hotels and Lodging

For a listing of overnight accommodations, restaurants, maps, etc., contact the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau by calling 800-358-5466 or 814-231-1400. Please note the bureau does not take reservations.

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