Commencement
Spring 2026 Commencement
The spring 2026 commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development will take place Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (EST) in the Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University Park. Graduates are asked to arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Gates open 90 minutes prior to the ceremony. Tickets are NOT required for the commencement ceremony. There is not a guest limit.
Day of Commencement
Students
Enter the Bryce Jordan Center through Gate B or C. (Your guests may enter through any gate.) Ushers will direct you to your seat on the event floor. Look for signs for your major on the back of the first chair in each row. You may sit in any chair in the appropriate section unless it is marked “reserved.”
A seating chart is included in the digital program for the event (and can be found here). It is very important to sit in the section designated for your major. Failure to do so will result in your name being called with the incorrect major.
Remain seated in your major area until college staff usher you to the stage platform during the ceremony. Students will walk to the stage platform within their major groups. (Students in concurrent majors will cross the stage platform once, each in the XXX major with which they are seated.)
Remain seated after the ceremony until your row is called by college staff marshals. When called, you will recess in single file down the main center aisle. Prior to the ceremony, please arrange to meet your family and guests outside the Bryce Jordan Center after the ceremony. You will not be permitted to re-enter the main event area. Additionally, remember that you are expected to remain in attendance for the duration of the ceremony. It is disrespectful to the college, to the families in attendance, and to your fellow graduates to leave early.
Cell phone use is not permitted during the formal academic ceremony. If you must bring your phone to the ceremony, please turn it off before the ceremony begins.
For graduates with disabilities
We encourage all graduates with disabilities to participate in our commencement ceremonies. If you anticipate needing any type of special accommodation or have questions about accessibility, please notify Heather Zimmerman hdh3@psu.edu by Friday, April 19.
Venue Bag Policy
In adherence to best practices at major entertainment venues, walk-through metal detectors are in use at all entry gates, and there are restrictions on the size and type of bag permitted into the arena for all ceremonies.
Bryce Jordan Center: Please review the Bryce Jordan's Center Bag Policy. For more specific guidance, visit the A-Z Guide.
Full details on Commencement
Please see comprehensive details on Commencement at University Park.
Department Commencement Receptions
Department of Biobehavioral Health
Saturday, May 9, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Biobehavioral Health Building Lobby
Contact: Amy Johnson, email: ajj161@psu.edu or phone: 814-863-6912
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Thursday, April 30, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
The Bennett Pierce Living Center, 110 Henderson Building
Contact: sah152@psu.edu or phone: 814-865-6110
Department of Health Policy and Administration
Wednesday, April 29, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
604 Ford Building
Contact: Fran Yeager, fel3@psu.edu
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
Thursday, April 16, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
1st Floor Atrium, HHD Building
Contact: Kathryn Hynes, kbh13@psu.edu
Department of Kinesiology
Thursday, May 7, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Rec Hall Brick Parking Lot
Contact: Sara Banker, seb38@psu.edu or phone: 814-863-1163
Department of Nutritional Sciences
Friday, May 8, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Student Center, 10 Henderson Building
Contact: Denise Lawson, email: dmc209@psu.edu or Jennifer Fleming, email: jas58@psu.edu
Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
Wednesday, April 29, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Three Dots Downtown
Contact: Kristin Thomas, email: klt16@psu.edu or phone: 814-863-9776
Recognition Ceremony
School of Hospitality Management
Saturday, May 9, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
100 Thomas Building
Contact: Keriann Smith, email: kms6269@psu.edu or phone: 814-865-1854
