Current opportunities to join our faculty. Learn more

Commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement

Navigate to your ceremony:
Undergraduate commencement information >
Graduate commencement information >

Graduating from a Commonwealth Campus?
To learn details about your campus-specific commencement, please visit: commencement.psu.edu/campuses.

Undergraduate Commencement

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing’s Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Eisenhower Auditorium at the University Park campus.

Reception

You and your families are invited to attend the College’s Graduation Reception to celebrate your tremendous achievement. You will be joined by faculty and staff, and have an opportunity to meet other alumni. We will have food and refreshments. Please register by Friday, April 26th.

Details:
2024 Graduation Reception
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Alumni Hall, HUB Robeson Center
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Students can register here: https://engage.tassl.com/event/11116

Group Photo

2:45 p.m., in front of Old Main.

A group photo will be taken prior to commencement in front of Old Main. Students must arrive at Old Main by 2:45 p.m. Following the photo, the group will proceed to Eisenhower Auditorium for check-in.

Check-in

All students participating in the commencement ceremony must report to the main lobby of the Eisenhower Auditorium NO LATER THAN 3:45 p.m.

Upon check-in, you will receive your nomenclator card. Please do not make changes to the card. If there is not a card for you at check-in, you will be directed to a different check-in line where you will need to provide information to a staff member and receive a “gold card”. Your card will be collected as you enter the stage and the nomenclator will announce your name as it is broadcasted on the screens. You will walk across the stage but no hand shaking.

Pinning

Dr. Raymonde Brown, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, and Lois Thompson, President of the College of Nursing Alumni Society Board, will be waiting at the opposite side of the stage to present you with your nursing pin. Once you receive your pin, you will move off stage to have your photo taken. Staff will be on site to assist you.

Ceremony

The processional will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. Your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address that you have on file with the University. Penn State encourages graduates with disabilities to participate in its commencement ceremonies. Please visit commencement.psu.edu for more information.

Parking

Free parking will be available in Eisenhower Parking Deck, directly behind Eisenhower Auditorium. For more information, please refer to the Eisenhower Auditorium Commencement Parking Information flyer or the Campus Map for more information. HUB parking fee is $1/hour at the HUB deck. See other options: PSU – University Park.

Important venue information

Eisenhower Auditorium
In line with the best practices at all University Park commencement locations, Eisenhower Auditorium will utilize walk-through metal detectors for commencements on May 4, 2024, at its entrances and restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the venue for commencement.  

Permitted Bags at the Eisenhower Auditorium 

  • 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″.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection. No backpacks allowed. 

Guests will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to venue entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items at Eisenhower Auditorium. 

Each bag will be inspected and tagged. Limit one bag per guest. 

All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment will be checked prior to entry (at the walk-through metal detectors).  

Arrival and entrance for friends and families

All guests will enter through the front doors of Eisenhower Auditorium. Guests who require assistance or accommodations should seek out a Guest Services Representative or visit the Guest Services Kiosk to the right side of the lobby.

Accessibility

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Information about commencement is available in alternative media on request.

For more information visit: https://commencement.psu.edu/accessibility/

Questions

For additional general information and current COVID-19 requirements, please visit commencement.psu.edu.

GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing’s Graduate Commencement ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Master’s Degree Commencement will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center and Doctoral Degree Commencement will be held at the Pegula Ice Arena — both at the University Park campus.

Luncheon Reception

1:30 p.m., Heritage Hall (125 HUB-Robeson Center, University Park, PA 16802). An invitation with an RSVP link will be sent to the graduating students and graduate faculty.

Group Photo

The group photo will be taken at 2:45 p.m. on the Old Main steps. You should bring your regalia to the reception. We will have a coat rack available for you to use. Following the photo, students may depart in preparation for the commencement ceremony.

Ceremony

All graduating students should check in at their commencement location no later than 3:30 p.m. (recommended at least 1 hour prior) to the 4:30 p.m. ceremony start time.

Master’s Candidates: Check in at the Bryce Jordan Center one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Enter Gate B; then enter the event floor via Portal 15. Please wear your academic regalia, including hood. After you check-in and pick up your name card, master’s candidates will join other graduates by college in the main arena.

Doctoral Candidates: Report to the Gate C lobby at Pegula Ice Arena one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Once there, you will directed to where you will pick up your name card. Please wear your academic regalia (the hood will be carried over the left arm, and hooding will take place during the ceremony). Faculty advisers for doctoral candidates will meet at Gate C of Pegula Ice Arena and be directed to their Colleges lined up in the hallway. Personal belongings should not be brought to Pegula Ice Arena Gate C (security will not be provided during the ceremony). Doctoral candidates and their faculty escorts will be paired for the processional and will be seated together. Doctoral candidates who do not have a faculty escort should inform the University Marshal at check-in.

For more information, please visit Graduate School Commencement.

Parking

Reception: Visitors may park in the HUB Parking Deck just off of Shortlidge Road for a nominal fee of $1/hour. Other on campus options can be found at PSU – University Park.

Ceremony: Parking and Traffic Advisory for Bryce Jordan Center Commencement Ceremonies

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 information, please visit Bryce Jordan Center Bag Policy

Accessibility

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Information about commencement is available in alternative media on request.

For more information visit: https://commencement.psu.edu/accessibility/

Questions

For additional general information, please contact Lorraine Grattan at lul4@psu.edu.

 

Nese College of Nursing named a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence