The University Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. (See December Commencement for information about the winter ceremony.)
All graduating students are invited to participate. This is a ticketed event, and seating will be limited. Each graduate is entitled to three general admission tickets for his or her guests, which may be obtained at the Salute to Graduates event on March 31. Admission to the Kovalchick Complex Arena is by ticket only. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The formal ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony features an invited speakers and honorary degree recipient.
Graduates should report to the loading dock of the Kovalchick Complex, which faces Thomas Hall, by 10:00 a.m. the day of Commencement for the processional lineup, already wearing their graduation robes.
Alternate viewing sites with a live video feed will be available in Fisher Auditorium, Eberly Auditorium, and Toretti Auditorium. Directional signs will be posted, and tickets will not be required for these alternate viewing sites.
Undergraduate Honors
In order to receive an honors medallion to wear at the May graduation ceremony, undergraduate students who have earned a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade-point average and who have met all the requirements for the awarding of the IUP academic honors by the last graded semester may pick up their medallion either at the Spring semester Salute to Grads event or anytime after that day from the Registrar's office in Clark Hall. For any undergraduate students who did not have the required minimum 3.25 cumulative grade-point average before the ceremony, but who will have achieved this once the final semester grades are posted, their honors medallion will be mailed to them along with their diploma. Students who have achieved academic honors when the final degree checkout is made will have the honors posted on their diploma.
Diplomas
Diploma covers are presented at Commencement ceremonies. The actual diploma will be sent to each graduate after the student’s final academic record has been checked for completing all graduation requirements and final grades. The diploma is sent usually within four to six weeks after the semester, mailed to the address that was indicated by the student on his/her graduation application.
Questions about graduation regalia and commencement announcements should be directed to the Co-op Store. The phone number is 800-537-7916. Local dialers may dial 724-357-3145. Dial “O” for operator once you are connected.
Academic Regalia
Faculty planning to participate in the academic processions at commencement are reminded that the deadline for ordering rental regalia at the Co-op Store is April 8. Graduates should be in touch with the Co-op Store and should try to attend Salute to Grads.
