Here are some important facts and tips to help guide you through this year’s ceremony.
Guests should be aware of the “no bag” policy and plan accordingly. Only certain small items will be permitted, including cell phones, wallets, small clutches, and small collapsible umbrellas. A good rule of thumb: If an item does not fit in your pocket, please do not bring it with you.
In addition to no bags, no noisemakers (including airhorns, wireless speakers, and bullhorns), signs, posters, or flags will be permitted and no large golf umbrellas, selfie sticks, tripods, or poles. No outside food or beverages, unless it is for medical reasons; refreshments can be purchased at the concession stands once inside. A full list of prohibited items can be found on the FAQ page.
The gates to Franklin Field will open at 8:30 a.m. for all guests. Every person entering will go through an airport-style security screening, which will slow entry into the stadium, so lines can be expected. Guests should use the entrance to Franklin Field located at South Street and Convention Avenue. Those who need accessible seating should use the southwest gate at 33rd and Spruce streets and arrive by 9 a.m. as street closures will affect traffic.
The stadium has outdoor bench seating. Seating for guests who use wheelchairs, as well as those with limited physical mobility or medical conditions, will be available both on the field and in the lower stands. Seating information can be found on Penn's website.
Graduating students will assemble in Penn Park on Dunning Cohen Champions Field at 8 a.m. before starting the procession to Franklin Field at 9 a.m. They will need a Penn ID for entry to the line-up area and for entry to Franklin Field, where they will go through a separate security checkpoint.
Faculty, staff, and guests may gather on Shoemaker Green adjacent to Franklin Field to watch and cheer the graduating students as they proceed towards the stadium. Ceremonial bagpipers and the Penn Band will take part in the procession; School and alumni flags also will be included.
Graduating students and alumni flag bearers will enter the stadium beginning at 9:15 a.m.Vice President and University Secretary Medha Narvekar will lead the academic procession carrying the University Mace, an ornate, four-pound staff designed in the style of maces of medieval knights.
The ceremony will officially start at10:15 a.m. and end at about 12:15 p.m.
Actor, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks, a 1996 Penn graduate, will deliver the University Commencement address. Banks will receive an honorary doctor of arts degree at the ceremony.
An estimated 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students will attend Commencement. According to data from the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis (compiled as of May 4), 9,865 diplomas will be issued to approximately 9,221 undergraduate and graduates on May 19, with some people receiving more than one degree.
Commencement will be held on Franklin Field rain or shine, but, in the event of dangerous weather conditions, the ceremony may be delayed or relocated to the Palestra arena with seating limited to the academic procession and graduating students. In the event of severe weather conditions, the academic procession may be cancelled. Information will be posted online as early as 6 a.m. at www.upenn.edu, and on signs around campus. Information also will be announced on KYW Newsradio (1060 AM) and via automated telephone messages at 215-898-6358 (MELT).
In addition to the University’s Commencement ceremony Penn’s 12 Schools each host a ceremony at which graduating students will be individually recognized as their names are called and they walk across a stage. Additional information is available at the School Ceremonies page of the University Commencement website.
Public transportation is advised. Those planning to drive should allow extra time for traffic congestion. Parking will be limited and may fill up early; normal parking fees apply.
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