Fall 2017 Commencement

Graduates are to arrive in regalia by 8:15 a.m. for the ceremony (enter Gate B of the Jordan Center). Please bring your name card with you (mailed to you mid-November). Once in the building, proceed to the arena floor via Portal 15 and sit in the college section with your classmates (you do not need to be in alphabetical order). Graduates should be in their seats 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. At the appropriate time during the ceremony, your row of graduates will be directed to the stage. Bring your name card* with you when you approach the stage for your name to be read. You can purchase your academic regalia (cap and gown) at either the Penn State Bookstore (HUB) or the Student Bookstore (downtown). Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge. Visit commencement.psu.edu/fall2017commencement.html for more information or Fall 2017 Graduation in Events and Deadlines.

*By early December, you will receive a graduation packet mailed to your local address with your name card, instructions, information for families and guests, a seating chart, and a parking map. Be sure to bring the name card with you to the ceremony. Carry your name card with you when you approach the stage; your name will be read as you cross. If your name tends to be mispronounced, help the nomenclator by writing appropriate cues on the card (for example, Ryan Kufta as in 'Koofta'). If for some reason you do not receive the packet in the mail, a name card will be provided to you at the registration tables located on the event floor of the Bryce Jordan Center. The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes and include individual recognition of each graduate while crossing the stage.

Information for Guests with Disabilities
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to fully participate in commencement programs and activities. Parking attendants will be on duty to guide you.

ADA parking will be available at the following Jordan East and Stadium West areas:

• Northwest corner of Jordan East near the Bryce Jordan Center Gate B, across from the Penn State All-Sports Museum (accessible from intersection of Porter Road and Curtin Road)
• Section of Lot Orange L located between the Bryce Jordan Center and Jordan East (accessible from Dauer Road via University Drive)
• First three rows of parking in the southeast corner of Stadium West near Beaver Stadium, and the first four rows in the southwest corner of Stadium West near University Drive/Curtin Road intersection (all accessible only from Park Avenue)

To ensure the safety of all guests and to assist with traffic flow between each ceremony, drivers are discouraged from dropping off or picking up guests outside of the designated ADA parking areas. These areas are ADA accessible and located just a short distance from entrances to the Bryce Jordan Center. Curtin Road will also be closed to vehicle traffic between University Drive and the entrance to Jordan East throughout most of the commencement ceremonies to allow safe pedestrian access between the Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center.

Seating for Guests with Disabilities
Reserved seat tickets will not be needed, but guests with disabilities should arrive at least an hour early to avoid the last-minute rush. Inside the Founders Lounge entrance, ushers will be available to assist in taking individuals via elevator to the appropriate seating located on the concourse level. Due to space limitations, only one person may accompany the guest with disability in the accessible seating area. The chairs in the accessible seating area are plastic, and are armless portable chairs to allow movement for wheelchairs. Other family members may sit in the general seating located throughout the arena.