Commencement FAQs

Spring 2023 Commencement FAQ

What time do the ceremonies begin? The morning ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. and the afternoon ceremony starts at 1:00 p.m.
Can I switch ceremonies? No, graduates must attend the ceremony to which they’ve been assigned.
Is there a student rehearsal before the ceremonies? No. Students in the morning ceremony will report to the Athletic Building at 9:00 a.m. dressed in their caps and gowns. Students in the afternoon ceremony will report to the Athletic Building at noon dressed in their caps and gowns. Further instructions will be given to graduates upon arrival.
Where do students go to line up for the ceremony? Enter through the main entrance of the Athletic Building (doors near tennis courts) and go upstairs to the mezzanine. Graduates will be directed by staff members to for lineup on the mezzanine.
Where will the ceremony take place? The ceremony will take place in the Athletics Building. See the campus map.
Will the ceremonies be live-streamed? Yes. The ceremonies will be streamed on Penn State Abington's YouTube channel.
Are noisemakers, signs, or balloons permitted at the ceremony? No. These items are not permitted as they will block the view of other guests and disrupt the ceremony. If you arrive with these items, you will be asked to place them in your car.

How many guest tickets do graduates receive? Each graduate receives five guest tickets. No exceptions will be made. Tickets will be color-coded for each ceremony and are not interchangeable.
Do children need tickets? Yes. Children age 2 and older require a ticket.
Where can students pick up their tickets? Students can pick up their tickets at the Grad Fair on April 13 and 14 in Lubert Commons in the Lares Building. This is the ONLY opportunity to pick up tickets. No tickets will be distributed on the day of commencement.

Will ADA-accessible parking be available? ADA-accessible parking will be available close to the Athletics Building. Please complete this form to reserve ADA-accessible parking.
Will ADA-accessible seating be provided? Yes. When picking up tickets at the Grad Fair, please indicate if you or a guest require(s) ADA-accessible seating. Ushers will guide guests who need ADA-accessible seating to the designated area on the day of the ceremony.
Will you have sign language interpreters? Yes. American Sign Language interpreters will be situated in front of the stage for both ceremonies.

Will photos taken by a professional photographer be available for purchase? Some of the photos will be posted on our Facebook page. They are not available for purchase.
Can I get close to the stage and take a photo of my grad receiving his/her diploma? No, only the professional photographer is permitted in the ceremony area to take photos. Guests are welcome to take photos from their seat.