The College Graduation Ceremony celebrates the achievements of the graduating seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Each participant's name is read as they cross the stage and receive the congratulations of the dean of the School, the dean of the College, faculty, fellow students, friends and family.

The College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. on Franklin Field. Please register today!

 

The registration form asks you to indicate if you plan on participating in the ceremony or to confirm that you will not be participating. This is different from, and in addition to, the application for academic graduation that you may have filled out a few days ago. Here you will create your personal name and major slide that will be displayed on a giant screen as your name is called and you cross the stage during the ceremony.

PLEASE NOTE!

  • Only your name and up to 3 majors will appear on your slide. For those with multiple majors, please choose one major to march and sit with for the ceremony. You cannot march and sit with a non-College major.
  • Major concentrations, minors, submatriculation, dual degrees, or academic honors and honors/distinctions within majors will not be listed on your slide.
  • The order of your majors as they appear on the online registration form cannot be changed. It is not related to the major you decide to march with.
  • If an incorrect major is listed or if one or more of your majors does not appear, this is because we have incorrect information. Contact your major department directly to make sure that all majors are accurately reflected on your transcript ASAP. Then email Angela Carter to fix your slide.

This site will CLOSE on Friday, March 17, 2023 at midnight. Even if you are not sure that you will attend, please register. You will not be able to make changes to this site after March 17th.

For Graduating Seniors

Students must register if they wish to participate in the College ceremony. (Note: Registration for the ceremony is separate from the application for graduation.)

Seniors
Checklist for May Graduation
Register for the College Graduation Ceremony
Request Accessible Seating for Guests

Some seating for the College Graduation ceremony is available for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Tickets are required for special seating and are limited. If a guest requires special seating, please complete the Request Accessible Seating for Guests online form by April 14.

Special needs seating for the Monday morning University Commencement can be requested through the Office of the University Secretary using the online request form after March 1, or by leaving a message at 215.898.7369.

Questions regarding the College Graduation ceremony can be directed to the College Office at 215.898.6341

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. The 2023 Graduation Fair will be held March 22, 23 and 24, 2023.

Guest Information

The College recommends that ceremony guests:

  • Wear low heels. The stands are very steep.
  • Wear sunglasses. Guests will 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 rain or shine. The stadium is not covered.
  • Gates open at 5:30 pm. Guests enter at the Southeast corners of Franklin Field.
  • Guests are asked to meet their party away from Franklin Field at approximately 9:30 pm.
  • There will be a live webcast of the ceremony.
  • For information on bag policy and items that are permitted in Franklin Field, see the Penn Athletics Facilities' webpage.
Student Dress for Graduation

Students must wear their cap and gown on Sunday for the College Graduation and on Monday for the University Commencement and should arrive at the ceremonies already robed.

To wear the hood and mortarboard properly:

  • Put hood on over head with velvet side up and with small tapered end in front.
  • If hood has a cord and button, attach the hood neck cord over shirt button before closing gown, to prevent hood from riding against neck.
  • Obtain assistance to secure cord across the back to keep the back of hood together.
  • The PENN colors are turned outward 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.

The following is also recommended:

  • Do not wear high heels.
  • Wear sunglasses. Students will be facing west during sunset.
  • Do not bring personal items that are not intended to be carried during the entire ceremony. After crossing the stage, students many not return to the same seat.
  • If it's very hot, wear light-weight clothes under the academic robe.
Photography

We have partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.UPennPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.

Dangerous Weather Plan

Dangerous Weather Plan

In the event of dangerous weather (continuous downpour and lightning), an announcement will be posted here. In this event, the College graduation ceremony will be moved to the Palestra on the north side of Franklin Field.

Unfortunately, seating in the Palestra is quite limited. Graduating seniors can get two tickets online. No one will be admitted to the Palestra without a ticket. For those who cannot attend, a live stream of the graduation ceremony will be available at the top of this webpage.

Day of Instructions for Graduation
  1. Be sure to download a picture of your GradPass (the QR code will be scanned to announce your name and project it onto the Jumbotron; you should have received this by email).
  2. Arrive at lineup area outside of Franklin Field at 5:30pm.
  3. Grads process onto Franklin Field in 4 lines; each line is identified by color (blue, green, yellow, pink). Find the line listed on your GradPass, then find your major flag and get in line (marshals will be there to assist). Stay in line - if you wind up in a different line, your name will NOT be called with your major.
  4. The procession sets off at 6:20pm and will arrive on the field at 6:30pm. Remember that it takes some time for 1600 graduates to line up and move into position.
  5. When you are asked to stand and get in line to cross the stage, have your GradPass ready to be scanned.
  6. Photographs will be taken as you cross the stage. Please see the "Photography" section below for more information.
  7. The ceremony will conclude with a singing of "The Red and Blue" at roughly 9:15pm. Please be respectful of your fellow graduates and stay in your seats until the ceremony concludes.

Related Content

Past College Graduation Ceremony Speakers Seniors
Checklist for May Graduation