Fall 2022 Commencement
Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Forum Theater
The University is prepared to adjust plans to those outlined below, if necessary. Current guidelines will be followed on the day of the ceremony, which presently does not require masking. If the federal, state, or county situation should change, masks may be required and will be available for all guests. More information will continue to be shared and updated as needed leading up to commencement to align the University's plans with the most up-to-date federal and state guidance.
Livestream
The ceremony will be livestreamed for those that are not able to attend in person.
GRADUATION MEETING
A meeting for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 graduates will be held on Friday, September 1 from 12pm - 1pm in ENGR 121. All fall graduates are encouraged to attend the meeting. Lunch will br provided.
CANDIDATE FOR GRADUATION CHECKLIST
Declare Your Intent to Graduate
It is your responsibility to notify the University of your intent to graduate. You must declare your intent to graduate by using the "Graduating This Semester" application on LionPATH. The dates to apply to graduate for Fall 2022 are Monday, August 15 - Tuesday, September 6, 2022. If you miss the activation deadline for your intended semester of graduation, you must contact the Registrar's Office.
Meet With Your Advisor
Use LionPATH to request a current degree audit and review it with your academic advisor. You should meet with your adviser each semester. This will ensure that you are on track to meet all degree requirements. If you are missing courses, credits, or grade requirements, you will not be able to graduate. You cannot graduate with missing or deferred grades.
Order Your Cap & Gown
In observance of tradition, all participants in the ceremony must wear full academic regalia, consisting of a traditional gown and mortarboard (cap) with tassel. Caps and gowns must be ordered from the Penn State New Kensington Bookstore. Contact the Bookstore at 724-334-6170.
Check Your Address
Each semester, before students can schedule, they are asked to verify their contact information as a part of their To Do list in the student center portion of LionPath. It is very important to verify that all information is correct since the student will be receiving important graduation information as well as official University correspondence, including their diploma, will go to the address we have on file. Diplomas are mailed to the student's address approximately 6-8 weeks after the ceremony.
Complete the Post-Graduation Survey
Students must complete the online Post-Graduation Survey as part of the graduation process. Please click on the following link to access this brief survey:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More Tips for Commencement Dress
- Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge until you are signaled at the ceremony to shift it to the left when the degrees are conferred.
- Please arrive at the ceremony wearing your regalia. Regalia will not be available at the ceremony.
- Please check your regalia for accuracy before the day of the ceremony.
- Remember to steam your gown before commencement to remove wrinkles from packaging.
- Business or business casual attire is recommended.
Commencement Rehearsal
Graduation Day Lineup
Graduates are asked to report to the cafe at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.
Alternate Commencement Site
The option of attending a commencement ceremony at another Penn State campus is available to students who complete the Alternate Commencement Site form. Complete the form and turn it in to the Penn State New Kensington Registrar's office.
Distinctions
Required GPA for Graduation with Distinction
Honors Ornamentation
Graduating students may wear only provided ornamentation to commencement. Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies. Students graduating with distinction, high distinction, highest distinction and approved veterans will be provided University approved cords.
Commencement Speaker
Guest Information
All guests are welcome to attend. Students must RSVP to [email protected]. Handicapped parking is available.
Photos
Pictures of graduates will be taken prior and during the ceremony. You are welcome to take additional pictures after the ceremony.
Rings
Class rings and jewelry can be ordered through Jostens website at: https://www.jostens.com/graduation/college/index.
Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society
A student's connection with Penn State does not end at graduation. Join over 150,000 Penn State supporters by becoming a member of the largest alumni association in the country, and keep that Blue and White spirit alive!
The local alumni organization based on our campus is the Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society. The society represents more than 7,000 Penn Staters living the Alle-Kiski valley.
For more information on the Penn State Alumni Association, visit: http://www.alumni.psu.edu/.
Please contact Academic Affairs if you have any questions at 724-334-6030 or [email protected].