Preparation for Graduation
Application for Graduation
The graduation application opens early in the semester and closes on the last day of classes. It can be accessed through Path@Penn, by clicking on the “hamburger” at the upper left and selecting “Apply for graduation” in the drop-down, under “Academic Planning & Registration (more).” Students will receive an email confirmation after they have submitted their application. Further information can be found at https://srfs.upenn.edu/student-records/GradApp.
At the end of a student’s final semester, the College will review their record for completion of all degree requirements and authorize the posting of the Bachelor’s degree. A College ceremony is held once a year, in May, to honor all graduates. Prospective graduates need to be aware of timelines and applications for both of these events.
An application for Graduation must be submitted early in the term of expected graduation. Seniors must adhere to a graduation schedule prepared each year by the College Office. A late fee will be charged for failure to apply for graduation by the date specified.
Checklist: May Graduation
- During course selection period: Review your progress to degree to ensure that you have fulfilled, or will fulfill, all requirements, including major requirements, by the end of the spring semester. If you have questions, see an advisor in the College Office right away.
- Early in the spring semester: Notify your Major Advisor of your intention to graduate in May 2026. Discuss with them any outstanding issues and your plans for the future. Departments and programs will certify majors in early spring.
- By February 21: Check in Path@Penn that your major is correct and the name listed there is the one you would like to appear on the jumbo screen during the graduation ceremony. Submit any needed changes to the Office of the Registrar.
- Submit your Application to Graduate by the University deadline. (The application form will open and the deadline will be listed shortly.) Note: this application will ask for your name as you want it to appear on your diploma and in the University Commencement program. This does not need to be exactly the same version of your name as will appear on screen at the College Graduation Ceremony.
- By March 21: Register to participate in the College Ceremony. (This form will open in early March.)
Also recommended:
- In February: Consider applying for Senior Awards.
In March: Plan for your guests. A paper invitation to the College graduation ceremony will be sent to your family at your permanent address listed in Path@Penn. While we set no limit on the number of guests, we recommend a maximum of six per graduate. In the event of extreme weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Palestra, where space limitations allow only two guests per graduate. More information for guests can be found at
- Visit the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) for information on post-graduate fellowships and scholarships.
- Check with Career Services for information about graduate study and job opportunities.
Note:
- At the end of the semester, the College will review your record for completion of all degree requirements and authorize the posting of the Bachelor’s degree. A delay in major or minor certification, posting of grades, or meeting any other graduation obligation may result in a delay of graduation. In that case, you would be graduated in the next cycle (August/December/May).
Academic Regalia
All students must wear academic regalia available at the Penn Bookstore if they wish to participate in the University Commencement.
Students can acquire their academic regalia by attending the Graduation Fair at the Penn Bookstore.