Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Graduating students, along with their families and friends, are invited to join us at Penn State Wilkes‑Barre for our
Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
in the Athletic & Recreation Building Gymnasium
~ or ~
watch it live online beginning at
8:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Commencement Speaker: TBA
Student Marshals: TBA
Graduates may have an unlimited number of guests; no tickets are necessary. However, we do need you to register online to reserve seats for you and your guests. (The deadline for registering is Saturday, April 12.)
For those who are unable to attend in person, the campus will be providing a live video stream of the ceremony beginning at 8:45 a.m. After the day of the event, a recording will be available.*
Graduation Day Schedule
On the day of graduation, don't forget your robe, cap, and tassel!
7:45 a.m. — Gym doors open to the graduates.
7:45 a.m.–8:30 a.m. — Graduates robe in the gym and pick up their cords (if applicable).
8:30 a.m. — Gym doors open to the parents/guests.
8:30–8:45 a.m. — Graduates line up in the of the hallway of the ARB, ready to march in the procession.
9:00 a.m. — Commencement ceremony begins; it lasts approximately one hour.
After the ceremony, students and guests can meet in the Student Commons for refreshments. The Campus Bookstore will be open 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for the convenience of graduates, guests, faculty, and staff.
Photography
A professional photographer from Earl and Sedor Studios will be taking photos of each graduate as they receive their degree, and will take a formal portrait after the graduate exits the stage. You can see all of these photos here and order any you like at their website.
Want to take some great candid graduation photos? Here are some suggestions as to where to take them:
- Penn State Wilkes-Barre backdrop in the Student Commons
- The Nittany Lion Shrine
- On the wall at the entrance to campus
- On the Nittany Lion bench near the Struthers Career Services Center
- Hayfield House, both inside and out (especially in front of the floating staircase)
- In front of your favorite classroom
- On the bridge crossing the Rave Family Pond
- In or around the Fran Brown Gazebo
- In front of the Veterans’ Memorial
* Live stream and recording. Penn State Wilkes-Barre IT staff will be recording and live-streaming the ceremony for any family members and friends of graduates who are not able to attend. If you attend the ceremony in person, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or recorded.
Please note: Diplomas will be mailed approximately four weeks after the commencement ceremony to each student’s permanent residence or LionPATH diploma mailing address.