Commencement

Vince Sadusky ('87), CEO of Univision

• Spring 2020 — Speakers, Student Names
• Spring 2020 — Program
   
• Commencement programs, diplomas and academic and military honor cords will be mailed once public health restrictions, which have prompted work-related limitations for the University, are lifted. Details about diplomas can be found here: http://www.registrar.psu.edu/graduation/diplomas.cfm

Future Undergraduate Commencement Dates

• Summer 2020 (10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 / Bryce Jordan Center)
• Fall 2020 (12:20 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 / Bryce Jordan Center)

INFO FOR STUDENTS

Attire: Academic dress or the uniform 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 cap and gown from the Penn State Bookstore. if you need assistance, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-863-0206. Due to the formality of this occasion and safety concerns regarding walking on the steps and stage, please wear appropriate footwear; flip flops, clogs and loose fitting shoes are not recommended. In addition, it is requested that men wear slacks and a dress shirt with tie. For women, slacks with a blouse or a dress is appropriate. Please note: Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies. Thank you for your cooperation. 
http://www.commencement.psu.edu/students/

Instructions: Instructions for baccalaureate degree candidates are included in information packets emailed to students who have declared their intent to graduate.

Student Seating: Graduates can sit anywhere within their designated major section. Seating charts can be found at the back of your program upon arrival at the ceremony venue.

Etiquette: It is the expectation that all students will remain on the floor until the conclusion of the ceremony. Early departures are disruptive to other graduates and their families. Remaining to share equally in every graduate’s moment says much about who we are as a community of Penn Staters, and is a true demonstration of “WE ARE…PENN STATE.”

Graduates with Disabilities: Penn State encourages graduates and guests with disabilities to fully participate in commencement programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, notify the Bellisario College Advising Office at (814) 865-1503 at least two weeks prior to commencement. Information about commencement is available in alternative media on request.

INFO FOR FAMILIES AND GUESTS

Parking and Seating for Guests with Disabilities: ADA parking for the Bellisario College commencement ceremony and reception will be available at the section of Lot Yellow H at Shields Building, which is located on Curtin Road next to Pegula Ice Arena and across the street from the Bryce Jordan Center.

Guests with disabilities should arrive an hour early to avoid the last-minute rush. The ADA requires that companion seating be provided immediately adjacent to an accessible seat. However, due to space limitations, only one person may accompany the guest with disability in the accessible seating area. The chairs in the accessible seating area are plastic, and are armless portable chairs to allow movement for wheelchairs.

Other family members may sit in the regular seating located throughout the arena.

PARKING INFO

Parking Map & Traffic Advisory

Bellisario College of Communications graduates, families, and guests are encouraged to park in the
East Parking Deck, located on Bigler Road, just south of Park Avenue. Leaving from this location will
allow attendees to avoid congestion near the Jordan Center from other incoming commencement
attendees.

Commencement parking for all ceremonies will be available at no charge, courtesy of Penn State
Transportation Services. If there are any questions, please contact the University Parking Office by
phone (814-865-1436) or by email (parking@psu.edu).

LOCAL INFO / LODGING

For a complete listing of overnight accommodations for commencement, area restaurants, and
driving directions and maps, please contact the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors
Bureau for assistance. The Bureau does not take reservations, but will provide information. Please
visit www.visitpennstate.org, or call 800-358-5466 or 814-231-1400.

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

FAQs

• Where do students purchase caps, gowns, announcements and related commencement items?
  The Penn State Bookstore
• What if a student forgets to purchase a cap and gown?
  The Bookstore is open all weekend during commencement for last-minute caps and gowns.
• Do those who attend need tickets?
  No, tickets are not required for the ceremony.
• Is there a rececption before the ceremony?
  Yes, information will be provided for students and their families to RSVP in late April.
• How do students confirm they have met all the requirements for graduation?
  Students may run a degree audit or visit the advising office in 204 Carnegie Building to schedule an appoinment or make a drop-in visit, which are available weekday mornings.
• What time do students need to be at the Bryce Jordan Center?
  Graudates are asked to be at the BJC an hour before the ceremony and to REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR NAME CARDS
• When do students get their diplomas?
  They will be mailed, at no cost, to all graduates who have satisfied all University, College and major requirements approximately four weeks after the cermony.