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 2025 Graduation, Baccalaureate Degree Ceremony

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 1:00 pm Pegula Ice Arena

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

For questions about the EMS Commencement, contact the Ryan Family Student Center at 814-863-2751 or studentcenter@ems.psu.edu

Location

Pegula Ice Arena

Address: 250 University Drive, State College, PA 16802

In adherence to best practices at major entertainment venues, walk-through metal detectors are in use at all entry gates, and there are restrictions on the size and type of bag permitted into the arena for all ceremonies.

Bag Policy: Please review Pegula's Bag Policy. In addition to the bag policy, Pegula Ice Arena prohibits signs and helium balloons inside the facility.

Masking

Please note that, due to always changeing 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 is free. Please refer to the parking map for guest parking and ADA lot locations.

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 the Ryan Family Student Center at studentcenter@ems.psu.edu if you have any questions.

Nomenclator Cards

Penn State is utilizing Tassel to create nomenclator (name) cards. Before commencement day, each student will receive an email instructing them to review their name and major on the Tassel website. After review, a QR code (name card) will be prepared for the student. The name cards will be distributed at the Ryan Family Student Center the week before commencement. The card will be scanned as the student approaches the stage. Each student’s name will be announced, and a digital slide, including name and major, will be displayed on a monitor as they cross the stage. Students must have their name card at the commencement ceremony.

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 your caps and gowns from the Penn State Bookstore at your earliest convenience. If you need assistance, contact the bookstore at (814) 863-0205 or visit their website.

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

Entrance to the Pegula Ice Arena for families and guests will open at 11:30 am through Gate A. Students are asked to arrive one hour before the ceremony at 12:00 pm through Gate C. Students must be seated on the arena floor by 12:30 p.m.

The Commencement Ceremony

To view commencement Livestream, program, and graduates, please visit https://commencement.psu.edu/

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.

Future Commencement Ceremonies

Summer 2025
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: The Bryce Jordan Center

Fall 2025
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Bryce Jordan Center

Fall 2025 graduates and families are encouraged to book accommodations for the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony as soon as possible.

Post Graduation Survey

Spring 2025 Post Graduation Survey

We want to know more about your plans as you begin life after Penn State. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey (takes about 5 minutes to complete) to let us know if you are entering the job market, continuing your education, or something else. By answering these questions, you will help enhance the experiences of current and future Penn Staters. If you have already participated in this survey and your status has changed (e.g., you are no longer seeking full-time employment), please complete the survey again so that your status is up-to-date.

If the link above does not work, please copy and paste the following URL into your internet browser https://bit.ly/SP25PostGrad

We will include your responses with those from hundreds of other classmates in a final report, and your personal information will never be made available publicly. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 814-865-2377 or email AskCS@psu.edu.

Thank you for your assistance and best wishes in all of your future endeavors.