How will LPS be communicating with me about graduation activities?
LPS graduate and undergraduate students who graduated in December 2023 or have applied to graduate in May 2024 or August 2024 will receive email communications from LPS starting in early February that will include information regarding the LPS graduation ceremony and reception.
How do I order academic regalia?
Obtain regalia at the Penn Bookstore during "Grad Fair," March 20-22, or online at the Grad Express website (by March 31, to guarantee delivery). If you are unable to place your order online by March 31, please call the Penn Bookstore at (215) 898-7595 or email capandgown@upenn.edu to discuss your options. More info at the LPS Graduation Regalia page.
Where is the ceremony and reception?
The 2024 LPS Graduation Ceremony will be held on May 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center (300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102). A reception will immediately follow the ceremony inside the Kimmel Center.
What time should I arrive and where do I go?
It is imperative that graduating students arrive at the Kimmel Center promptly by 12:45 p.m. Please bring your academic regalia; staff will direct you to the check-in areas on tier 1 once you arrive:
- Please look for signage designating the meeting area for your program: BAAS, BA, BFA, IMPA, GMPA, MLA, MPhil (Lib Arts), MCS, MES, MSAG, MSOD, MPhil (Dynamics), MBDS, and MAPP.
- Report to the administrator assigned to your program area, who will check you in and determine your place in the processional line. Procession in proper order into the theatre/ceremony starts promptly at 1:45 p.m.
Where can I park?
Information on parking and directions are available at the Kimmel Center website. We recommend that you review these parking locations before arriving at the ceremony.
Do I have to attend all of the ceremonies?
No. You may choose to attend any, one, or none. Attendance is not required.
Is there a dress code for what should I wear under my regalia?
No.
How many ceremony tickets do I receive for my guests?
Participating graduates can request a maximum of four (4) guest tickets for the LPS Graduation Ceremony in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. More specific information is available on the Ceremony Tickets page.
Is there accessible seating?
Verizon Hall has wheelchair-accessible locations. Seating for ticketed guests who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices will be available but limited. The RSVP form will include an option to request accessible/limited mobility seating for your guests. Additional information on Verizon Hall accessibility is available on the Kimmel Center website.
Is there assigned seating for guests at the LPS ceremony?
No. Every guest (including children of all ages) must have a ticket to gain entrance into Verizon Hall. All seating is general admission by tier.
What time does the ceremony start?
The LPS Graduation Ceremony will begin promptly at 2 p.m. Let your guests know they should be seated before that time. Please remember it is necessary for graduating students to arrive no later than 12:45 p.m.
Where will the graduating students process?
Graduating students will process in degree order from tier 1 lobby area, down the steps, and into the back of the theatre.
How are the graduates seated?
Graduates are seated alphabetically by degree program in a reserved area of the orchestra section.
Is there a place to store my belongings while the LPS ceremony is taking place?
No. We recommend leaving them with friends and family.
What is the reception?
The graduation reception will immediately follow the ceremony inside the Kimmel Center and will include light refreshments. All graduates and guests are invited; no tickets required.
As an international student, how do I request a formal invitation letter for my intended guests?
Students who are in need of a formal invitation letter for Commencement should request the letter through the iPenn system. Once you log in to iPenn, click the "Student Services" menu on the left side of the page and select "Invitation Letter Request." Fill out all of the necessary information on the request form and click "Submit." An International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) representative will email you once the letter has been prepared and is ready for pickup. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the ISSS office.
When will I receive my diploma?
The College of Liberal and Professional Studies does not distribute official diplomas at the LPS Graduation Ceremony. The Office of the University Secretary will begin to mail diplomas approximately eight to ten weeks following the official degree conferral date (i.e. the date appearing on your diploma). Your diploma will be mailed once you have satisfied all relevant academic requirements and if you are in good financial standing. Diplomas will only be mailed to the permanent or diploma address. Additional information about mailing diplomas is available at Penn’s Office of the University Secretary website.
International diplomas can take up to eight weeks for delivery. International students who are planning to stay in the US through August can designate a US diploma address by updating Path@Penn. Alternatively, students can contact the diploma coordinator before June 7 to arrange to pick up their diploma starting in August.
Can you provide a list of area hotels and restaurants?
Hotels
Restaurants
Penn Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies
What is the Baccalaureate ceremony?
The Penn Baccalaureate ceremony is a 50-minute interfaith program that includes music, readings, prayers, and a guest speaker. Two consecutive ceremonies will be held in Irvine Auditorium on Sunday, May 19, in order to accommodate all those who wish to attend. Students whose last names begin with A through K are invited to attend the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. Students whose last names begin with L through Z are invited to attend the 3 p.m. ceremony. Tickets and academic regalia are not required. The Baccalaureate ceremony speaker will be announced in the spring.
What is the University Commencement ceremony on May 20?
The University Commencement ceremony is a campus-wide event at which you will celebrate with all members of the University of Pennsylvania Class of 2024. The procession of graduates is followed by speakers, special guests, and honorary degree awards.
Regalia is required, and the event is rain or shine. No tickets are required for guests; seating will be available on both the field and in the lower stands. Please be aware that the stadium is bench seating.
