Commencement FAQs

It is important that students who expect to graduate in spring 2026 file their intent to graduate during the determined window (January 2-26, 2026).

Not filing your intent to graduate in the time period (January 2-26, 2026), may mean a delay in receiving email communication regarding spring 2026 plans, including information that will be shared about the possibility of ticketing.

Students who miss the intent to file deadline should email the Smeal College of Business Records Office at smealstugerecords@smeal.psu.edu to learn more about spring plans.

Please note that our college cannot accommodate students who are not officially completing all degree requirements to walk during spring ceremonies for any reason. We do, however, allow students who have not completed all degree requirements to participate in the summer and fall ceremonies.

Please note that our college cannot accommodate past graduates from a previous semester.

Once students file their intent to graduate between January 2-26, 2026, we’ll have a more concrete number of how many students plan to graduate. We plan to share additional information about potential guest limits and tickets early February.

Based on the number we know at this time, we expect each graduate will be able to invite up to six guests based on the capacity of the Bryce Jordan Center. As our actual graduation numbers increase or decrease, the guest limit could change. Please keep in mind that we will also be livestreaming the ceremony.

The number of graduates who file their intent to graduate for spring 2026 will determine how many tickets will be permitted per graduate. If there are unclaimed tickets that are not requested, we will give graduates an opportunity to obtain additional tickets later in the semester.

Graduating students will be able to claim tickets via the BJC Account Manager using their Penn State email and Ticketmaster password. Additional details will come in March.

If a guest requires Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, there will be wheelchair accessible, sight/hearing, or limited mobility tickets available. ADA options will be available when the graduate obtains their tickets and each graduate can select up to four ADA-accessible seats, which allow for companion seating.

Please review the BJC’s full bag policy. Guests are permitted to bring one bag into the arena. Permitted bags include:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” x 1"

Please note: An exception will be made for medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection. No backpacks are allowed.

For more specific guidance, visit the A-Z Guide.