Penn State will host in-person commencement ceremonies in May to mark the class of 2021’s completion of their academic experience and to recognize their many accomplishments. Virtual and livestream options also will be available for students, friends and family members who are unable to attend or prefer to participate online.
With the health and safety of students, their guests and campus communities continuing to be the priority, this year’s ceremonies will look different and will follow all state and federal guidelines.
At University Park, ceremonies will take place in Beaver Stadium, rain or shine, during the originally scheduled commencement weekend from May 7 to 9. All undergraduate students at University Park and World Campus and graduate students in the Graduate School at University Park and World Campus who filed their intent to graduate in spring 2021 will receive information to attend the commencement ceremony for their assigned college.
There will be a limit of two guests per graduate to support physical distancing, seating accommodations and stage placement. Tickets will be required for all graduates and guests attending ceremonies in Beaver Stadium, and graduates will be required to register for the tickets. As part of a two-step process for ticket registration, later this month, graduates will receive an email from MarchingOrder via [email protected] to RSVP to attend the in-person ceremony. In April, graduates who RSVP’d will receive an email from [email protected] to secure tickets for themselves and their guests (students will not be able to change their guests once registered). Both steps must be followed in order to receive tickets. Seating will be arranged in pods of three — the graduate and up to two guests.
University Park’s celebrations will include the conferral of degrees, speakers and induction into the Penn State Alumni Association. To adjust for protocols that protect the health and safety of students, guests and employees in attendance, graduates will not be called upon to walk across the stage. However, each graduate's name, degree and major will be featured on a video board during the ceremony.
Ceremonies at Beaver Stadium will be livestreamed so graduates, friends and loved ones who are unable to attend may watch the ceremony that their graduate attends. In the event of severe weather, outdoor ceremonies will be canceled and will not be rescheduled. Graduates and guests should check the University’s commencement website for updates in the event of severe weather.
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