Traditionally at Ursinus College, graduates order regalia packages (caps, gowns, and hoods) for commencement via the bookstore. Students will pick up their regalia prior to commencement at Bear Necessities for Graduates on Friday, April 19. 

Students can order their regalia online via Herff Jones website. The deadline to order regalia was Tuesday, March 12, 2024. For more details and ordering instructions, view our regalia webpage. 

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

Regalia includes:

1. One black academic gown (graduates keep 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 keep their hoods)

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

Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are not required. 

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 11.

The commencement ceremony is approximately two hours.

Yes, the Bookstore and Café 2020 will be open on Saturday, May 11. They look forward to celebrating the class of 2024! 

It is an inspirational, interfaith celebration with readings and music that represent the many faith traditions of our student body. This year’s keynote speaker is Rev. Andrew L. Weber from Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 

Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are not required. 

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 Provost’s Office as soon as possible at provostsoffice@ursinus.edu

Regalia will be available for pickup at the bookstore during normal business hours beginning Wednesday, April 24. We ask that graduates to call 610-409-3584 or email Gina James at gjames@ursinus.edu to arrange pick-up. 

Note: Students with financial holds will not receive their regalia. Please check the status of your student account before pick-up. If you need to address a hold, please contact studentaccounts@ursinus.edu 

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 keep their regalia (gowns, hoods, and caps) 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 was February 14, 2024. 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.