FAQ About Commencement Weekend

Commencement Weekend is just a few days away. This year, with three in-person undergraduate ceremonies and one graduate, plus several virtual and in-person special interest events, it’s just a little more complicated than usual, so we are laying it all out for you here.

 If you can’t find the answer below, visit scranton.edu/commencement. For a chance for your photo to be featured on the Commencement page, use #Royals2021 when posting!

 Who graduates when?

 The graduate commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m., and the three undergraduate ceremonies will take place on Sunday, May 23.

PCPS Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 9:30 a.m.

KSOM Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 1 p.m.

CAS Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 4:30 p.m.

 All events have limited seating capacities due to health and safety measures put in place because of the pandemic. Tickets are required to attend. More information about the Commencement ceremonies is here. 

I don’t have a ticket. How do I celebrate with my graduate?

No problem! You can watch most of the events, live. Live streams can be found here.

My best friend is graduating from a different college. How do I watch his/her graduation?

Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to join together to view the Commencement live stream for the college ceremonies that they are not attending. Limited seating will be available in the Moskovitz Theater (DeNaples Center, 4th Floor).

Which events are in person, and which are virtual?

Most events are in person this year with limited tickets. However, Class Night and Baccalaureate Mass were pre-recorded, and will be able to be streamed here. Many other events are in person over the weekend and will also be live streamed.

A list of all of the special interest events, from the Donning of the Kente Ceremony to Nurses’ Pinning are listed here.

Do masks have to be worn, even if I’m vaccinated?  

Through the end of the semester, the University will maintain the health and safety protocols of the Royals Safe Together Plan, including the requirement for everyone to wear masks on campus and at Commencement events. 

I couldn’t pick up Commencement tickets for myself or my guests, now what?

You will be able to pick up tickets at separate will-call locations prior to each ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Graduates can pick up their will-call tickets at the East Gate and guests can pick up their will-call tickets at the West Gate.

What am I allowed to bring to Commencement?

Please do not bring extra items that you would have to carry in your hands (i.e. cameras, purses, etc.). All graduates will be screened upon entering the Arena. As of January 1, 2019, Mohegan Sun Arena implemented a clear bag policy to bring items into the venue. Find information about the policy, here.

When should I arrive at my Commencement ceremony?

• Arrive at the Mohegan Sun Arena 45 minutes prior to your ceremony.

• Graduate Commencement Arrival Time, May 22: 9:15 a.m.
• PCPS Arrival Time, May 23: 8:45 a.m.
• KSOM Arrival Time, May 23: 12:15 p.m.
• CAS Arrival Time, May 23: 3:45 p.m.

Is there a formal procession at my graduation?

There will not be a formal procession of the graduates.

At arrival, graduates must proceed to their assigned seats on the Arena floor. Seats are numbered by row/seat, and and seating instructions were sent to your Scranton.edu email address on Monday, May 17.

Are there meals on campus during Commencement Weekend?

Yes, there are, but not for guests.

Please show your Royal Card at the time of purchase.

 Flex can be used in dining locations, POD and SBUX. All remaining flex will be lost if not used before Saturday, May 22, 2021.

Get more meal information and other information for graduates, here.

Which way does this tassel go?

To the right!

Student Ambassadors will assist with ensuring your academic attire (hood, cap, tassel) is on correctly. The velvet of your hood should be placed closest to your chin. The tassel for your cap should be placed on the right and the provost will instruct you to move it to the other side during the ceremony. Honor stoles and cords, if applicable, should be placed on your person before you don your hood.  The stole and cords hang down the front of your gown.

Need a video? Student Government did one for you! Click on the image below for a video.

For more information on academic attire, visit this page.

Congratulations graduates!

For all other commencement information, please visit scranton.edu/commencement.