Traditionally at Ursinus College, graduates rent regalia (caps, gowns and hoods) for Commencement via the bookstore. Students will pick up rented regalia prior to Commencement at Bear Necessities for Graduates and return it immediately following the ceremony. 

The bookstore partners with Herff Jones to offer rental packages. The last day to rent regalia was Tuesday, March 14, 2023. If you missed the deadline, please email the bookstore with your name, height, weight, and whether you are graduating with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. 

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Graduates may order personalized announcements and diploma frames through Herff Jones. Announcements are available for purchase through their website. Questions regarding regalia, announcements, and diploma frames can be directed to the bookstore. 

Regalia includes:

1. One black academic gown (graduates return their gowns)
2. One mortarboard and tassel (graduates keep their cap and tassel)
3. One hood - white edging for Arts; yellow edging for Science. (graduates return their hoods)

View Video of how to properly wear your cap and gown.

Attendance is free and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The graduation tent opens at 8 a.m. for guests.

Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. A link to view the livestream will be available on the home page of the commencement website the morning of May 13.

The commencement ceremony is approximately two hours.

Yes, the Bookstore and Café 2020 will be open on Saturday, May 13. They look forward to celebrating the class of 2023! 

It is an inspirational, interfaith celebration with readings and music that represent the many faith traditions of our student body. The ceremony also features senior recognition awards and the alumni induction pinning tradition. This year, Reverend Leslie Copeland, a faith leader, public theologian, and justice advocate, will deliver the baccalaureate address.

Attendance is free and seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Graduates will gather in the field house between 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. to robe and line up for the processional.

If you are unable to attend the Commencement ceremonies, please notify the Dean’s Office as soon as possible at ext. 3790.

Neither hoods nor mortarboards are worn at Baccalaureate, but they are worn at Commencement convocation. Mortarboards are to be worn squared, not tilted, with the tassel on the right side. Graduates will not be able to keep their regalia (gowns and hoods) after Commencement.

Students should dress in appropriate attire under their academic regalia. Traditionally graduates wear a day dress or lightweight dress slacks with either a blouse or button-up shirts and tie.

At the graduation ceremony you will NOT receive your actual diploma from the President. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates who reside in the United States. International students can pick their diplomas up at the Registrar’s office.

Credit Shortfall Case: Students within 8 of the 128 credits required for graduation may petition the Academic Standards & Discipline Committee for special permission to participate in commencement. The deadline for this petition is February 15, 2023. The petition must include a concrete plan for completing the remaining credits by the end of the current calendar year.

Late Failure Case: Students receiving a failing grade or falling below a cumulative 2.0 at the end of their final senior semester may make an emergency petition to the Office of Academic Affairs for special permission to participate in commencement. This petition must also include a brief but realistic plan for meeting the graduation requirements of the college by the end of the current calendar year. The Academic Standards & Discipline Committee will also make recommendations about the student’s plan in the weeks immediately after graduation.

The following rules apply in all cases:

• Students with fewer than 120 credits may not participate in commencement.
• Students will only receive a diploma after all requirements have been completed.

Cameras are permitted; however, your family and friends will not be able to get up close to the stage once the ceremony has begun. If your family and friends wish to take pictures of the procession in and out of the tent, that is fine.

Ursinus College hires a professional company, Legacy Photographics, to take each student’s picture with President Hannigan. 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.