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Penn State New Kensington has graduated more than 10,200 students since it's first class began 50 years ago. These ceremonies, which are held every fall and spring, are public recognition of our students' accomplishments.
Fall 2009 Commencement Ceremony will be held on December 19, 2009 at 10:00am.
For current students and future graduates:
When all degree requirements have been met, you must flag yourself to graduate on eLion. If the deadline on eLion has passed, please contact the Registrar’s Office for help completing this process.
This page provides important information for graduates and their families including:
- Commencement Speaker- TBA
- Guest information (directions, parking, and special needs)
- Bookstore information
- Academic attire
- Honors medals and pins
- The procession
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Alumni Association
Friends and family of the graduates are very welcome at the Commencement Ceremony. Each graduate is encouraged to invite their family and friends to participate in their special day. Floor seating will be available for our guests with special needs; and handicapped parking spaces are designated in the front row of our Athletics Center parking lot for Spring graduations, and in the front near the main entrance for Fall ceremonies.
Regalia is available through our Bookstore. Please order your regalia early. If you require special sizing, please order as soon as possible. See details below under Academic Attire.
Print ready Penn State graduation announcements, invitations and thank-you cards are available in the campus bookstore or online at: overlypub.com
Class rings and jewelry can be ordered through the bookstore, and are also available for purchase on line at: college.jostens.com
For additional information, you may contact the bookstore at: 724-334-6170.
The bookstore will be open special hours for your graduation needs, gifts, or just to browse.
ACADEMIC ATTIRE
In observance of tradition, all participants in the Commencement Ceremony will wear full academic regalia, consisting of a traditional gown and mortarboard (cap) with tassel. Caps and gowns are available from the Penn State New Kensington Bookstore. They currently have a bulk available for purchase in a variety of sizes. If you should need special sizing, please contact the bookstore in advance. You can contact the Bookstore at 724-334-6170. The Bookstore will hold your items for you, and you will be able to pay upon pick up.
Wear the tassel of the cap forward and to the right until you are signaled at the ceremony to shift it to the left when the degrees are conferred. Business or business casual attire is recommended.
HONORS MEDALS AND PINS
Graduating students may wear only one approved honor medal or pin to commencement. The following are pre-approved honor medals or pins:
- Kappa Delta Pi – Honor Society in Education
- Psi Chi – Honor Society in Psychology
- Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society
- Penn State Schreyer Honors College Medal
THE PROCESSION
Graduates in their caps and gowns will assemble in advance. The procession will be led by the Faculty Marshal; the Chancellor and visiting dignitaries; faculty and staff; and then the Graduates.
DIPLOMAS
Spring graduates receive diplomas following the ceremony in the Athletic Center Lobby. Fall and Summer graduates will have their diplomas mailed to their address listed on eLion. If you did not verify the name to be printed on the diploma via eLion, you may check that information in the Registrar’s Office on campus. If the alternate site form is filed correctly and timely, students from other campuses may participate in our commencement ceremony.
Note: Special inks are used in the printing of the diplomas. Do not store your diploma in a cedar chest.
TRANSCRIPTS
The official transcript is the University’s official statement of your academic record. For additional information and instructions on how to request an official transcript, please select the following link: http://www.registrar.psu.edu/transcripts/transcripts_index.cfm.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Your connection with Penn State does not end at graduation. Join over 150,000 Penn State supporters by becoming a member of the largest alumni association in the country, and keep that Blue and White spirit alive! For more information, visit: http://www.alumni.psu.edu/.
