Graduation/Commencement

Graduation is the official acknowledgment of degree conferral. Students apply for graduation at the beginning of their final semester of study. Commencement is the official ceremony acknowledging graduation and the bestowing of the baccalaureate degree.

Graduation

To graduate, satisfy all University, college, and major requirements in effect at the time you enter your major. Degree Audits through eLion show progress toward degree completion. Filing your intent to graduate is done through the eLion "Graduating this Semester" module. Filing dates are:

• Spring 2010 - January 2, 2010 through January 25, 2010
• Summer 2010 - May 17, 2010 through June 18, 2010
• Fall 2010 - August 16, 2010 through September 6, 2010

Students who miss the filing period must visit the Smeal Undergraduate Education Records Office in 202 Business Building to file your intent. A copy of a current degree audit is needed.

Key issues regarding graduation and completing final degree requirements:

• Home Mailing Address - Commencement information is sent to home mailing addresses so keep this information current.
• Study Abroad and Graduation - Most study abroad programs do not follow the Penn State calendar. Students who study abroad their last semester often need to postpone graduation to the following semester.
• Transfer Credits - Students finishing general education or elective credits at another institution for their final semester need an official transcript sent to Penn State's Office of Admission three days prior to commencement.
• Graduation Verification - At the close of the graduation filing period, students are reviewed for graduation eligibility. Those with one or more outstanding degree requirements are notified to take action and/or are removed from graduation. Reviewing a degree audit prior to the close of the Course Add/Drop Period can avoid problems later in the semester.

Commencement

The Smeal College of Business conducts its own commencement ceremony each May in the Bryce Jordan Center. The ceremony includes greetings by University and Smeal officials, a commencement speaker, the conferring of degrees, and individual recognition as each graduate is called by name to be congratulated on stage. Diplomas are distributed after the conclusion of the ceremony.  Information regarding recommended arrival times and other details related to the ceremony are mailed to graduating seniors approximately one month prior to commencement.

Students graduating after fall semester or summer session will attend a University-wide commencement ceremony in the Bryce Jordan Center. For specifics regarding university commencement ceremonies visit Penn State Commencement Ceremonies. Students graduating at either of these two ceremonies will receive their diplomas in the mail.

Seniors should file their intent to graduate via eLion using the "Graduating this Semester" link at the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to graduate. Check with the The University's Office of the Registrar for pertinent graduation information.

If you have questions regarding your eligibility to graduate, seniors should contact The Smeal Undergraduate Education Records Office.

For friends and family attending commencement, tickets are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony lasts approximately two hours. Commencement dates for the Smeal College are:

• Fall 2009 - Saturday, December 19, 2009, 9:00 a.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center
• Spring 2010 - Sunday, May 16, 2010, 12:00 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center
• Summer 2010 - Saturday, August 14, 2010 in the Bryce Jordan Center (time to be determined)

Parking spaces for guests with disabilities are available in the Founders Lot, east of the Jordan Center or the Shields Building parking area. Penn State and the Smeal College of Business encourages persons with disabilities to participate in commencement. If you or your guests need special accommodations or have questions about physical access, please call University Relations (814-865-2501/voice) prior to the ceremony.

Key issues regarding commencement:

• Commencement Participation - Participation in commencement is for graduating students. During the ceremony, each graduate is recognized by name and processes across the stage.
• Academic Regalia - Academic regalia or military uniform is required. Candidates for the baccalaureate degree wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge. Caps and gowns are purchased from the bookstore along with personalized announcements.
• Diploma Distribution - For spring semester, diplomas are distributed immediately following the ceremony for students who participate in the ceremony. For summer and fall commencement, diplomas are mailed to home addresses within several weeks of the ceremony.
• Commencement Program Book - A commencement program book listing the names of graduates is available at commencement. Students activating their intent to graduate prior to the filing deadline will have their name printed in the book.