Congratulations to our graduating students! 

You have achieved your academic goal—conferral of your degree. In keeping with Penn State’s proud academic heritage, we want to make the commencement ceremony a meaningful and enjoyable one for degree candidates and guests. If you are involved in the upcoming ceremony, please review what the day has in store for you.

2026 Spring Commencement

Baccalaureate and Associate Degrees–Greater Allegheny campus
Penn State Greater Allegheny will celebrate the accomplishments of the Classes of Fall 2025, and Summer and Spring 2026.

  • Date/Time: Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Wunderley Gymnasium

Graduates are asked to arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. The ceremony will be live-streamed for our guests who are unable to attend in person. Physical tickets will not be issued.

Commencement Instructions

These instructions will answer many of the questions you might have concerning commencement and help to make the conferral of your degree a memorable and joyous experience for you, your family, and your friends.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Information about commencement is available in alternative media on request.

  • Parking: For an ADA access map of campus, visit the Campus Map. Parking in these spaces is available upon a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow extra time for traffic and parking. A valid, state-issued ADA placard or license plate is required for ADA parking.
  • Seating: ADA seating will be available in the venue.

If you or your guests anticipate needing any type of accommodation not mentioned above or have questions about the physical access provided for Commencement, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [email protected], Disability Services at [email protected], or Event Management at [email protected]. Accommodation arrangements should be made at least 2 weeks before commencement to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Graduates should arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony and enter through the front or rear entrances of the Wunderley Gymnasium. Inside the building, graduates will check-in at designated areas and head upstairs to the classroom space. Be in the classroom and ready to process at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Alphabetical arrangement is not necessary. At the appropriate time during the ceremony, you will be directed to the stage.

Academic dress or the uniform of one of the U.S. Armed Forces is required in order to participate in graduation exercises. Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge. Students may order and purchase their caps and gowns from the Campus Bookstore, located in the Student Community Center. Questions concerning cap and gown orders can be directed to 412-675-9020.

Note: Honors Medals and cords received through the Campus/University (academic distinction, athletics, student clubs and organizations, and/or military cords) are University recognized commencement attire.

If you’re a Greater Allegheny campus student or choosing to walk at Greater Allegheny campus, you’ll have the option to fill out a name card at the graduation rehearsal days before the ceremony. Details about rehearsal will be emailed. Names will be called ​only for those graduates in attendance at the commencement ceremonies.

If you’re unable to fill out your card in advance, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [email protected].

Please carry your name card with you when you approach the stage; your name will be read as you cross.

There are no ticket requirements or guest limitations for your commencement ceremony.

Questions regarding academic distinction cords should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at [email protected] or the campus Registrar at [email protected].

All Penn State students who have met graduation requirements and have served on active duty, in the Reserve/National Guard, or who will be granted a commission through Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are eligible to receive a red, white and blue honor cord to wear with approved academic dress at commencement ceremonies. Students may contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [email protected] or the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected] and coordinate pickup.

Guests are welcome to bring any hand-held photo and video device that can be used from their seats.

Commencement ceremonies are live streamed for guests who are unable to attend in person.

Strategic Communications is your go-to contact for all general ceremony and photo station photos. Images can be found after the ceremony on Greater Allegheny's Flickr. Inquiries may be directed to: [email protected]

Diplomas will be mailed by the Office of the University Registrar to the graduate’s home address or LionPATH diploma mailing address approximately four weeks after graduation. For more information, visit the University Registrar or email the campus Registrar at [email protected].

To order transcripts, visit the University Registrar.

If you have any questions regarding the commencement ceremony, you may contact: