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.

Fall 2024 Graduation, Baccalaureate Degree Ceremony

Sunday, December 22, 2024, 1:00 pm Bryce Jordan Center

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

Bryce Jordan Center

Address: 720 Curtin Rd, State College, PA 16801

NOTE: The Bryce Jordan Center has a clear bag policy >>

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

Please find parking information at the following websites:
PSU Commencement fall 2024

Map of BJC Parking (ADA parking is marked in light blue)

All four gates of the BJC are ADA accessible.

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 Julianne Mortimore, jrm62@psu.edu, if you have any questions.

Nomenclator (Name) Cards

Penn State is utilizing MarchingOrder to create nomenclator (name) cards. Before commencement day, each student will receive an email instructing them to review their name and major on the MarchingOrder website. After review, a QR code (name card) will be prepared for the student. The name cards will be distributed at the Bryce Jordan Center prior to the ceremony. 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.

More information about name card distrubition will come soon.

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

Entrance to the Bryce Jordan Center for families and guests will open at 11:30 a.m. Entrance to the arena seating areas will be available at this time (NO EARLIER) . Students are asked to arrive one hour before the ceremony at 12:00 p.m.; Students must be seated on the arena floor by 12:30 p.m.

Commencement Livestream, Graduates, and Programs

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.

In This Section