The University’s commencement weekend is May 3-5, 2019. This is a hallmark event in the lives of our master’s degree students—one that is worth experiencing. If an LDT student is unsure whether participating in the graduation ceremony is worthwhile, know that we encourage our students to attend graduation ceremonies at the University Park campus if it is possible. For some students, the experience might be the first and only time that they step foot onto campus.
The graduate school’s commencement ceremonies are Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 PM in the Bryce Jordan Center. World Campus graduates are also invited to a Friday evening (May 3) reception especially for them (prior registration is required).
If you will attend the May 5 graduation, please be sure to:
- Properly register your intent to attend the ceremony with the Graduate School (See the “Graduate” students tab on commencement.psu.edu/students)
- Register for any World Campus commencement receptions after receiving the email
- The College of Education has a reception before the Spring (May) graduation ceremony, look for and pre-register for that
- Purchase your master’s degree graduation regalia (cap, gown, hood, tassel) from the Penn State Bookstore (visit this site, or call 814-863-3589)
- Notify your LDT faculty advisor and Dr. Kirby (program coordinator of the LDT Online Programs) of your intent to attend
For our students who are planning ahead for a future graduation, our pro-tips include:
University Marshall Robert Melton led the opening processional during Summer Commencement ceremonies on Aug. 8 at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. The mace carried by Dr. Melton is traditionally carried at the front of all graduation processions and was carved from a newel post from the original Old Main building.
- Book hotel rooms in State College far (6+ months) in advance
- Book dinner reservations for graduation weekend just as far in advance (6+ months)
- Bring your family
- Open and hang your graduation gown and hood as soon as you receive it, and iron the wrinkles out of it
- If you have photographers in the audience, encourage them to use a telephoto lens and arrive early to get a strategic vantage point
- Graduate students usually walk from the right side to the left side of the stage
- Tripods are not allowed into the arena
- After the ceremony, try gathering your group on the northeast side of the Bryce Jordan Center to take a photo with Mount Nittany in the background
- Check out this article about Penn State Commencement traditions
