Penn State Spring Commencement 2026
These commencement ceremonies are for University Park and World Campus undergraduate students and graduate students in the Graduate School that are held in the Bryce Jordan Center. For commencement ceremonies not found on this page, please view the full schedule. For commencement ceremonies located at one of our other campuses, please see the instructions for your campus.
read moreDates and Times
Dates and Times
These commencement ceremonies are for University Park and World Campus undergraduate students and graduate students in the Graduate School that are held in the Bryce Jordan Center. For commencement ceremonies not found on this page, please view the full schedule. For commencement ceremonies located at one of our other campuses, please see the instructions for your campus.
read moreCommencement Schedule
Friday, May 8, 2026
- 4:00 PM: Schreyer Honors College Medals Ceremony
- 7:00 PM: College of Engineering - Undergraduate Candidates (Click for Tickets)
*Gates open 90 minutes before ceremony starts
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- 9:00 AM: Smeal College of Business - Undergraduate Candidates (Click for Tickets)
- 1:30 PM: Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications - Undergraduate Candidates
- 5:00 PM: College of the Liberal Arts - Undergraduate Candidates
*Gates open 90 minutes before ceremony starts
Sunday, May 10, 2026
- 9:00 AM: College of Health and Human Development - Undergraduate Candidates
- 1:30 PM: Eberly College of Science - Undergraduate Candidates
- 5:00 PM: J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School - Master's Candidates
*Gates open 90 minutes before ceremony starts
Visit commencement.psu.edu for programs, livestreams and more!
Important Traffic Update
Please allow extra travel time if you are traveling to Penn State Commencement at University Park ( May 8-10, 2026)
Two roadway closures may impact your route, please see below for more information.
INNOVATION PARK / PENN STATE UNIVERSITY EXIT IS CLOSED
If you are traveling to Penn State Commencement at University Park (May 8-10, 2026) via Route 322 westbound, please allow extra travel time. The Innovation Park/Penn State University exit on Route 322 westbound is currently closed.Detour: Drivers traveling westbound on Route 322 should continue past the closed exit and merge onto I‑99 southbound. Take Exit 71 (Woodycrest–Toftrees), follow Waddle Road to the on-ramp for I‑99 northbound, then merge onto I‑99 northbound and follow it back to Route 322 eastbound, where you may take the Innovation Park/Penn State University exit.
I‑80 WESTBOUND EXIT 161 (BELLEFONTE) IS CLOSED
If you are traveling via I‑80 westbound, the Bellefonte exit (Exit 161) is currently closed.
Detour: Drivers traveling westbound on I‑80 should continue past the closed exit and take Exit 158 (Milesburg). After exiting at Milesburg, merge onto I‑80 eastbound and take Exit 161 (Bellefonte) to access I‑99 southbound.
Policies and Procedures
For guest support, Guest Relations is located inside Gate B and can assist with accessible seating, mobility needs, and access to nursing mothers and sensory spaces. Outside food and drink, all alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, weapons of any kind, illegal substances are strictly prohibited from the Bryce Jordan Center.
Additional policies are detailed below:
Accessibility
- You can find information on ADA Parking in "Parking" below and also view a map to help plan your arrival to the Bryce Jordan Center.
- To ensure the safety of all guests and to assist with traffic flow between each ceremony, guest drop-off in drive lanes is prohibited, and those with mobility issues may be dropped off in the ADA-reserved parking areas – we suggest using Lot Orange L located between the Bryce Jordan Center and Jordan East (accessible from Dauer Drive via University Drive).
- Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but we have held specific areas to accommodate your request.
- Guests who need Wheelchair Accessible seats will need to visit our Guest Services booth (located at Gate B) for access to best available seating.
- Guests with Limited Mobility seating can find their seats at the top row of sections 103-107 and the top row of sections 121-125.
- Guests with Sight/Hearing seating can find their seats at the bottom row of sections 104 and 124.
- If you need further assistance, please stop by our Guest Services booth, located at Gate B.
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.
Bag Policy
PERMITTED BAGS AT THE BRYCE JORDAN CENTER:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” x 1".
NOT PERMITTED
- Any clear bag larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
- Backpacks
- Diaper Bags
- Messenger Bags
- Roll Bags
- Binocular Cases
- Duffle Bags
- Coolers
- Balloons, Noise Makers, Large Posters/Fatheads that may block the view or interfere with the experience of another guest are NOT permitted.
- Tripods set-up in the aisle, or where they could potentially block another guest's view, are strictly prohibited.
EXCEPTIONS FOR COMMENCEMENT
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection.
- Flash photography, cameras 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.
- Flowers will be permitted.
- Empty, refillable water bottles will be permitted.
- Strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility assistance items will be permitted.
- Please note that anything that does not fit within the space of your seat, will need to remain on the concourse. The Bryce Jordan Center does not provide a secure location for these items.
- Umbrellas will be permitted.
Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items including empty, refillable water bottles 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.
Limit one bag per guest.
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.
Charging Stations
Charging stations are available inside all gates.
Food & Drink
A variety of food and beverage options will be available throughout the venue all weekend. Several concession stands will be open, including:
- Fast Break (Portal 25)
- Pick & Roll (Portal 14)
- Centre Court (Portals 5-6)
- Featuring coffee service and expanded breakfast offerings until 10:00 AM, including sandwiches, muffins, fruit, and grab-and-go items, before transitioning to lunch and dinner service.
- Coffee Shop (Portal 8)
- Featuring Penn State Bakery Commencement themed items including cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and tins.
You’ll also find favorites like Auntie Anne’s (Portal 2), Nuts 4 You (Portals 9 & 20), and the Penn State Creamery (Portals 3 & 20).
- Gluten-free options (hot and cold) will be available at Pick & Roll (Portal 14).
- You can view full concession menus HERE.
- Please note that menu items may vary and are subject to availability.
Live Stream
Visit commencement.psu.edu for programs, livestreams and more!
Mobile Ticketing
How do I access my mobile ticket?
- Using your mobile device, go to BJC Account Manager Powered by Ticketmaster.
- Login to your BJC Account Manager account and locate the order with your ticket(s).
- Tap and show your ticket(s) upon entry. Your phone will be scanned for entry and you're in!
Parking
General parking for Penn State Spring Commencement ceremonies will be available in several lots near the venue, as directed by University Police and event parking staff:
- Jordan East – Located east of the BJC, accessible from Porter Road (via Park Avenue or College Avenue) and Dauer Drive (via University Drive)
- Stadium West – Located west of Beaver Stadium, accessible only from Park Avenue
- Porter North – Located north of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, accessible from Porter Road (via Park Avenue or College Avenue)
ADA parking will be available in designated sections of Jordan East and Stadium West:
- Near Gate B of the Bryce Jordan Center, across from the Penn State All-Sports Museum (Porter & Curtin Roads)
- Orange L lot between the Bryce Jordan Center and Jordan East (via Dauer Drive)
- Southernmost row of Stadium West along Curtin Road
To support safety and traffic flow, drop-off and pickup in drive lanes is prohibited. Guests with mobility needs may be dropped off in the ADA-reserved areas, which are located close to venue entrances. A valid state-issued ADA placard is required to park in these areas.
Please note that Curtin Road will be closed to vehicle traffic between University Drive and Jordan East during most ceremonies to ensure safe pedestrian access.
For a visual reference, you can view our interactive parking map here: https://bit.ly/3UC2yqx
Parking is provided and managed by Penn State Transportation Services.
Vendors
If you’re looking for something special, Penn State Bakery commencement-themed treats will be available at the Coffee Shop (Portal 8), and you can purchase flowers (Portals 4 & 22) or visit the Penn State Bookstore (Portal 19) during your visit.





