College Graduation Ceremony

Request and download Dangerous Weather tickets >>

In the unlikely event of dangerous weather (continuous downpour and lightning) the College’s graduation ceremony will be moved indoors to the Palestra. Read more >>

Some seating is available for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Tickets are required for special seating, and are limited. If your guest requires special seating, send your written request with an explanation of the need (wheelchair, minimal steps, etc.) by April 19, 2013 to Ms. Margaret Mary Thomas, The College Office, 120 Cohen Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6304, fax: 215.573.2023 or email: mmthomas@sas.upenn.edu.

Special needs seating for the University Commencement on Monday is coordinated through the Office of the University Secretary, 215.898.7369, and can be requested using the online form after March 1, 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of dangerous weather necessitating a move of the ceremony to the Palestra, accessible seating is extremely limited. Only the first 24 applicants who submitted requests for limited mobility seating can be accommodated. Read more >>

If you have any questions regarding the Graduation ceremony, please contact the College Office at 215.898.6341.

Purchase your cap and gown from the Penn Bookstore. See information on the College Graduation Ceremony for dates.

• You must wear your cap and gown on Sunday for the College Graduation and on Monday for the University Commencement.
• Please arrive at the ceremonies already robed.
• Put the hood on over your head with the "V" end in front and the velvet side up.
• You may loop the string at the end of the "V" to a button on your shirt or blouse, or you may pin the "V" in place to the front of your robe.
• Attach the cord across the back of the hood to keep the hood from sliding off your shoulders.
• Turn the PENN colors out to show the red and the blue.
• The mortarboard should be worn level on your head and not set back. Put the tassel on the right of the mortarboard until University Commencement on Monday.

• Academic regalia is required.

• Do not wear high heels.

• Wear sunglasses. You'll be facing west during sunset.

• Do not bring any personal items that you do not intend to carry during the entire ceremony. After crossing the stage, you may not return to the same seat you were in.

• If it's very hot, wear light-weight clothes under your academic costume.

• Do not wear high heels. The stands are very steep.
• Wear sunglasses. You'll be facing west during sunset.
• Guests are not permitted in the student assembly area or the student seating area.
• The ceremony will be held at Franklin Field in all but dangerous weather. The stadium is not covered.
• Gates open at 5:30 pm. Guests enter on the south and east sides of Franklin Field.
• Please be seated by 6:00 pm.
• Arrange to meet your party away from Franklin Field at approximately 9:00 pm.
• If a member of your party has limited mobility or uses a wheelchair, you must arrange for special seating in writing by April 19th. (For special needs seating at Commencement on Monday contact the University Secretary, 215.898.7369 starting April 1st.)