Seniors, please read the following details carefully so that you know what to expect and your graduation day can go smoothly.

Where and When

• Please arrive no later than 5:45 pm on Sunday, May 17.
• Assemble at the north side of Franklin Field (enter from 33rd St.).
  • Your guests will enter separately, through security gates at the southeast entrance to Franklin Field (South St. and Convention Ave.) Their entrance opens at 5:30 pm. Logistical info for guests is here.
• The ceremony will run from 6:30 to approximately 9:30 pm.
  • Please plan to stay in your seat on the field through the entire ceremony out of respect for all of your fellow graduates.
  • Meet your guests outside of Franklin Field after the conclusion.

What to Bring

• Your Penn ID
• Your Stage Pass, printed or downloaded on your phone. (This will be emailed to you a few days before graduation. It is a QR code that allows your name to be read out loud and appear on the jumbo screen when you cross the stage. You MUST have it with you.)
• Your phone, fully charged
• Very little else! Do not bring any personal items that you do not intend to carry during the entire ceremony, including when you cross the stage. After crossing the stage, you might not return to the same seat you were in. 

What to Wear

• Academic regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) are required. Be sure you have your tassel! You do not need to arrive robed—there is plenty of time to put it on once in line, and marshals can help. This video from Penn Bookstore explains how to wear regalia.
• High heels are not recommended—artificial turf is challenging to walk on. 
• You may want sunglasses—you'll be facing west during sunset. 
• Dress for the weather—it could be chilly in the evening.

What to Expect and Do

• Your Stage Pass will list the color of the line your major is in. Go to that line, find your major flag, and stand in line behind the flagbearer.
• When the procession begins, stay in your line and with your major no matter what. Do not mix with other lines!Four parallel lines of students will process into Franklin Field at once, and you will be directed to seats. You must be sitting with your major to keep the order across the stage intact.
• Marshals (staff and faculty) will assist in directing lines. Please follow their direction. Requesting seat changes will slow the entire procession.
• During the ceremony, at some point the nearest marshal will direct your row to stand and move to line up at one side. When you get to the front of the line, you’ll show your Stage Pass to the staff member on the ramp. The announcer will call your name and you will receive your diploma, shake a dean’s hand, and proceed off the stage.
• Once off the stage, you will be directed to a photography tent, and from there, back to your seat.
• We have partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase afterwards. 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.
• Please remain seated for the rest of the ceremony, out of respect for your fellow graduates.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, do not throw your cap in the air! You will need it for Commencement the next day. Commencement’s degree conferral moment is also the correct time to move the tassel from right to left.

After the Ceremony

• Arrange to meet your guests away from the field. All guests will be instructed to vacate the stadium immediately after the ceremony.

Questions?

As always, email [email protected] with any questions.

Additional Details for Graduating Seniors
 

• Graduation Policies
• Preparation for Graduation
• Graduation Information for Guests
• The University Commencement
• Franklin Field Policies and Prohibited Items
• Past College Graduation Ceremony Speakers
• Petitions for Seniors