Spring 2025 Commencement FAQ

Ceremony

  • Where will the ceremony take place? The ceremony will take place in the Athletic Building. See the campus map
  • What time do the doors open for guests? The morning ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m., doors open to guests with a ticket at 9:00 a.m. The afternoon ceremony starts at 2:00 p.m. and doors open to guests with a ticket at 1:00 p.m.
  • Is there a student rehearsal before the ceremony? 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 1:00 p.m. 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? Graduates should 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.  
  • Will the ceremony be live-streamed? Yes. The ceremony 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 return them to your car.  

    Tickets  

  • How many guest tickets do graduates receive? Each graduate receives four guest tickets. No exceptions will be made. Tickets will be color-coded for the 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 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.  

    Parking  

    See campus map 

    Accessibility  

     

  • Will ADA-accessible parking be available? Yes, ADA-accessible parking will be available close to the Athletics Building. See the campus map for ADA 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.

    Photography  

     

  • Will photos taken by a professional photographer be available for purchase? Yes.
    • GradImages® is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime. Finding your graduate’s photos after the ceremony is easy. Visit www.GradImages.com to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.
      You can also pre-register your contact information using the link below. Upon completion, you will receive a coupon code for 20% off an order of $50 or more.
      https://www.gradimages.com/Registration
      If have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email [email protected]. We have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.
  • Can I get close to the stage and take a photo of my grad receiving his/her diploma? No, for safety reasons only the professional photographer is permitted in the ceremony area to take photos. Guests are welcome to take photos from their seat.
  • Candid photos will be posted on our Facebook page from our photographer afterward.