Let's get ready to celebrate
Your roadmap to plan for graduation begins with filing your intent to graduate and concludes when your degree is conferred our commencement ceremony.
Penn State Shenango awards degrees at the completion of the fall and spring semesters and the campus Academic and Career Planning Services team is ready to assist you along the way.
File your intent to graduate
It is your responsibility to notify the University of your intent to graduate.
To file, use the “Graduating this Semester” LionPATH application at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate.
Check the graduation activation schedule in the academic calendar for the dates when you can activate your intent to graduate. After the graduation activation period expires, you must contact the Registrar to request any changes to your graduation status.
Unofficial programs are distributed at the commencement ceremony and list the names of graduating students. If your intent to graduate is activated after the student information has been sent to the printer, your name will not appear in the program.
Graduating with distinction
A student's distinction level is determined based on the final cumulative grade point average in the semester in which the student's degree is conferred. Learn more about graduating with distinction on the University Registrar's website.
Update your address
It is critical for the University to have your correct home and local addresses in order to mail pertinent graduation information (including diplomas). You can check and update your address on LionPATH.
Preparing for your commencement ceremony
Students who have filed their intent to graduate and have met all requirements are sent an invitation to the ceremony and are asked to confirm attendance. Tickets are required for entrance.
As part of this communication, details about ceremony rehearsals and photography are also provided.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Student Affairs at least a week before the ceremony.
Requesting an alternate commencement site
You may request to attend a commencement ceremony other than your assigned campus location by completing an Alternate Site Form and turning it into your current campus or college's Registrar Office.
Getting your regalia
Undergraduate academic regalia consist of blue gowns with wide sleeves and blue mortarboard caps with tassels. The uniform of the armed forces is the only other apparel officially recognized and permitted.
Academic regalia are available for purchase at the Penn State Shenango Bookstore. Gowns are available in regular and plus sizes. Please check your regalia for accuracy and quality before the day of the ceremony.
Because your personal safety is of great concern to us, appropriate footwear is strongly recommended. Graduating students are encouraged to consider wearing low-heeled shoes.
Properly wearing regalia
- Candidates for the baccalaureate and associate degrees should wear the tassel of the cap on the right front edge.
- Ornamentation representing honorary societies or nationalities is not approved attire for Penn State academic ceremonies.
Diplomas
All Penn State graduates with no academic or financial holds on their student record will receive one diploma per degree earned. Diplomas are issued to graduates after the Office of the University Registrar completes the degree conferral process once it is determined a student has met all degree requirements for graduation. Diplomas are mailed to graduates.
Graduates also have the opportunity to purchase a Certified Electronic Diploma (CeDiploma).
Learn more about Penn State diplomas on the University Registrar website.
Transcripts
An official transcript from Penn State represents the complete academic record of a student's enrollment at the University. Visit the University Registrar's website to request an official transcript.
