Ready to Graduate?

Intent to Graduate

It is your responsibility to notify the University of your intent to graduate. This should be done by using the “Graduating this Semester” LionPATH application at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate. Check the graduation activation schedule for the dates when you can activate your intent to graduate. After the graduation activation period expires, you must contact the office of your major to request any changes to your graduation status. Unofficial programs are distributed at the commencement ceremony and list the names of graduating students. If your intent to graduate is activated after the student information has been sent to the printer, your name will not appear in the program.

Address Information

It is critical for the University to have your correct home and local addresses in order to mail pertinent graduation information (including diplomas). You can check and update your address on LionPATH.

Attendance at Commencement

Students on the graduation list are sent instructions about the ceremony and a reply card regarding attendance. Please return the reply card promptly to the Registrar’s Office to indicate whether or not you plan to attend the ceremony.

Alternate commencement site

You may request to attend a commencement ceremony other than your assigned campus location by completing an Alternate Site form and turning it in to the Penn State York Registrar’s Office.

Academic Dress

Undergraduate academic regalia consist of blue gowns with wide sleeves and blue mortarboard caps with tassels. Graduate regalia are distinguished from undergraduate regalia by black gowns with hoods and pointed sleeves. The uniform of the armed forces is the only other apparel officially recognized and permitted.

Academic regalia are available for purchase at the Penn State York Bookstore (located in the M. S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center). Gowns are available in regular and plus sizes. Please check your regalia for accuracy and quality before the day of the ceremony.

Because your personal safety is of great concern to us, appropriate footwear is strongly recommended. Graduating students are encouraged to consider wearing low-heeled shoes since the academic processional and recessional involve descending and climbing stairs in the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center.

Properly Wearing Academic Regalia:

• Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge.
• Please note that ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies.

Additional Information

Please call 717-771-4057, fax 717-771-4062 or stop in the Registrar’s Office in Room 134-135 of the Main Classroom Building, if Penn State York may assist you in any way.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Gayle Woodard at 717-771-4057 at least a week before Commencement.