Student Information
Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony for the College of Agricultural Sciences
Date: Sunday, May 7, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. ceremony
Where: Pegula Ice Arena (graduates enter at Gate C)
Please review the bag policy which applies to all events held in Pegula Ice Arena.
For current masking policy for students and guests please see Commencement at University Park.
No tickets are required to attend the ceremony and there is not a limit on guest attendees.
Graduates with Disabilities
Any spring graduates with disabilities must notify Sheryl Flick, 101 Ag. Admin. Building, sal173@psu.edu, by April 21 if you anticipate needing any type of accommodations at the ceremony. For your guests with disabilities, see section below for Guest Information.
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia (cap and gown) or the dress of uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces is required to take part in the ceremony. Regalia can be purchased at the local bookstores.
The cap should be worn flat on your head with the tassel on the right. Due to the formality of the occasion, it is recommended to not decorate your cap.
It is requested that men wear slacks, a dress shirt and tie. For women, dress pants with a blouse or a dress is appropriate. Due to safety concerns for walking near the stage, please wear appropriate and professional footwear.
The only approved cords that you can wear with your regalia are Academic Distinction and Military Honor cords (see next category).
Academic Distinction Cords
Seniors who have earned an academic distinction are eligible to receive an academic distinction cord to wear with your approved academic dress at commencement. You will be notified by the College via your PSU email (in April) to pick up your honor cord if you are eligible to receive one. Distinction levels are determined by the cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall semester. If students earn a higher level once final grades are received, then adjustments will be made.
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, and students who are graduating Cum Laude will receive a white cord.
Military Honor cords are red, white, and blue and are issued by either your ROTC office or Office of Veteran's Programs.
Name Cards
Graduates are to bring their name cards with them to the ceremony. These cards will be available for students to pick-up in the Ag. Administration Bldg. lobby during the first week of May. Students will receive notification in April about this.
Graduate Arrival – Gate C at the Pegula Ice Arena
Graduates must arrive, in appropriate academic regalia, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. thru Gate C at the Pegula Ice Arena. Plan to be in your seat by 12:30 p.m. as the ceremony begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Ceremony Overview
The ceremony will last approximately 1 1/2 hours and will include remarks by University administrators, an address by the commencement speaker, conferring of degrees, and individual recognition of each graduate.
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 the occasion. Early departures are disruptive to other graduates and their families. Remaining to share equally in every graduate's moment says much about who we are as a community of Penn Staters, and is a true demonstration of "WE ARE…PENN STATE".
Diploma Distribution
Diplomas will be mailed to the graduates several weeks after the ceremony.
Guest Information
No tickets are required to attend the ceremony and there is not a limit on guest attendees.
The Pegula Ice Arena doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for general admission. Families and guests enter through Gate A.
Parking is free and will be available in the following lots:
- East Deck (located on Bigler Road approximately two blocks west of Pegula)
- Jordan East (overflow)
- Stadium West (overflow)
University Police will be directing traffic to the appropriate lot based on the traffic and parking conditions at the time of their arrival. Please use caution while traveling and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Seating will be available to guests with disabilities. Ushers will be available to assist individuals to the appropriate seating. NOTE: Only one companion seat is provided adjacent to the accessible seat. Other family members and guests may sit in the general seating area.
Live Stream Available for College of Agricultural Sciences Commencement Ceremony
The University will provide live streaming for undergraduate commencement ceremonies. See the schedules and the live stream link listed at the University's Commencement website to find our ceremony.
Visit the University's Commencement website for general commencement information such as lodging and transportation.
College of Agricultural Sciences Commencement contact: agscigraduation@psu.edu
