Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration

Schedule announced for Penn State Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration Weekend

Class of 2020 graduates required to register by April 8 to attend the festivities April 29-May 1

A schedule and registration portal are now available for Penn State’s Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration Weekend that will take place April 29 to May 1. The weekend will feature commencement ceremonies on April 30 along with other activities to provide a special opportunity for the Class of 2020 and their parents, friends and families to celebrate in person, following the virtual ceremonies that first took place in 2020.

Members of the Class of 2020 who are planning to attend commencement celebrations and other scheduled events throughout the weekend are required to register by April 8. Additional information is provided below.

“I’m thrilled to be welcoming the Penn State Class of 2020 and their parents, families and friends to University Park for the in-person celebration of their academic achievements,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “To the class of 2020 — I am so proud of all that you accomplished as students at Penn State and I cannot wait to see you here on campus to celebrate you, your Penn State academic accomplishments and all that you have done now as Penn State alumni.”

This weekend of celebration is open to Penn State graduates from spring, summer and fall 2020, including undergraduates from all campuses (including World Campus) and Graduate School graduates from University Park, Behrend, Great Valley, Harrisburg and World Campus and their parents, friends and family members.

While these celebrations won’t be traditional commencement ceremonies, they will include pomp, circumstance, presidential remarks and recognition of the Class of 2020. Graduates in attendance will have their names announced while they cross the stage platform and may choose to wear regalia for their celebration, though it is not required.

“We are excited to welcome the Class of 2020 home to celebrate their achievements,” said Paul Clifford, ‘20g, chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. “These graduates are prepared to lead and change the world and they won’t make this journey alone. Our alumni family — more than 740,000 strong — is excited to celebrate with them and support them in whatever way we can.”

Schedule

The weekend’s commencement celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, April 30 in the Bryce Jordan Center at 9 a.m. and noon for those who earned undergraduate degrees (associate or bachelor’s) and at 4 p.m. for those who earned graduate (master’s or doctoral) degrees.

Registration

Registrations from 2020 graduates planning to attend are required by April 8 and may be completed online in the event registration portal. Upon accessing the registration portal, 2020 graduates may select any of the weekend’s events they would like to attend. Parents, friends and family members should not complete their own registration, but they should be added as guests on their 2020 graduate’s registration.

Undergraduate celebrations: Two commencement celebrations — one at 9 a.m. and one at noon — will be offered for graduates who earned an associate or bachelor’s degree. Graduates may choose to attend the ceremony that works better for their weekend schedule and should register their attendance in the event registration portal.
Graduate School celebration: A 4 p.m. celebration will be held for those 2020 graduates who earned a master’s or doctoral degree. Those planning to attend should register their attendance in the event registration portal.

Commencement celebrations

The following provides additional information:

Celebration length: Each celebration is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.
Attire: Graduates are welcome to wear traditional caps and gowns, but it is not required. Penn State or other blue and white gear is encouraged!
COVID-19 protocols: At this time, in accordance with University measures, masks are required to be worn indoors by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in attendance at commencement ceremonies and other indoor activities in campus buildings.
Livestreams: For graduates and guests who are not able to attend in person, but interested in watching any of the ceremonies, livestreaming will be available on the Commencement website. Please note that names will not be announced for Class of 2020 members who are not in attendance.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Celebration Weekend registration site.

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Dates and Times

Apr 30, 2022

Date

Apr 30, 2022

Schedule announced for Penn State Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration Weekend

Class of 2020 graduates required to register by April 8 to attend the festivities April 29-May 1

Schedule

Registration

Undergraduate celebrations: Two commencement celebrations — one at 9 a.m. and one at noon — will be offered for graduates who earned an associate or bachelor’s degree. Graduates may choose to attend the ceremony that works better for their weekend schedule and should register their attendance in the event registration portal.
Graduate School celebration: A 4 p.m. celebration will be held for those 2020 graduates who earned a master’s or doctoral degree. Those planning to attend should register their attendance in the event registration portal.

Commencement celebrations

The following provides additional information:

Celebration length: Each celebration is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.
Attire: Graduates are welcome to wear traditional caps and gowns, but it is not required. Penn State or other blue and white gear is encouraged!
COVID-19 protocols: At this time, in accordance with University measures, masks are required to be worn indoors by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in attendance at commencement ceremonies and other indoor activities in campus buildings.
Livestreams: For graduates and guests who are not able to attend in person, but interested in watching any of the ceremonies, livestreaming will be available on the Commencement website. Please note that names will not be announced for Class of 2020 members who are not in attendance.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Celebration Weekend registration site.

Read less

Commencement Schedule

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Things You Should Know

Bag Policy

In line with the best practices at major entertainment venues, the Bryce Jordan Center utilizes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates and restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the arena for all events.

Fans are encouraged to avoid bringing bags into the arena. This would include backpacks, purses, briefcases, duffle bags, coolers, etc.

PERMITTED BAGS AT THE BRYCE JORDAN CENTER:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 12” x 6”.
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 6.5” x 4.5".

An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection.

Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to arena entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items at the BJC.

All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment must enter the BJC at the media entrance to have each item inspected and tagged prior to entering the BJC.

Camera Policy

Flash photography, camera or recording equipment (including cameras with detachable lenses, any form of camera stand or audio/video recording devices, laptops or tablets) will be allowed. Please make sure any bags/cases/carriers adhere to our bag policy. Tripods set-up in the aisle, or where they could potentially block another guest's view, are strictly prohibited.

Parking Policy

Parking is provided and managed by Penn State Transportation Services. Parking Prices vary by event and lot location.

Allergen Warning

The Bryce Jordan Center now offers products containing NUTS that are not individually packaged. Products at this location may contain or come into contact with TREE NUTS or other allergens.

COVID-19

Persons visiting the Bryce Jordan Center are asked to follow all public health requirements to limit the potential for virus transmission, including:

Maintaining social distance
Washing hands thoroughly
Covering all coughs and sneezes

For more coronavirus information and resources, please visit www.virusinfo.psu.edu.

Your presence at this program, event, or activity indicates your agreement to adhere to all university policies, including health and safety policies such as masking if applicable, and your acknowledgment that you are voluntarily participating in this program, event, or activity. You further acknowledge the contagious nature of covid-19 and assume any and all risk of exposure to or infection by it or any variant thereof, including, without limitation, personal injury, illness, severe complications, permanent disability, and/or death.

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