Frequently Asked Questions
General Graduation Questions
GRADUATION ATTIRE
Q. Which side should the tassel be on?
- Graduating students: RIGHT side of face
- Faculty and Stage Guests: LEFT side of face (they’ve completed their degrees, so they’ve left)
Q. I've lost my tassel/cap, do you have extras?
We generally have a few extra on hand, but no guarantees. Please note that the tassel is packaged loosely within the cap and gown bundle. If you are not looking for it, it could easily fall onto the floor and be lost. If you cannot find your tassel, please go to the bookstore and purchase a new one, to guarantee you will have one on graduation day.
CEREMONY AND SEATING
Q. How long are the graduation ceremonies?
The Doctoral and MBA for Executives ceremonies are about 1.5 hours. The Undergraduate ceremony is generally 2 hours. The MBA ceremony is generally 2.5 hours.
Q. Are there restrictions on items I can bring into each graduation venue?
The following items are strictly prohibited within each graduation ceremony venue (San Francisco War Memorial, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and The Palestra):
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including air horns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, or flags
- Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
- Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
- Glass bottles, soda cans, and all outside food/beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside The Palestra)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
- Multiuse or similar tools or screwdrivers
- Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
- Fireworks and open flames
- Pepper spray/mace
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
- Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
- Animals or pets – except for service animals
Anything brought to a graduation venue will be pre-screened before entry. Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment. Pre-screening slows the entry of guests into the venues.
Q. Do I need a ticket to attend graduation?
- Doctoral – No ticket is required, however you do need to submit a guest count.
- Undergrad and MBA – No tickets are required to attend the ceremonies at the Palestra.
- WEMBA (East Coast and West Coast) – Tickets are required for guests and will be distributed during the last class weekend.
Q, Where will my graduate be seated?
- UG – Graduates will be seated alphabetically, and a chart is listed in the program. Click here to view the seating chart.
- MBA – Graduates will be seated according to their cohort, which is listed in the program. Click here to view the seating chart.
- WEMBA East – Graduates will be seated on the stage, alphabetically.
- WEMBA West – Graduates will be seated in the front rows of the theater, alphabetically.
Q, Will there be water on stage for the faculty/staff/graduates?
Yes, we will have water available on stage during all graduation ceremonies. We also place water at each seat.
Q. Will the ceremonies be live streamed?
Yes, all Wharton graduation ceremonies will be live streamed on the Wharton graduation website: https://graduation.wharton.upenn.edu/
Doctoral Ceremony Questions
Q, When and where is the Doctoral ceremony?
Friday, May 17th in Zellerbach Theater at the Annenberg Center for Performing Arts. A post-event reception will be outside, underneath the tent, immediately following.
Q, What time does the Doctoral ceremony begin?
The ceremony begins at 9:30 am and will last up to 1.5 hours, with a post-event reception immediately following.
Q, Are there restrictions on items I can bring into the Annenberg Center?
The following items are strictly prohibited within each graduation ceremony venue (San Francisco War Memorial, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and The Palestra):
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including air horns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, or flags
- Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
- Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
- Glass bottles, soda cans, and all outside food/beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside The Palestra)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
- Multiuse or similar tools or screwdrivers
- Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
- Fireworks and open flames
- Pepper spray/mace
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
- Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
- Animals or pets – except for service animals
Anything brought to a graduation venue will be pre-screened before entry. Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment. Pre-screening slows the entry of guests into the venues.
Q, Who is the keynote speaker?
There is no keynote speaker for this ceremony; however, there will be remarks by Dean James, Deputy Dean Rothbard and Vice Dean Zhang.
Q, What time do the doors open to Zellerbach theatre for guests?
Doors open at 9:00 am.
Q, What time are graduates and their advisors expected to arrive?
Graduates and advisors are to arrive by 8:30 am and head upstairs to Room 511 for a light breakfast and a run through of the program.
Q, Is there a coat check?
Yes, a coat check area will be provided.
Q, Is there a place to put a stroller?
Yes, we have stroller check-in inside Annenberg in the lobby area.
Q, Can I bring my child with me in the procession?
Unfortunately, no. We ask that only graduating students be in the procession.
Q. Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, the Doctoral ceremony will be live streamed on the Wharton graduation website: https://graduation.wharton.upenn.edu/
Undergrad and MBA Ceremony Questions
CEREMONY PROGRAM QUESTIONS
Q, What time does each ceremony start?
The Undergraduate ceremony starts at 9:00 am.
The MBA ceremony starts at 1:00 pm.
Q, Who are the graduation keynote speakers?
The keynote speaker for the Undergraduate ceremony is Vivek Bantwal, W’99. Vivek is the Head of the Global Financing Group at Goldman Sachs.
The keynote speaker for the MBA ceremony is Mike Sievert, W’91. Mike is the Chief Executive Officer at T-Mobile.
Q. Where can I find full details about the Wharton Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony?
You can find all information related to the Wharton Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony here: https://undergrad-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/graduation/
Q, Will these ceremonies be live streamed?
Yes, UGR and MBA ceremonies are live-streamed. The link is on the Wharton Graduation website: https://graduation.wharton.upenn.edu/
PALESTRA QUESTIONS
Q, What time do the Palestra doors open for each ceremony?
The doors open at 8:00 am for Undergraduate ceremony.
The doors open at 12:00 pm for the MBA ceremony.
Q, Are there restrictions on items I can bring into The Palestra?
The following items are strictly prohibited within each graduation ceremony venue (San Francisco War Memorial, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and The Palestra):
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including air horns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, or flags
- Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
- Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
- Glass bottles, soda cans, and all outside food/beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside The Palestra)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
- Multiuse or similar tools or screwdrivers
- Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
- Fireworks and open flames
- Pepper spray/mace
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
- Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
- Animals or pets – except for service animals
Anything brought to a graduation venue will be pre-screened before entry. Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment. Pre-screening slows the entry of guests into the venues.
Q, Is there a restroom I can use before the Palestra doors open?
Yes, the bathroom in Franklin Field is open to Palestra guests.
Q, Is there food inside the Palestra?
Yes, the concession stands are open.
Q, I need limited mobility seating for the UG or MBA Ceremony. Where do I go?
Undergrad:
Limited Mobility Seating tickets for the ceremony must be requested through your graduate.
Guests with limited mobility may be dropped off in front of Shoemaker Green on 33rd Street between South and Walnut Streets. There will be transportation via golf cart to the Palestra entrance. We recommend dropping off any guests with limited mobility before 8:15 a.m. Please be aware that the Palestra is bench seating. Due to space constraints, guests with disabilities who are seated in the limited-mobility seating area may be accompanied by one escort only.
Please note: Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are permitted in the Palestra. If anyone in your party uses these items, please bring them with you. We do not provide wheelchairs or scooters during commencement weekend.
MBA:
Limited Mobility Seating tickets for the ceremony must be requested through your graduate.
Guests with limited mobility may be dropped off in front of Shoemaker Green on 33rd Street between South and Walnut Streets. There will be transportation via golf cart to the Palestra entrance. We recommend dropping off any guests with limited mobility before 12:15 p.m. Please be aware that the Palestra is bench seating. Due to space constraints, guests with disabilities who are seated in the limited-mobility seating area may be accompanied by one escort only.
Please note: Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are permitted in the Palestra. If anyone in your party uses these items, please bring them with you. We do not provide wheelchairs or scooters during commencement weekend.
Q, Where can I park my stroller?
There is a stroller parking tent directly outside the Palestra entrance. This tent will be manned by security for the duration of the event.
STUDENT, FACULTY, AND STAGE GUEST QUESTIONS
Q, As a graduate, where can I find the photos the photographer took of me crossing the stage?
Please click here to view the individual graduate photo gallery from the Undergraduate and MBA ceremonies.
Q, When do I receive my actual diploma?
Undergrad:
Diplomas will be mailed to students by the Office of the Secretary of the University. Students typically receive their diplomas in the mail 2-3 months following their official graduation date. Students who need proof of graduation sooner may request an official transcript, verifying degree completion, from the Registrar’s Office.
MBA:
Full-time diplomas will be mailed between July 1st and September 30, 2023
Q, I'm a faculty member/ stage guest participating in the UGR/MBA ceremony - where do I check in?
Faculty and Stage Guests should check in at the Class of 71 Room. Proceed down the left ramp after entering the Palestra. There will be directional signage at the ramp and at the floor level directing towards the room.
WEMBA Ceremony Questions
PHILADELPHIA CEREMONY QUESTIONS
Q, When and where is the WEMBA ceremony?
Saturday, May 13th in Zellerbach Theater at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. A post-event reception will take place outside, underneath the tent immediately following.
Q, What time does the WEMBA ceremony begin?
The ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. and will last about an hour and a half with a post-event reception immediately following.
Q, Are there restrictions on items I can bring into the Annenberg Center?
The following items are strictly prohibited within each graduation ceremony venue (San Francisco War Memorial, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and The Palestra):
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including air horns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, or flags
- Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
- Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
- Glass bottles, soda cans, and all outside food/beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside The Palestra)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
- Multiuse or similar tools or screwdrivers
- Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
- Fireworks and open flames
- Pepper spray/mace
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
- Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
- Animals or pets – except for service animals
Anything brought to a graduation venue will be pre-screened before entry. Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment. Pre-screening slows the entry of guests into the venues.
Q, Who is the keynote speaker?
The keynote speaker for the Executive MBA ceremony in Philadelphia is Mohamed El-Erian, President of Queen’s College, Cambridge University.
Q: What time do the doors open to Zellerbach theatre for guests?
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Q: What time are graduates and their advisors expected to arrive?
Graduates and advisors are to arrive by 2:00 p.m. and head upstairs to the 2nd floor robing room (Room 511).
Q: Where should faculty members/stage guests check in?
Faculty members and stage guests should check in on the second floor of the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Room 511).
Q, Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed. The link is on the Wharton Graduation website: https://graduation.wharton.upenn.edu/
Q, Is there stroller parking?
Yes, there will be stroller parking provided.
Q, I need limited mobility seating for the WEMBA ceremony. Where do I go?
Limited mobility seating tickets for the ceremony must be requested through your graduate. Guests with limited mobility should utilize the limited mobility entrance, located down the ramp to the right of the Center’s Annenberg plaza entrance. A member of the Annenberg Center staff will escort you to the limited mobility seating area.
Q, As a graduate, where can I find the photos the photographer took of me crossing the stage?
You will receive a link to view all of the ceremony and reception photos available for download post event.
SAN FRANCISCO CEREMONY QUESTIONS
Q, When and where is the WEMBA ceremony?
Saturday, May 6th in Herbst Theatre at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. A post-event reception will be held in the Theater Lobby and Green Room immediately following.
Q, What time does the WEMBA ceremony begin?
The ceremony begins at 10:00 am and will last about an hour and a half with a post-event reception immediately following.
Q, Are there restrictions on items I can bring into the San Francisco War Memorial?
The following items are strictly prohibited within each graduation ceremony venue (San Francisco War Memorial, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and The Palestra):
- All bags and packages (wallets and small clutches are acceptable)
- Artificial noisemakers, including air horns or bullhorns
- Signs, posters, or flags
- Large golf-style umbrellas (small collapsible umbrellas will be permitted)
- Sticks or poles, including tripods or selfie sticks
- Glass bottles, soda cans, and all outside food/beverages (bottled water ok) (Note: concessions are sold inside The Palestra)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Firearms, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or weapons of any type
- Multiuse or similar tools or screwdrivers
- Toy guns, toy weapons or similar props
- Fireworks and open flames
- Pepper spray/mace
- Laser pointers
- Aerosol containers
- Hazardous, chemical, radiological, or biological materials
- Sports balls or sporting equipment of any type
- Animals or pets – except for service animals
Anything brought to a graduation venue will be pre-screened before entry. Please do not bring items with you that are not needed for the ceremony – leave them in your car, hotel room, dorm, or apartment. Pre-screening slows the entry of guests into the venues.
Q, Who is the keynote speaker?
The keynote speaker for the Executive MBA ceremony in San Francisco is Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., Immediate Past President & CEO, TIAA.
Q: What time do the doors open to Herbst theatre for guests?
Doors open at 9:30 am.
Q: What time are graduates and their advisors expected to arrive?
Graduates and advisors are to arrive by 9:15 am.
Q: Where should students check in?
Students should check in at the student check in table located in the lobby.
Q: Where should faculty members/stage guests check in?
Faculty members and stage guests should check in at the Performer’s Lounge, located behind the stage.
Q, Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed. The link is on the Wharton Graduation website: https://graduation.wharton.upenn.edu/
Q, Is there stroller parking?
Yes, there will be stroller parking provided
Q, I need limited mobility seating for the WEMBA ceremony. What do I do?
Limited mobility seating tickets for the ceremony must be requested through your graduate.
