Peter Jaskiewicz

Spring has sprung, and we are less than a month away from the end of the semester. As the weather becomes nice again, summer vacation is on the horizon. But there’s something else coming up soon, and this year, it will feel like normal despite the pandemic’s restrictions.

Penn State Abington will host an in-person commencement ceremony to mark the class of 2021’s completion of their academic experiences and to recognize their many accomplishments. This announcement was made on March 17, 2021 by Penn State President Eric Baron and Abington Chancellor Margo DelliCarpini. The in-person, outdoor ceremony will be held at the Abington campus on Friday, March 7.

However, keep in mind that the pandemic is still in effect. The health and safety of students, their families, and the campus community is Penn State’s priority, so you will need to wear a mask and social distance. Graduates can bring guests, but they must take health and safety precautions while traveling and during commencement. Graduates should have received an email on further details, including ordering caps and gowns and the time of the ceremony.

If you are unable to attend in-person, do not worry. To help make commencement celebrations accessible to all our graduating students and their friends and families, Penn State is planning a University-wide virtual ceremony for students and guests who are unable to attend or prefer to participate online. The University-wide virtual ceremony celebrating graduates from all campuses will be streamed on May 9 at 6 p.m. at virtual.commencement.psu.edu. It will celebrate all undergraduate and graduate students at Commonwealth Campuses, University Park, and World Campus – including those attending in-person – and will feature the conferral of degrees, induction into the Alumni Association, and more.

Virtual ceremonies served as a first step in recognizing the academic achievements of members of the class of 2020 during this global pandemic. The University is committed to inviting all 2020 graduates and their guests back for an in-person celebration. Since Penn State is currently working on these plans, the details have yet to be shared. But if you know someone who did graduate in 2020, let them know.

Penn State must adhere to the PA Department of Health guidelines for large gatherings. Therefore, plans will need to be adjusted if the guidelines change.