Commencement is a momentous occasion for students, loved ones and the University community. With the health and safety of students, their guests, and campus communities as the University’s top priority, Penn State has hosted virtual, livestream and in-person ceremonies over the course of the pandemic based on changing virus conditions and state guidelines and restrictions.
Class of 2020: In 2020, the University hosted virtual commencement ceremonies for members of the class of 2020 to mark the completion of their academic experience and to recognize their many accomplishments. Penn State has previously committed to an in-person, on-campus celebration for graduates, family and friends, and the University is currently planning for a special weekend in spring 2022 for members of the class of 2020 to return to campus to celebrate their commencement. As details are finalized, each campus will communicate specific plans for their campus.
Class of 2021: In spring 2021, Penn State hosted in-person commencement ceremonies to celebrate the members of the class of 2021. Ceremonies across Penn State’s campuses followed health and safety guidelines for masking and physical distancing, as well as state and federal guidelines for gatherings. Summer commencement ceremonies at University Park will take place on Saturday, Aug. 14.
For more information about commencement, including summer 2021 plans, check Penn State’s commencement website.
Commencement
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Yes. Graduates, friends and family members who are unable or prefer to not attend in person also can tune in to a livestream of the undergraduate and/or graduate ceremony on August 14. Please be sure your family and friends know the time of the ceremony you’re attending.
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To support the health and safety of the Penn State community — and in accordance with University measures — all graduating students and guests who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be required to wear masks while inside campus buildings during commencement weekend, including in the Bryce Jordan Center during commencement ceremonies.
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Graduates will be seated on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center, by college, and guests will be seated in the bowl seating that surrounds the floor. Seating in both areas will be on a first come, first served basis. ADA seating will be available; for more information about ADA accommodations, visit the University’s commencement website.
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To recognize the accomplishments of our graduating students this summer, Penn State is hosting in-person commencement ceremonies on August 14 in the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. A schedule of undergraduate and graduate ceremonies is available on Penn State’s commencement website. Both ceremonies also will be livestreamed for those who prefer to attend virtually.
University Park and World Campus undergraduate students and graduate students in the Graduate School have received an email with information on commencement ceremonies. For additional information, visit the University Park commencement website. If you have additional commencement-related questions, email graduation@psu.edu. -
Virtual ceremonies served as a first step in recognizing the academic achievements of members of the class of 2020 during this global pandemic. In partnership with the Penn State Alumni Association and in consultation with alumni representatives, the University is planning for a special weekend in spring 2022 to celebrate the members of the class of 2020. More information and a specific date will be forthcoming as the University continues to develop plans to welcome recent graduates and their families back to campuses next spring with a variety of activities and events. In addition, Commonwealth Campuses will communicate specific plans for their alumni.