Commencement

Monday, May 4, and Tuesday, May 5

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Regalia Distribution, Apple Meeting Rooms, Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center 

Friday, May 8  

11:30 a.m.

•  Luncheon for Graduates, Evert Dining Hall in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center 

2 to 3:30 p.m.

• Mandatory Rehearsal for Graduates, Weber Chapel Auditorium

7:30 p.m.

• Baccalaureate Ceremony, Weber Chapel Auditorium 

Saturday, May 9

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Commencement Brunch for Graduates, Families and Guests (optional), Evert Dining Hall in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center 

Graduates and their guests are invited to the Commencement Brunch. Reserve tickets by contacting Amanda Martin at 570–372–4228 or . The cost is $18.50 for each guest aged 12 and over, and $11.00 for children under 12. Graduates attend at no charge and can reserve and pick up their complimentary ticket at the Dining Services Office the week before Commencement.

12 p.m.

• Doors Open for Guests, Robert I. Estill Field House in the James W. Garrett Sports Complex

For guests who prefer a quieter or more flexible environment — such as families with young children or those with sensory considerations — an additional viewing location will be available in the Degenstein Center Theater (Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center), where the ceremony will be livestreamed.

1 p.m.

• Commencement Ceremony, Robert I. Estill Field House in the James W. Garrett Sports Complex

*Schedule of events will continue to be updated as details are finalized.

Purchase tickets for Commencement Brunch. Graduates and their guests are invited to the Commencement Brunch. Reserve tickets by contacting Amanda Martin at 570–372–4228 or . The cost is $18.50 for each guest aged 12 and over, and $11.00 for children under 12. Graduates attend at no charge and can reserve and pick up their complimentary ticket at the Dining Services Office the week before Commencement. 

Check your grades. Final grades for the spring semester will be available by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6. 

Understand the impact of outstanding charges on Commencement participation and diplomas. Unpaid tuition, room and board, library fines, health center charges, parking tickets and athletic equipment charges must be paid before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6. Payments in full, or payment arrangements, must be in place with Student Financial Services (SFS) in order for students to pick up caps and gowns. Outstanding balances will impact your ability to obtain your transcripts and diploma. We encourage all students to contact SFS with questions about student account balances or to schedule an appointment with SFS by emailing . 

On the Day of Commencement

Pick up some Susquehanna gear at the Bookstore. The Bookstore will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.

Residence halls will close at 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.

These events, held prior to Commencement, are designed to celebrate graduating seniors and the communities that have supported them throughout their time at Susquehanna. Unless otherwise noted, the celebrations are open to the university community and all are welcome; however, registration is required for graduating seniors who wish to be recognized.

• Baccalaureate is an ecumenical and celebratory service for graduates, their families and supporters.
• First-Generation Pinning Celebration celebrates first-generation college graduates.
• Lavender Cording Celebration celebrates LGBTQ+ graduating seniors and their allies.
• Multigenerational Family Pinning Celebration brings graduates and their alumni family members together. (by invitation only)
• ROTC Commissioning Ceremony marks the transition from officer trainee to commissioned officer. (by invitation only)
• Senior Champions Reception recognizes graduates who have exemplified Susquehanna’s traditions of spirit, advocacy and giving. (by invitation only)
• Senior Shabbat celebrates graduating seniors.
• TRIO and REACH Celebration celebrates graduates who participated in the TRIO and REACH programs.
• Umoja Stoling Celebration celebrates community and unity — umoja is the Swahili word for “unity.”

Will on-campus parking be available?

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may park in any non-accessibility space. View the campus map. 

More than 200 additional 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. 

See the special accommodations below for information about shuttles and accessibility parking. 

What special accommodations are available at Commencement?

Special accommodations for Baccalaureate and Commencement are available for wheelchair users, the visually and hearing impaired* and those with other mobility or health conditions. 

Accessibility parking is available (with advance registration) near James W. Garrett Sports Complex. 

Contact Erin Auman at aumane@susqu.edu to reserve accommodations for you or any of your guests. 

*A sign language interpreter will be present at all Commencement activities. 

What lodging accommodations are available for Commencement weekend?

Learn more about accommodations for the greater Selinsgrove area by visiting the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau website or calling 800-525-7320.

What vendors are available for Commencement-related services?

The following businesses provide Commencement-related services for the university. You are under no obligation to purchase their products.

• Balfour will provide information in the spring semester about graduation announcements and class rings.
• Commencement flowers will be available for purchase ahead of time as well as on the day of Commencement near the Field House.
• GradImages will take professional photos of students receiving their diploma and a posed portrait. The company will directly contact students with information about its services.

What can I do with unwanted items during move-out?

Graduation is the perfect time to give back by donating any unwanted items to Hawk Stuff, our free on-campus thrift store for students. A donation center will be set up at the 18th Street Commons townhouses during Commencement weekend.