CU Commencement

Graduate (Masters & Doctoral) Degree Ceremonies

*Ceremony will be held indoors, however air-conditioning will not be available. Please dress appropriately.

Undergraduate Degree Ceremonies

Note: Undergraduate ceremonies will be held outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

• All students participating in commencement must wear academic regalia.
  • If you have a U.S. armed forces issued uniform, that is the only other acceptable attire to be worn in place of academic regalia.
• Cap, Gown and Tassels should be ordered through the University Store.
  • Bloomsburg
    • bloomustore.com
    • 570-389-4175
  • Lock Haven
    • universitystore.lockhaven.edu
    • 570-484-2750
  • Mansfield
    • mansfieldspirit.com
    • 570-662-4922
• Watch a short video snippet to get a preview of what to expect when you are being hooded at the commencement ceremony.

For the safety, security, and to enhance the experience of our students and guests, Commonwealth University Police have implemented and adhere to the Clear Bag Policy to enhance safety. This is similar to policies at many stadiums and large event venues. In addition to increasing the safety standards at commencement, your cooperation in complying will expediting entrance into our facilities and venues providing the best possible experience during their time on our campus.

As always, guests may carry approved, personal items in their pockets or jackets, including keys, phones, wallets, and credit cards. Bags that do not meet the policy are prohibited from entering the complex. Relocation/disposal of non-permissible bags off the venue will be the responsibility of the owner. No bag check will be available. CU is not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged. As a reminder, this policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited from being taken into our venues. Guests are encouraged to bring only necessary items into the venue, all guests and their belongings are subject to inspection at the entrances.

The following items are approved for entry into commencement ceremonies:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote no larger than 12"x12"x6"
• Clear plastic storage bag, 1 gallon size, re-sealable
• Small clutch bag, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5"x6.5"
• Clear Plastic Water Bottles

The following items are not approved for entry into commencement ceremonies:

• Large Purses
• Strollers
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Wrapped Gifts
• Diaper Bags
• Computer Bags
• Luggage of Any Kind
• Cinch Bags
• Fanny Packs
• Camera Bags
• Umbrellas
• Glass Bottles

This policy will be strictly enforced.

• Commonwealth University will be utilizing an electronic ticketing system for our commencement ceremonies. You must register for your tickets on or before 4/29/24. After this date, the waitlist will be filled and tickets will not be guaranteed. There will not be any tickets handed out or be able to be claimed the day of the ceremony.
• Tickets are required for guest and supporter entrance into all commencement ceremonies
  • For additional ticket information visit your campus commencement ceremony page:
    • Bloomsburg Commencement
    • Lock Haven Commencement
    • Mansfield Commencement
• All seating for guests and supporters is available on a first-come, first-served basis
• All undergraduate ceremonies will be held outdoors. Please dress appropriately.
• Students will be seated in the appropriate area based on their degree (Masters or Doctoral) or undergraduate college

• The live stream video feed will start 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• For information specific your campus commencement ceremony live stream visit:
  • Bloomsburg Commencement
  • Lock Haven Commencement
  • Mansfield Commencement

It's the responsibility of the graduating student to complete the application for graduation. If a student has a question or concern about eligibility, contact the department/program coordinator as soon as possible. Department approval is necessary in order to be eligible to participate in commencement, have a name printed in the program, and for the degree to be granted.

• Spring & Summer deadline is February 1
  • More info to follow
• Fall & Winter deadline is September 1

Guide to Entering and Submitting Your Graduation Application

If you received federal loans you must complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.

Following the commencement ceremony and/or the last day of your graduation term several checks occur before you are officially graduated from the University.

• Once grades are posted, the Office of the Registrar completes a final review of each graduating student's general education requirements and other degree requirements.
• After this is complete, the Office of the Registrar will confer your degree.
• If there are concerns with your degree requirements you will be notified.

This process may take up to six weeks to complete. Once conferred, your degree will appear on your unofficial transcript within Banner Self-Service and on your official transcripts.

Honors for undergraduate commencement are based on the cumulative grade point average for the semester prior to the final semester. Honors for the diploma and final transcript are based on the cumulative grade point average, including the final semester. To receive Ceremonial Distinction baccalaureate students may have the 30 credit hours in progress at the time of distinction. Please refer to PRP 3640 for full policy details.

Honors are as follows:

• Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74
• Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.94
• Summa Cum Laude, 3.95 to 4.00

Graduates may contact Dr. Sherry Briggs, teacher certification coordinator, for assistance with the online application process. Anticipated processing time for applications on campus is three weeks eight to ten weeks in Harrisburg. For more on certification and required testing:

• College of Education Students
• Teacher Certification at Commonwealth University
• Pennsylvania Department of Education