Faculty and Administration Commencement Information

academic procession on franklin field

Penn's 269th Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025 will take place on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Franklin Field at 10:15 a.m., and is preceded by student and academic processions to the stadium. The ceremony will end at approximately 12:15 p.m. and will feature the conferral of degrees, the awarding of honorary degrees, greetings by University officials, and remarks by the Commencement speaker, who will be announced in the spring.

Participating in Commencement

Invitations to participate in the Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2025 are sent to faculty and select administration in early spring.

The academic procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. and proceed to Franklin Field. Please arrive at the line-up location no later than 8:45 a.m. Upon arriving at Franklin Field, the procession will stop to cheer on the students as they walk through. Please do not shake hands with the students, as this slows down the procession. After all the students have passed, the academic procession will fall in line behind the students and continue to their seats. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m., and end at approximately noon.

academic procession at Franklin Field gate

Commencement Webcast and Multimedia Archives

If you are unable to attend the University Commencement ceremony, you may view the livestream. Coverage from Franklin Field will begin at 9:00 a.m. EST on Monday, May 19, 2025.  The ceremony will be recorded and remain available for later viewing as well.  

Commencement Webcast and Multimedia Archives
ceremony on Franklin Field

PHILADELPHIA WEATHER

Inclement and Severe Weather Plans

Commencement will be held rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, you are encouraged to wear rain gear to protect yourself. The dye in the regalia may bleed onto clothing when wet.

If weather requires changes to the Commencement ceremony schedule, information will be found on:

  • Signs at 39th & Locust Walk
  • Announcements on (215) 898-MELT
  • Announcements on radio station KYW (1060 AM)
  • A notice on this website

In the event of severe weather conditions, the academic procession across campus may be cancelled. If it is cancelled, you should arrive at Weightman Hall no later than 9:30 a.m.

In the event of dangerous weather conditions, the ceremony may be delayed or relocated to the Palestra. If the ceremony is moved indoors to the Palestra, seating would be limited to the academic procession and graduating students. Please know that the decision to move the Commencement ceremony indoors would be made in only extreme conditions.

Volunteering at Commencement

If you are interested in volunteering at the Commencement ceremony, please email seccoor@pobox.upenn.edu.

Address & Phone

1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7006