Commencement

Kutztown University will celebrate 2024 fall commencement on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The combined Graduate & Undergraduate ceremony will take place at 10 am in the O'Pake Fieldhouse.

Watch Commencement Online

COMMENCEMENT DAY INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS

The combined ceremony for graduate and undergraduate students will start PROMPTLY at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 in the O’Pake Fieldhouse.

TICKETS:

You should have received your allocations of tickets for this event. Those who requested extra tickets through the online reservation form and received a confirmation email can pick them up in 119 Stratton Administration Center during the following times:

  • Tuesday, 12/10 - 10am - noon
  • Wednesday, 12/11 - 1pm - 3pm
  • Thursday, 12/12 - 2pm - 4pm

 CAP AND GOWN:

  • Take the gown out of the bag and hang it up for creases to fall out.
  • If necessary, hang the gown in the bathroom while you shower or use a steamer.
  • Do NOT use a hot iron on your gown.
  • The cap and tassel will be in the bag with your gown.
  • Secure the tassel to the button on the top of the cap.
  • The front of the cap is noted on the underside of the mortar board.
  • Bring a couple of bobby pins and clip the cap to your hair, especially if the cap is loose.
  • Wear comfortable shoes!! There are stairs on the procession route!

HONORS MEDALLIONS and HONORS STATUS (applies to undergraduate students only)

  • Honors status does not include current semester grades.
  • Students with a 3.4 GPA or higher received a KU honors medallion with their cap and gown to signify cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude status.
  • Students with a KU honors medallion will be grouped together in the front of each college to process first and receive their diploma covers first. (NOTE: This does not apply to students with medallions from clubs or programs.)
  • CUM LAUDE, MAGNA CUM LAUDE, or SUMMA CUM LAUDE will be noted in the program and announced as you cross the stage.
  • Honors status earned after grades are determined for the current semester will be noted on your final diploma and transcript.

PARKING AND ACCESS:

  • The best place to park for students and guests is in Lots A2 and A3, where shuttles will run continuously to the Fieldhouse beginning at 8:45 a.m. Parking will also be available in Lots F1, F4, F6, C1, and C2, however, there will not be shuttle service to or from those lots.
  • Handicapped parking for those with state-issued permits will be in Lots E1 and E2. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NOTE: Students and guests who need accessible seating or other accommodations and have not already made arrangements should contact Caecilia Holt at 610-683-1396 or commencement@kutztown.edu. 

WHEN TO ARRIVE and WHERE to GO:

  • Fieldhouse doors open at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony. Students should report to the Keystone robing area in the Keystone Arena by 9 a.m.
  • Park in the Beekey parking lot (A2 & A3) across from the fairgrounds, where shuttle buses will take riders from the Beekey lot to the Fieldhouse beginning at 8:45am.
  • Allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, and weather—the ceremony will start on time!
  • Report to your college’s Dean’s table to get your name card.
  • Check with your Dean if there is no card for you. Blank cards will be available once it has been verified that you are eligible to participate in graduation.
  • Let your Dean know of any unique or particular pronunciation of your name.
  • Scan the QR code on your card to enter information needed for the photographer. If the QR code on your card doesn’t work, scan the QR code on a blank card or from the code displayed on the table. Do not scan another student’s card.
  • Guests are not permitted in the robing area.
  • Use restrooms in the back hallway from Keystone Arena.

LINING UP:

  • Processional lines will form 20 minutes before the ceremony. Staff are available to assist in the process.
  • Two lines will form, one behind the Dean, one behind the Associate Dean.
    • Master's candidates first, followed by
    • Undergraduates with honors medallions, followed by
    • Undergraduates without honors, followed by
    • Doctoral candidates, if any
  • If you want to sit next to someone you should be in front of or behind them in line.
  • Bachelor’s candidates wear the cap with tassel hanging from the right side of the cap.
  • Master's and doctoral candidates should see Mr. Brian Meares in the robing area for directions for hoods and caps.
  • Graduates process in two lines through the faculty honor guard and down the center aisle where the lines will split to the sides for seating.
  • It is important to stay in a 2 x 2 line!
  • Usher Marshals will guide you to the seating area and row.
  • Remain standing until all have processed into the fieldhouse.

DECORUM:

This is an important day and ceremony for you and your family.

  • Do not get up and walk around during the ceremony. If you feel ill or need a restroom, please let one of the ushers know.
  • No additional adornments are permitted on your gown. Cords, sashes, or medallions earned through various honor or campus societies, or academic achievement may be worn.
  • Turn off or silence cell phones or other electronic devices.

PICTURES

  • A professional photographer takes a picture with the President and at the bottom of the stage exit ramp.
  • Family members or guests are not permitted near the platform or graduate seating area to take photos.
  • Photographer will contact graduates about their photos.
  • NO selfies with the President are permitted!

GRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES

  • Brian Meares, Manager of Graduate Studies & Curriculum Administration, will be in the Student Robing Area to provide specific instructions for masters- and doctoral-level candidates. Please be sure to check-in with him once you have your name card.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE CANDIDATES

  • Tassel should be on the right side of the cap
  • Follow the instruction of the Usher Marshal to the stage
  • Bring name card with you to stage
  • Hand name card to Dean at the first podium.
  • Dean will read your name.
  • Go to the center of the stage to receive diploma cover.
  • Stand on mark on the floor that says “SMILE.”
  • President Hawkinson will present diploma cover.
  • Accept the cover and turn with the President for a picture.
  • Stop at the end of the exit ramp for a second picture with your diploma.
  • Return to your seat but DO NOT move the tassel to the left.

 CONFERRING OF DEGREES

  • The president will formally confer degrees after all graduates have been called and everyone is at their seat.
  • The President will instruct all undergraduates to move their tassels to the left.

RECESSIONAL

  • Platform guests and faculty will process out first, then graduates
    • doctoral graduates, followed by
    • master's candidates, followed by
    • undergraduates

WHERE TO MEET FAMILY AFTER THE CEREMONY

  • Pre-arrange a place to meet up with your family after the ceremony. There are close to 300 graduates all wearing maroon robes and 3000 guests. The area outside the field house will get very crowded.

 Enjoy this special day!

APPLY TO GRADUATE

Log into new MyKU. Under the Student Self Service tile, click Dashboard. Select Apply for Graduation and carefully follow the instructions and prompts.

For questions regarding graduation eligibility or the application process, contact one of the following individuals:

Quotation Mark

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt
bear statue wearing a cap and gown
  • Student Commencement Speakers

    Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, October 15, 2024 for student commencement speakers for the spring commencement ceremonies this May. Twostudents will be selected to speak before their graduating class and guests:

    Please direct all questions about the commencement speaker application process to Dr. Andrea Kirshman at  (Undergraduate students) or to Dr. Carl Sheperis at  (Graduate students).

  • Graduation Festival

    Kutztown University Student Services, Inc. ("KUSSI") is sponsoring a Graduation Festival for the graduating class of Fall 2024 on Tuesday, October 22 from 11 am - 7 pm in MSU 218.

    Grad Fest is a "one-stop-shop" for graduates to purchase caps and gowns, order class rings, purchase diploma frames and learn more about KU Alumni Engagement. The following vendors and KU offices will be available on site at Grad Fest:

    • Oak Hall Caps & Gowns
    • Balfour Class Rings & Announcements
    • KU Campus Store Official Logo and Alumni Merchandise
    • Diploma Frames
    • KU Registrar's Office
    • PSECU
    • KU Graduate Admissions
    • KU College of Graduate Studies
    • Career Development Center
    • Alumni Engagement
    • Financial Aid
    • KU Outcomes Survey
    • Senior Portraits

    Take advantage of this event to purchase your cap & gown at a discount. For additional information or questions regarding purchases, contact KUSSI at 610-683-1504.

  • Academic Regalia

    Purchasing Your Cap and Gown    

    If you participate in the commencement exercise, you must purchase complete academic regalia from the KU Campus Store. The use of any other academic regalia is NOT permitted. Purchasing your regalia indicates your intention to participate in the commencement ceremony. Only students who are participating in the commencement ceremony will receive tickets.

    Academic regalia may be purchased at the Graduation Festival for a discount. Payment can be made by cash, check, credit card, or Bear Bucks.  Please note that the Campus Store is unable to accept credit cards or checks belonging to someone other than the student, unless that individual is present. You will be required to present photo identification to purchase your regalia.

    If you cannot attend the Graduation Festival, academic regalia may be purchased through the KU Campus Store at full price during normal business hours between the dates of December 2 through December 13. Please visit kubstore.com for the most up to date business hours. For additional information or questions regarding regalia purchases, contact the KUSSI Service Center at 610-683-4090.

    Kutztown University uses GreenWeaver® graduation gowns as part of the ongoing effort to "go green."  Each gown is made of 23 recycled plastic bottles. This fabric is softer to the touch and more breathable than traditional polyester fabric. For every gown purchased, Oak Hall will make a donation to support Kutztown University's sustainability programs. The changes that were made to the undergraduate cap & gown package also provide a cost savings to those students.

    Cap and Gown Care Instructions

    For the best appearance, the academic gown should be removed from the package immediately and placed on a hanger to allow the folds to fall out.  Hanging it in a high humidity area, such as the bathroom while you shower, will accelerate this process. If you wish to press, turn inside out and press with a warm, NOT HOT, iron.  Steaming is also an option.  The commencement regalia are yours to keep.

  • Class Rings

    The official Kutztown University class ring collection will be on sale at Grad Fest.

    You may also visit the Kutztown University section of the Balfour website for custom designs and to order online.

  • Commencement Announcements

    Commencement announcements may be purchased at Grad Fest and will be available at the KU Campus Store, located on the lower level of the McFarland Student Union during normal hours of operation. You may also visit the Kutztown University section of the Balfour website for custom designs and to order online.

  • Graduation Portraits

    Prestige Photography by Lifetouch

    Students now have the opportunity to have professional photographs taken prior to commencement. Lifetouch will be on campus taking individual cap and gown and professional dress photographs. A cap and gown will be provided if you have not bought your own regalia. Don't forget that you can use these portraits for your professional networking and job search sites! 

    Students will be provided with hard copy proofs as well as electronic copies to review with their family and friends. There is no cost to be photographed nor the obligation to make a purchase.

    A Lifetouch photographer will be on campus on the following dates:

    • Tuesday, October 22 from 11am - 7pm. MSU 223.

    Appointments recommended. Walk-up's possible based on availability. 

    Appointments can be made at Prestige Photography by Lifetouch. Students are encouraged to wear professional attire.

  • Outstanding Balances and Restrictions

    Please take a moment to log onto MyKU to see if you have any outstanding balances that could cause your account to be restricted (i.e. parking tickets, Hall room damages, ID replacement and tuition balances). This restriction will stop you from formally graduating, getting a diploma and block your accessibility to transcripts. If you are unable to access MyKU, you may contact the Office of Student Accounts. All outstanding issues, balances, and appeals must be resolved before commencement. You can reach the Office of Student Accounts at 610-683-4133.

    For future reference, transcript requests can be made through the Registrar's Office.

    If you move, please be sure to change your address online. You may be receiving tuition tax documents and other necessary communications from Kutztown University.

  • Career Outcomes Survey

    Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Please click HERE to log in to Handshake to complete your Career Outcomes Profile BEFORE graduation. The brief survey takes just five minutes. 

  • Tickets

    Tickets for Admission to Commencement

    Each degree candidate will be allotted six (6) guest tickets for the commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

    Tickets will be included with your cap and gown purchase at Grad Fest or subsequently at the KU Campus Store during normal business hours. You will be required to present a valid KU ID to receive your tickets.

    • Candidates do not need tickets for themselves.
    • Children ages 3 and up are required to have a ticket.
    • Be sure to keep your tickets safe - lost tickets will not be replaced.
    • Guests will not be admitted without a ticket.

    The ceremonies will be streamed live so that those who can't attend will be able to see you on the stage with President Hawkinson.

    • Visit the Commencement Coverage page for the link.
    • There is an overflow viewing room in room 200 in the Rec Center across the street from the field house.

    Extra Tickets: 

    Seating at the commencement ceremony is limited. Students who have a need for more guest tickets for the ceremony may click on the link below to be included in a random distribution of extra tickets. Completed forms must be submitted no later than Monday, November 25 to qualify.

    The number of extra tickets given are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

    Students identified through the randomized selection process will be notified by email on or after December 4th. Tickets will be available for pick up in the Dean of Students Office, 119 Stratton Administration Center during the following times:

    • Tuesday, 12/10 - 10am - noon
    • Wednesday, 12/11 - 1pm - 3pm
    • Thursday, 12/12 - 2pm - 4pm

    One entry per graduate. Multiple entries will be disregarded. Please be sure to enter your complete KU email address accurately on the form so that you will be able to receive messages related to your request.

    The link for extra tickets will appear here when the request window opens to students on Monday, October 28. Click on TICKETS to apply for extra commencement guest tickets.

  • Academic Etiquette

    Candidates are expected to wear complete commencement attire, with NO ALTERATIONS TO THE GOWN. Candidates may decorate their caps. Candidates wearing profane messages of any type on the caps and gowns will NOT be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.

    At commencement, the men will remove their hats for the invocation, benediction and alma mater.

    • All bachelor's degree candidates will wear mortarboard caps with tassels on their RIGHT side prior to degrees being conferred. The President will formally confer degrees and will instruct graduates to move the tassel to the left side of the mortarboard cap.
    • Master's and doctoral degree candidates will wear their tassels on the LEFT side at all times.

    Dignity of Ceremony

    You are expected to be robed and conduct yourself in a dignified manner as you participate in this traditional ceremony. Please do not leave your seats or engage in lengthy conversation with others during the ceremony.

    In order to allow for a smooth exit of all in attendance, please maintain an orderly pace during the recessional from the Kutztown University O'Pake Fieldhouse.

  • Time and Place To Report

    Students are to report to the Keystone Hall robing area on the day of commencement as follows:

    • Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral students should report no later than 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 for the 10 a.m. ceremony.

    Please note that the commencement ceremony will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Locate your college robing area by clicking on the link below:  

    Once you have robed, you must sign in with the Dean of your college and pick up your index card, which includes your name, designated academic college, and honors, if earned. 

    Seating at the ceremony:  If you wish to sit near a friend who is receiving a degree in your discipline, you must line up in front of or in back of that person, not beside him/her. Once the line begins to move, candidates will not be permitted to switch places in the line.

  • Parking

    Plan to arrive early to allow plenty of time to find a parking space and walk/take the shuttle to the Fieldhouse for the ceremony. Primary parking areas for the ceremonies are:

    • Lots A2, A3, C1, C2, F1, F4, and F6.                                                                                                                                     

    Click here to view a map of the campus.

    Lots A2 and A3 are the most convenient parking areas in terms of arriving to and leaving campus after commencement. Complimentary shuttles will run continuously on Saturday, May 11 from 7:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. from the A2 lot to the O'Pake Fieldhouse.

    Parking closest to the O'Pake Fieldhouse (lot E-1 & E-2) is reserved for patrons with state-issued handicap plates or placards. While there are other lots that are reasonably close to the facility, individuals with mobility issues should plan to arrive early as these spaces are very limited. Alternatively, a drop-off area will be available to families that wish to drop off patrons with mobility issues near the venue. Both of these areas are accessible from Baldy Street.  A state-issued handicap placard does not guarantee guests parking in our reserved parking areas.

    It is a good idea to arrange a place to meet your family after the program concludes. South Campus Drive will be closed from Court Lane to Baldy Street after commencement has concluded for pedestrian movement. If you have any questions or concerns about parking for commencement, feel free to contact Public Safety and Police Services at 610-683-4002.

  • Accessible Accomodations

    SPECIAL SEATING AND/OR PARKING

    Persons with a disability who require special seating should notify commencement staff immediately. 

    Please note: All seating is on the fieldhouse floor. There are no bleachers.

    Parking closest to the O'Pake Fieldhouse (lot E-1 & lot E-2) is reserved for patrons with state-issued handicap plates or placards. While there are other lots that are reasonably close to the facility, individuals with mobility issues should plan to arrive early as these spaces are very limited. Alternatively, a drop-off area will be available to families that wish to drop off patrons with mobility issues near the venue. Both of these areas are accessible from Baldy Street.  A state-issued handicap placard does not guarantee guests parking in our reserved parking areas.

    OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

    Persons with a disability and who require assisted listening devices, an ASL interpreter, or other special accommodation should notify the Disability Services Office at 610-683-4108 immediately. (TDD number 610-683-4499). It is recommended that requests be submitted as early as possible but at least two weeks prior to the ceremony to ensure the availability of accommodations needed.

  • Seating

    Most guests attending commencement are seated in the general seating area. Special seating in the Kutztown University O'Pake Fieldhouse is available for guests with special needs. Seating in this area is by reservation only. Please have someone capable of assisting you from your parking area to the O'Pake Fieldhouse.  You may view the Fieldhouse map for an arrangement of the seating areas.

    Ushers assigned to the Accessible Seating area are not trained to assist you with your disability. Please make sure that you have someone with you who is capable of handling your special need.

    Seating in this area is by reservation only. Please contact commencement staff to make your reservation as soon as possible.

    Wheelchairs are available during the ceremony for emergencies, with limited availability to transport guests from the Fieldhouse entrance to their seats. An area will be provided in the Fieldhouse to store personal wheelchairs that are not in use during the ceremony.

  • Diplomas

    Students will cross the stage at the commencement ceremony to receive a diploma cover only, not their actual diploma. Given the time limitations associated with commencement, the actual awarding of a degree by the University in all cases is subject to verification by the Registrar that all requirements for your degree have been satisfied.  Since verification cannot be accomplished until after commencement, exercises are to be considered as ceremonial only. The honors listing for undergraduate students in the commencement program is based on the previous semester's GPA.  The University will notify graduates when diplomas become available.

  • Photographs

    In order to provide the best opportunity for a quality photograph to document the occasion, a professional photographer from Legacy Photographics will be on stage during the commencement ceremony to take a picture of each graduate with President Hawkinson as he/she/they receives the diploma cover. 

    Not only will graduating students have the best possible photograph of their accomplishment, their guests will be able to remain seated without worrying about getting close to the stage to "capture the moment."

    Legacy Photographics will take photographs of each graduate as they shake hands with the dignitary and as they exit the stage.  There is no obligation to purchase pictures and each graduate will receive an email proof within 48 hours of the ceremony. For more information visit www.legacyphoto.com.

  • Driving Directions

    From the Reading Area:

    From Route 222 North, take the Kutztown exit, pass the Airport Diner and make a right onto South Campus Drive. Parking will be available in lots C1, C2, E2, F1, F4, and F6.  Another option would be to continue past South Campus drive and turn left at the second light onto College Boulevard.  Proceed to lots A1 and A2, where guests take the shuttle bus from lot A2 to the O'Pake Fieldhouse. View a map of campus.

    From the Allentown Area:

    From Route 222 South, take the Kutztown exit; this ramp will lead you onto Main Street. Take Main Street the entire way through town until you come to the light at the top of the hill. Make a left onto Normal Avenue and a right into lot F1. Another option is to turn right off of Main Street onto College Boulevard and park in lots A1 and A2, where guests can take the shuttle bus from lot A2 to the O'Pake Fieldhouse. View a map of campus. 

    From Interstate 78:

    Take exit 54A onto Route 222 South. Continue on South 222 for 13 miles. Take the Kutztown exit (where freeway begins). Follow the directions for "From the Allentown Area" above.

Picture of the stage set up for commencement
Maroon graduation cap with KU written on top and class gift written underneath the cap

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024!

As graduation nears, you may feel inspired to support the KU students who are following in your footsteps. If you want to leave a legacy and support the GOLDEN experience at Kutztown, please consider contributing to the Class Gift of 2024.

You will have an opportunity to give during Grad Fest this year. Your Class gift of $5 or more can be made online, with cash or by check. Visit GIVE for more information! Together, We’re Golden!