Families and Guests Ceremony Overview

Guests watching the commencement ceremony in Franklin Field

Penn's 269th Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025 will take place on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Franklin Field. The ceremony will feature the conferral of degrees, the awarding of honorary degrees, greetings by University officials, and remarks by the Commencement speaker, Elizabeth Banks, actor, director, producer, and Penn alumna.

Before entering Franklin Field, graduating students will assemble for a procession to the stadium. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m. upon the entrance of the academic procession (the president's party and the faculty) and will conclude at approximately noon.

Please visit Franklin Field Policies for a list of prohibited items for the ceremony in Franklin Field.  Guests and graduates will not be permitted inside Franklin Field if they have any of these prohibited items.

In addition to the Commencement ceremonies, each school also hosts a ceremony for the students enrolled in that particular school. During this ceremony, the student's name will be called and the student will walk across the stage. For information on the school ceremonies, visit the School Ceremonies page.

 

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

Franklin Field Policies and Prohibited Items

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited within Franklin Field (ceremonies):

  • All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are ok)
  • Artificial noisemakers and wireless speakers, including airhorns or bullhorns
  • Signs, posters, banners, or flags
  • Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
  • Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
  • Glass and plastic bottles, soda cans, and all outside food / beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside the stadium)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Coolers or large containers
  • Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
  • Multiuse or similar tools, or screwdrivers
  • Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
  • Fireworks and open flames
  • Pepper spray / mace
  • Laser pointers
  • Aerosol containers
  • Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
  • Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
  • Animals or pets – except for service animals with the proper identification
  • No face coverings or ski masks. KN95 style masks for health reasons are permitted.

Guests attempting to enter with any prohibited item(s) will be asked to dispose of such items prior to entering. Security personnel reserves the right to deny access to any individual who does not comply with such policies.

Anything brought to the stadium will be pre-screened before entry.  Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment.  Pre-screening items slows the entry of guests into the stadium.

 

PHILADELPHIA WEATHER

Inclement and Severe Weather Plans

Commencement will be held rain or shine. However, for the safety of graduates and guests, severe weather conditions may require the cancellation of the student procession across campus or the delay of the ceremony.

In dangerous weather conditions, the ceremony may be relocated indoors to the Palestra, where seating would be limited to the academic procession and graduating students. In the case of this relocation, students should report to the Palestra no later than 9:30 a.m. Please know that the decision to move the Commencement ceremony indoors would be made in only extreme conditions.

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

  • A notice on this website
  • Announcements on (215) 898-MELT and radio station KYW (1060 AM)
  • Signs posted around campus

Disability Seating at Commencement

If you require special seating due to a wheelchair, limited physical mobility, or other medical condition, you can arrange for seating on the field. Due to space constraints, guests on the field may be accompanied by one companion only.  

There is seating in the lower stands available for guests who can navigate a few steps. The stadium is bench seating. Personal seat cushions/chair backs are allowed provided they are all canvas (no metal).

Accessible seating for School ceremonies is coordinated separately, by each School. Please see the School ceremonies page for contact information.

How to Request Accessible Seating Passes

Beginning in early March, you may request an accessible seating pass at the Accessible Seating page.  You will receive an email confirmation within five business days of your request, and your accessible seating passes at the end of April.  We cannot guarantee accessible seating for requests made after April 30.

Commencement information materials are available in alternate formats upon request. Advance notice is required.

Address & Phone

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