Commencement
This page will be updated as details are announced. Check back every Wednesday to see if new information has been posted.
Page last updated: May 11, 2021
Livestream Information
All Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed on this section of this page. Recordings will be archived here as well. Bookmark or share this page’s URL with family and friends: www.susqu.edu/commencement.
Susquehanna University will host in-person and on-campus Commencement ceremonies in May.
- Class of 2021: Saturday–Sunday, May 15–16
- Class of 2020: Saturday, May 22
Additional information for each class is featured below.
Guest tickets are printed specifically for each ceremony. Keep in mind that, in compliance with state health and safety guidelines, each graduate is limited to four guests. The university is not responsible for lost tickets and will not distribute extra tickets prior to the ceremonies.
Guest seats will be grouped in sets and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that guests do not move or rearrange seats because they will be set up in accordance with state guidelines to maintain health and safety.
Masks are required of everyone in attendance.
Traditionally scheduled during Senior Week, ceremonies for affinity groups this year instead were held in the weeks leading up to Commencement. They were for ROTC cadets, students of color, LGBTQIA and SU Natives and Allies.
Effective April 4, 2021, Pennsylvania gathering limits require indoor events to limit capacity to 25% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the six-foot physical distancing requirements. Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors while on the university’s campus. Families are encouraged to review state travel restrictions as they plan travel to Susquehanna University.
If you have questions about Commencement, please call the Office of Event Management at 570-372-4354 or email oem@susqu.edu.
To help ensure a safe environment for everyone, we will host graduation ceremonies at three separate times over the weekend of May 15–16, 2021. There will not be an in-person baccalaureate service this year.
The ceremonies will take place in the Field House of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex. The time for each ceremony is included below, based upon the student's major.
Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m.
Honoring students majoring in: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Sciences, Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, and Psychology.
Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.
Honoring students majoring in: Accounting, Business Administration, Business Data Science, Communications, Economics, Finance, Global Management, International Business, Luxury Brand Marketing and Management, Management, and Marketing.
Sunday, May 16 at 10 a.m.
Honoring students majoring in: Anthropology, Art History, Creative Writing, Education, English, French Studies, German Studies, Graphic Design, History, International Studies, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish Studies, Studio Art, and Theatre.
UPDATE: Due to the Class of 2020’s overwhelming response that they will be returning to campus for Commencement, we have added a second ceremony on Saturday, May 22. We made this decision to ensure we can host an in-person ceremony in accordance with state capacity restrictions while also honoring the graduates’ guest ticket requests.
Both ceremonies will take place in the Field House of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex.
Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m.
Honoring students who majored in: Anthropology, Art History, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Education, Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, English, Environmental Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Graphic Design, History, International Studies, Italian Studies, Mathematics, Music, Neuroscience, Physics, Political Science, Public Policy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Studio Art, Sociology, Spanish Studies and Theatre.
Saturday, May 22 at 2 p.m.
Honoring students who majored in: Accounting, Business Administration, Communications, Economics, Finance, Global Management, Luxury Brand Marketing & Management and Marketing.
Parking
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for all nonreserved spaces.
More than 200 parking spaces are available in the Sassafras Street lot. To access this lot from campus, take University Avenue to Market Street, turn right, proceed two blocks to Sassafras, turn right again and travel approximately one-quarter mile. The lot will be on your right.
View the campus map.
Disability Accommodations
Disability accommodations are available for the visually and hearing impaired* and those with other mobility or health conditions.
For those who have requested an accommodation, parking is available near Garrett Sports Complex.
Please contact the Office of Event Management at 570-372-4354 or oem@susqu.edu to reserve these services for you or any of your guests.
*A sign language interpreter will be present at all Commencement activities.
Susquehanna University’s Bookstore will be open during Commencement weekends, during which time graduates and families will receive 10% discount. Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 16.
These outside firms provide Commencement-related services. You are under no obligation to purchase their products.
- For the safety of all our guests, students and staff, we request that all guests remain seated for the entire duration of the ceremony. GradImages will take professional photographs of each student receiving their diploma. They will proceed to a physically distanced location and will be permitted to remove their mask for a second photo. The company will contact students with information about its services and how to order prints.
- Balfour will provide information in the spring semester about graduation announcements and class rings.
- Commencement flowers can be purchased ahead of time and will also be available for purchase on the day of commencement near the Field House.
Preparing for Commencement
Help us pronounce your name correctly
Submit the phonetic spelling in the Qualtrics survey you receive or email ney@susqu.edu no later than Friday, May 7, with the proper way for your name to be said as you walk across the stage.
The impact of outstanding charges
Unpaid tuition, room & board, library fines, health center charges, parking tickets and athletic equipment charges were due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 6. Payments in full or payment arrangements must be in place with Student Financial Services for students to pick up caps and gowns. Outstanding balances also impact your ability to obtain your transcripts and diploma, so we encourage all students to contact SFS with questions about student account balances or to schedule an appointment with SFS by emailing sfs@susqu.edu.
Check your grades
Final grades for the spring semester will be available by noon on Thursday, May 13, on mySU.
Request a co-curricular transcript
The transcript, which lists your involvement outside the classroom, can give you an edge in obtaining employment, internships, graduate school or exploring career opportunities. Request yours on mySU.
Regalia Pickup
Regalia is available for pickup on Thursday, May 13 and Friday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms 1-5.
On the Day of Commencement
Field House Doors
- Saturday, 10 a.m. Ceremony: Doors to the field house will open at 9 a.m., and accessible entrances will open at 8:45 a.m.
- Saturday, 2 p.m. Ceremony: Doors to the field house will open at 1 p.m., and accessible entrances will open at 12:45 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m. Ceremony: Doors to the field house will open at 9 a.m., and accessible entrances will open at 8:45 a.m.
Regalia Return
Return your gown and hood to the Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms 1-5, immediately following your ceremony. Unless you bought your cap for decorating, this needs to be returned also. The tassel is yours to keep!
Get your honors inscription on your diploma
If you receive honors, leave your diploma in the labeled box at the regalia return location. It will be inscribed and mailed to the address you provided on the Qualtrics survey.
Residence Halls
Residence halls will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday for those participating in ceremonies 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday for graduates participating in ceremony 3.
On the Day of Commencement
Regalia Pickup
You have already received your cap, tassel, GO sash and any cords. You will need to bring these items to the ceremony, as there will not be extras.
On Saturday, May 22, you will pick up your gown, hood and tickets under the large tent outside of Degenstein Campus Center. Distribution for the 10 a.m. ceremony will begin at 8 a.m., and distribution for the 2 p.m. ceremony will begin at noon.
Field House Doors
- 10 a.m. Ceremony: Doors to the field house will open at 9 a.m., and accessible entrances will open at 8:45 a.m.
- 2 p.m. Ceremony: Doors to the field house will open at 1 p.m., and accessible entrances will open at 12:45 p.m.
Regalia Return
The gown is yours to keep, but the hoods will be collected.