Penn Graduate Information
Class of 2023
Congratulations on your upcoming Penn graduation!
Penn's 267th Commencement ceremony will take place on Monday, May 15, 2023 in Franklin Field at 10:15 a.m., and is preceded by student and academic processions through campus. 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, Idina Menzel, Tony Award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, producer, and author.
This year, due to added security requirements, the gates to Franklin Field will open at 7:00 a.m. for all guests. Every person entering Franklin Field will be subjected to an airport-style security screening, which will slow entry into the stadium. Please plan to arrive early. Note that only certain small items (including cell phones, wallets, and small clutches) will be permitted. A good rule of thumb: if an item does not fit in your pocket, please do not bring it with you. Please see list of prohibited items.
1. Instructions for Student Assembly
Before entering Franklin Field, graduating students will assemble at 39th Street and Locust Walk starting at 8:00 a.m. for a procession across campus. The procession will begin at 8:30 a.m. The graduates will also have to go through a separate security check-point once they reach the stadium.
Candidates for degrees in May, as well as graduates who completed degree requirements in August or December 2022, are invited to march in the procession and attend the Commencement ceremony. Students participating in the procession should wear academic regalia, and arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. The student procession will enter Franklin Field at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Signs will direct you to the assembly area for your school. M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. candidates should meet in the section "Graduate Faculties," regardless of school. Marshals will be on hand to direct you.
Please be prompt! If you arrive late or are not wearing academic regalia, you will not be able to march and sit with your classmates.
STUDENT ASSEMBLY AREA
2. Instructions for Student Procession
As you process across campus to Franklin Field, walk briskly, and make sure there are no gaps in front of you. If you want to sit with friends on the field, line up in front of or behind the person you want to sit next to. The student procession will enter the stadium in four columns. Below is a diagram of the procession route, from 39th & Locust Walk to Franklin Field.
You will be seated on the field according to your school. When you reach your row, move into it quickly and do not leave any empty seats. Sit down immediately. There will be a stack of Commencement Programs on the end seats. If you sit in this chair, please take one Program and pass the rest down. There will be bottled water at the field for you.
3. Instructions for the Commencement Ceremony
When the academic procession arrives at Franklin Field, please rise and remain standing until the Chaplain finishes his invocation. Please remove your cap during the National Anthem.
During the ceremony, the Provost will acknowledge those receiving various honors, prizes, and awards. If you are being recognized, please rise and remain standing until the completion of his remarks.
Conferral of Degrees
Your dean will present the candidates for the degrees in your school. When your dean presents your degree, rise and remain standing until the President confers your degree. After all the degrees from your school have been conferred, lift your cap in salute to the President. Then place the cap back on your head, and move the tassel from right to left.
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.
Franklin Field Policies and Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited within Franklin Field:
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including airhorns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, 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
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- 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
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.
Address & Phone
1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7006
Event Contact
Media Contact
Email Amanda Mott