Graduation

General Commencement Information

Tickets: PA College utilizes an electronic ticketing system for Commencement. Each graduate can order an allotted number of tickets for Commencement. The ordering system will be open for graduates at a future date – specific information will be shared with graduates via email. At the end of the ordering period, any unclaimed tickets will be collected for redistribution to students in need of extras. The date extras will be available will be announced separately.

Diplomas: Diplomas will be sent by certified mail once all academic and financial requirements are satisfied. Graduating students should verify their mailing address in the student self-service section of MyPortal to ensure delivery.

Disability Accommodations: PA College is happy to provide seating for guests with special accommodations, including but not limited to visual and mobility requirements. Please contact Campus Life & Student Engagement (CampusLife@PAcollege.edu) to request accommodations.

Dress: Graduates are to wear their cap and gown to the Commencement ceremony. Caps and gowns should be pressed/steamed or otherwise wrinkle-free. Unauthorized extras such as painting or artful designs are not permitted on your cap or gown and will be removed prior to processional.

Graduates should consider the following guidelines when planning attire. Recommended attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt/top combination, or a nice pantsuit. Recommended attire for men includes a dress shirt, tie and dress pants. Students should be mindful of their footwear as they will need to be able to walk on the field and across the stage to obtain their diploma cover. Flip flops and athletic shoes are not permitted.

Graduates will gather together before the ceremony for the processional. At this gathering point, there will not be a secure area to leave personal belongings (i.e., purses, coats, bags, etc.). Please consider leaving these items with one of your guests prior to the ceremony.

Duration: The Commencement ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Graduates are to arrive no later than 6 p.m. Traffic adds additional time, so please plan accordingly. Guest seating will begin between 5:30-6 p.m. All guests must be seated by 7 p.m. in order to allow for the processional. Any guests arriving after 7 p.m. will be asked to wait in the concourse until the processional is complete and graduates are seated.

Parking: For a complete list of garages and lots in the area, please visit the Lancaster Parking Authority website. The closest garage to the event location is Penn Square Garage (25-51 East Vine Street), Steinman Park Garage (35 S Prince Street), Mifflin Street Lot (146 East Mifflin Street), E. King Street Garage (150 East King Street), or Prince Street Garage (111 N. Prince Street). On Street parking is also available and is monitored by the Lancaster Parking Authority, for more information visit their website here, which lists rate, operating hours, and acceptable payments. Please note that parking in Lancaster City does fill up quickly, so make sure to allow yourself enough time to find a place a park.

Photos & Videos: Professional photos will be taken during the Commencement ceremony by Grad Images, and will be available for purchase online (www.gradimages.com).

Programs: Printed programs will be available upon entrance to the ceremony.

Safety & Security: There will be members of the PA College Security team onsite for the Commencement ceremony. Professional behavior is expected of both the graduates and guests in attendance so that everyone might enjoy the event. Disruptive behavior will result in the person(s) being escorted out by a member of Security.

Seating: Graduating students will receive an allotted number of tickets to the Commencement ceremony to share with friends and family. Tickets must be presented upon entrance to Commencement. (Graduates do not need a ticket.) A live webcast of graduation will be available for guests unable to attend.

Guest seating will begin between 5:30/6:00 PM. All guests must be seated by 7:00 PM in order to allow for the processional. Any guests arriving after 7:00 PM will be asked to wait in the lobby until the processional is complete and graduates are seated.

Social Media: Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #PACollegeGrad23.

Keynote Speaker: The 2023 Commencement keynote speaker is to be announced.

Graduating Student Speaker: In addition, graduating students are invited to submit speeches for consideration as the Student Speaker. An appropriate speech should be 5-10 minutes in length, and should address graduates from all programs. Submissions should be emailed to Dr. Erika Wilkinson, VP of Strategic Enrollment Management, by Monday, April 3, 2023. The student speaker will be selected by Monday, May 2, 2023.

Travel & Lodging

The Commencement ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 17, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Lancaster Marriott/Lancaster County Convention Center in their Freedom Hall.

Parking: For a complete list of garages and lots in the area, please visit the Lancaster Parking Authority website. The closest garage to the event location is Penn Square Garage (25-51 East Vine Street), Steinman Park Garage (35 S Prince Street), Mifflin Street Lot (146 East Mifflin Street), E. King Street Garage (150 East King Street), or Prince Street Garage (111 N. Prince Street). On Street parking is also available and is monitored by the Lancaster Parking Authority, for more information visit their website here, which lists rate, operating hours, and acceptable payments.

Click here for more information on lodging, places to eat, attractions, and more!

Join the conversation

Follow along with the graduation conversation on social media using hashtag #PACollegeGrad23.

The Commencement ceremony will be live streamed on Wednesday, May 17, beginning at 7:00 PM.