Smeal Commencement

Intend to Graduate

Those intending to graduate during the fall 2026 semester need to apply for graduation by September 15, 2026.

Students who missed the intent to file deadline should email the Smeal College of Business Records Office to learn more about summer plans.

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia (cap and gown) or military uniform is required for participation. Extra adornments on caps and gowns are not permitted. Business professional attire is recommended for all graduates. Dress shoes are appropriate and very high heels or flip flops are not recommended due to safety concerns. Academic regalia (or military uniform) is available for purchase at the Penn State bookstore.

Nomenclature Card

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 by the intent to graduate deadline will receive an email 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 by the intent to graduate deadline will receive an email from the University’s commencement management tool, Tassel, with instructions to confirm the spelling and pronunciation of your name.

Ceremony Photography Services

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 name card.

Diplomas & Distinction Cords

Diplomas will be mailed to your home address, approximately 4-6 weeks after commencement. Please be sure to update your permanent home address via LionPATH prior to commencement.

All graduating seniors who have earned academic distinction are eligible to receive an academic distinction cord to wear with approved academic dress at commencement ceremonies as follows:

• 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

Students will receive notification from the Smeal College of Business on how to receive their academic distinction cords. Distinction levels for cords and commencement programs are determined by the student’s cumulative GPA from the semester prior to their final semester. If students earn a higher distinction level once final grades are received, then a cord can be requested by emailing the Smeal College of Business Undergraduate Education records office.

Questions

Please visit the for answers to additional questions or email SmealCommencement@smeal.psu.edu.

The Ceremony

The ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center. Doors to the BJC will open approximately 90 minutes prior to the ceremony start. It is recommended that guests plan to arrive early due to traffic.

Tickets are not required for guests to attend the fall commencement ceremonies.

For friends and family who are unable to join us at University Park, the ceremony will be livestreamed. Information will be available closer to the ceremony date.

Bryce Jordan Center Bag Policy

In line with the best practices at major entertainment venues, the Bryce Jordan Center utilizes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates and restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the arena for all events. For more specific guidance, visit the A-Z Guide.

Personal belongings should be given to family or friends to hold during the ceremony. Students may not bring water bottles or other liquids onto the event floor.

Parking at the Bryce Jordan Center

General and ADA parking is available for the ceremony. View all for more information.

Accessibility

Accommodations for guests with disabilities may be arranged. Graduates will have the ability to reserve up to four ADA tickets. For more specific guidance, visit the A-Z Guide on Accessible Seating.

If specific accommodations are needed, please email SmealCommencement@smeal.psu.edu. More information is available at the Commencement Accessibility website.

ADA parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow extra time for traffic and parking. A valid, state-issued ADA placard or license plate is required for ADA parking.

Etiquette

Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. We encourage you and your guests to celebrate your graduation; we request that graduates behave with the decorum the occasion deserves. Please do not leave the commencement floor prior to the end of the ceremony; early exiting is very disruptive and disrespectful to others.

Questions

Call the Smeal College of Business Undergraduate Education Office at 814-863-1947 or e-mail SmealCommencement@smeal.psu.edu.