General Information

  • The Penn State Harrisburg commencement ceremony will be held at The Forum Auditorium, 500 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
  • The ceremony will start promptly at the scheduled times and lasts approximately 1½ hours.
  • Guest tickets are not required for commencement ceremony attendance. Unlimited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • There are no rehearsals for the ceremony. Students will receive complete instructions at the registration area on the day of commencement.
  • Please leave valuables with family members or guests during the ceremony. There will not be a secure location for your belongings. Penn State Harrisburg and the venue are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal possessions.
  • All attendees -- graduates and guests -- are strongly advised to review the bag policy below. 

Bag Policy

In line with the best practices at major entertainment venues, Penn State Harrisburg security utilizes walk-through metal detectors at all entry points (for graduates and guests) and restrictions on the size and type of bag that may be carried into the venue. We recommend that guests arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and bring only essential items into the venue.

Permitted Bags

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” x 1"
  • Limit one bag per guest.

Not Permitted

  • Any clear bag larger than 12" x 6" x 12" 
  • Backpacks
  • Messenger bags
  • Roller bags and suitcases
  • Binocular cases and camera bags
  • Duffle bags and totes
  • Coolers
  • Balloons and noisemakers

An exception will be made for diaper bags, clear backpacks that fit within the required specs, and medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag, after proper inspection.

Guests will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items including empty, refillable water bottles to their vehicle prior to entering the venue. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items at The Forum.

All media representatives with necessary bags and equipment must enter have each item inspected and tagged prior to entering The Forum.

Arrival Time

  • Graduates must arrive and be fully gowned one hour before their designated ceremony. Please allow sufficient travel time.
  • Review the What to Wear page for complete information on caps, gowns, hoods, and more.
  • Graduates arriving less than 30 minutes before their ceremony are not guaranteed the opportunity to participate in the student processional and may not be seated with other students in their major.
  • Students who arrive at the ceremony without having registered are not guaranteed the opportunity to participate in the student processional and may not be seated with other students in their major.

Registration and Marching Cards

  • Graduates should enter through the Pennsylvania State Library Entrance. You must park your car before proceeding to this entrance. Your guests should use the main entrance doors and proceed to their seats in The Forum Auditorium.
  • Proceed directly to the graduate registration area. You will receive a marching card with your name and seat number for the staging area.
  • You may be given more than one card — keep all cards; you must present them to the Nomenclator (name reader) who will announce your name before you cross the stage.

Graduation Processional

After registering and receiving your marching card(s), go to the student processional staging area. Penn State Harrisburg staff will guide all graduates through each portion of the ceremony.

  • All cell phones must be turned off as soon as you enter the student processional/seating area. Please refrain from cell phone use before and during the ceremony.
  • Students must be seated in their assigned seats 30 minutes before the ceremony starts to receive processional instructions.
  • Any student suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will be subject to arrest and will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited, both inside and outside the venue.
  • Do not leave any personal items or valuables unattended at any time during the ceremony, especially in the student staging area.

Students must remain seated on the event floor until the conclusion of the ceremony. When you are led out of the auditorium, you may meet your guests outside the building. 

Alternate Commencement Sites

The option of attending a commencement ceremony at another Penn State campus is available to baccalaureate (policy O-1) and associate degree students (policy O-2).

  1. Download the appropriate PDF form from the University Registrar's website.
  2. Present the completed form to the Penn State Harrisburg Registrar's Office before the eleventh week of the semester.