Undergraduate Commencement

All College of IST students who have satisfied their requirements for graduation will be listed in the commencement program. If for any reason you do not want your name to appear in the program, inform the Office of Undergraduate Studies in writing requesting to have your name omitted.

The nomenclator is the person who reads the names of graduates as they cross the ceremony stage.

Nomenclator Cards: Students who have indicated their intent to graduate will receive an email from Academic Services with instructions on where and how to pick up your name card for the commencement ceremony. This card provides important information for the nomenclator. Please keep this card in a safe location and bring it with you to the ceremony!

Pronouncing Your Name: Students who have indicated their intent to graduate will receive an email from the University’s commencement management tool, Tassel, with instructions as to confirm the spelling and pronunciation of your name.

The venue opens 90 minutes prior to the ceremony. Students must be checked in and seated no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time.

In adherence to best practices at major entertainment venues, walk-through metal detectors are in use at all entry gates, and there are restrictions on the size and type of bag permitted into the arena for all ceremonies. Review the University bag policy for more information.

Additionally, Pegula Ice Arena prohibits signs and helium balloons inside the facility.

The individual procession of students will begin following the recognition of the College and ROTC Student Marshals. University Marshals will direct students to leave their seats and walk to the right side aisle.

Please wait to stand until the Marshal directs your row to do so. Take your name card with you when you leave your seat and be sure it is handed name side up to the University Marshal assisting the Nomenclator. As your name is read aloud, continue across the walkway where your photo will be taken by GradImages™. Your name and degree information will appear on the event screens for your friends and family to see. Only degrees from the College of IST will be displayed at the ceremony. If you are earning a second degree from another college, it will not appear. If you are earning two degrees from IST, both will be displayed. Options and minors are not displayed.

Follow the Marshal’s directions to return to your row after your photo is taken. Please be quiet at all times.

Photographers from GradImages ™ will be at the ceremony to take photographs of students as they individually approach, cross and exit the stage. If you’ are interested in being contacted by GradImages ™ with an offer of a free photo and an opportunity to purchase additional photos, please provide your U.S. mailing and email addresses on the reverse side of your nomenclator card.

Pegula Ice Arena:
At the completion of the ceremony, students will stand and recess down the center aisle, following the platform party and faculty. Students will continue down the hallway and exit the arena via Gate C.

Bryce Jordan Center:
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Academic dress or the uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces is required in order to participate in graduation exercises. All Penn State academic regalia is provided by Jostens and available through the Penn State Bookstore. If you need assistance, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-863-0206.

The cap should be worn flat on your head with the tassel on right, front edge. Due to the formality of this occasion and safety concerns regarding walking on the steps and stage, please wear appropriate footwear; flip flops, clogs, and loose-fitting shoes are not recommended. It is requested that men wear slacks and a dress shirt with a tie. For women, slacks with a blouse or dress are appropriate.

Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for academic ceremonies. Do not decorate your robe or mortarboard. Students will be checked by staff for correct academic regalia.

All graduating seniors who have earned academic distinction are eligible to receive an academic distinction cord to be worn with their cap and gown during the commencement ceremony. Eligible students will receive notification from the college in advance of the ceremony describing where and when to receive a cord.

Distinction levels used at commencement ceremonies are determined using the previous semester's cumulative GPA and are considered preliminary. For example, a student's cumulative GPA at the end of the fall semester is used to indicate distinction during a spring commencement ceremony. It is possible for a distinction level to increase or decrease once all final grades are submitted. The final level of distinction will be reflected on the student's diploma and official transcript.

• Students who are graduating Summa Cum Laude will receive a blue and white cord
• Students who are graduating Magna Cum Laude will receive a blue cord
• Students who are graduating Cum Laude will receive a white cord

Thresholds for each distinction level are set by the University and can be found on the University Registrar's website.

All graduating students who are military veterans, currently serving on active duty, in the reserve, or National Guard, or who will be granted a commission obtained through Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are eligible to receive a red, white, and blue cord to wear with approved academic dress at commencement ceremonies.

Personnel who have already been granted priority registration status are automatically eligible for an honor cord and may visit or contact the Office of Veteran’s Programs to receive it. ROTC personnel may pick up their honor cord from their ROTC representative.

Personnel who have not been granted priority registration, please visit Veteran's Programs website for instructions on required proof of service and where to submit the required documentation.

Students receiving commissions in the armed forces will stand with their classmates when the academic degree is conferred, and also when receiving acknowledgment as a group.

It is the expectation that all students will remain on the floor until the conclusion of the ceremony out of respect for the importance and dignity of this occasion. Early departures are disruptive to other graduates and their families. Remaining to share equally in every graduate’s moment is a true demonstration of the “We Are!” spirit.