☑︎ Regularly check your Penn State email.
Check your Penn State Office365 email for important announcements, updates for senior events, and news about commencement.
☑︎ Verify your graduation eligibility.
If you think you are eligible to graduate, you must run an Academic Requirement report in LionPath, then discuss the report with your academic adviser. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Paris in the Advising Center.
☑︎ File your intent to graduate.
If all of your degree requirements are met, then you must declare your intent to graduate using the “Apply for Graduation” link within the “Degree Planning and Progress” page in the LionPATH Student Center. Deadline: Monday, January 27. Questions? Contact the Registrar, Colleen Racho. If you missed the deadline, immediately contact the Registrar’s office at [email protected] or 570-450-3187.
☑︎ Attend the Countdown to Cap and Gown luncheon.
Go to the Countdown to Cap and Gown luncheon for seniors on Tuesday, February 4, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. in 107 Hayfield House. At this required meeting you will receive all of the information you need to wrap up your final semester at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
☑︎ Order your regalia.
Contact the Penn State Bookstore (call 570-675-9230 or email Diane Hoyt‑Green) to order your robe, cap and tassel. You can also order them through the Josten’s website. Pricing:
- cap: $13.98 + tax
- gown: $48.98 + tax
- tassel: $6.98 + tax
Items will be available for sale in the bookstore at the beginning of March. Students should contact the bookstore no later than March 28.
Note: Don’t use a hot iron on your gown; it may melt! Instead, use a cool iron or hang it in a steamy area to help reduce the wrinkles.
☑︎ Order announcements, rings and more.
If you would like to purchase graduation announcements or thank you notes, contact the Penn State Bookstore. Personalized announcements can be ordered through Josten’s by February 28.
Class ring orders should be made through Josten’s as well. (Brochures are available at the bookstore.) Other graduation mementoes are available for purchase both through the Bookstore and the Josten’s website at any time.
☑︎ RSVP for the commencement ceremony.
Let us know whether you plan to participate in the ceremony. Graduates may have an unlimited number of guests. Register online to reserve seats for you and your guests. (The deadline for registering is Saturday, April 12.)
☑︎ Provide us with a photo and quotation.
A slideshow of the graduating seniors will be displayed on the big screen in the gymnasium before and after the commencement ceremony. In addition, graduates’ photos and information will be included in our digital commencement program. Please make sure you are recognized in both places by filling out this form to provide us with your photo, a favorite quote, and some personal information. The deadline to complete the form is Friday, April 4. (Note: If you do not submit your information by April 4, we will include your first/last name and major on screen and in the program.)
☑︎ Get your graduation cord(s), if any.
Academic distinction. All graduates who have earned academic distinction will receive an academic distinction cord to wear at commencement:
- Summa Cum Laude: blue and white cord
- Magna Cum Laude: blue cord
- Cum Laude: white cord
Military. All graduates who are military veterans, currently serving on active duty, in the reserves, or National Guard, or who will be granted a commission through Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) will receive a red, white, and blue cord to wear at commencement.
Cords will be available and distributed the morning of commencement.
Please note: Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies.
☑︎ Complete financial aid exit counseling.
If you borrowed student loans, this is a requirement. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Coslett in the Student Financial Aid office, located in the Murphy Center. Read about financial aid resources and info for when you graduate.
☑︎ Fill out your destination survey.
Tell us your plans for next year! We encourage graduating seniors to complete the first Destination Survey, which will be emailed to your Penn State email account during the week of April 14. Students who fill out the survey between April 14 and April 18 will be entered into a drawing to win two half-gallons of ice cream (your choice of flavors), delivered to your address from the Penn State Berkey Creamery! (Three winners will be selected.)
☑︎ Join the Alumni Association.
Consider joining the Penn State Alumni Association, which includes membership in the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Alumni Society. Your first year’s membership is free; in addition, recent graduates get a discount on their membership. Contact Jackie Warnick-Piatt and inquire about when the next meeting of the Wilkes-Barre Alumni Society will be held. Come and network with the Society membership and be a part of the largest alumni association in the world!
☑︎ Take care of expiring technology.
For information, see Technology Access After Graduation.