FAQ for Class of 2020
We realize that parents, students and families have a lot of questions about Commencement. This FAQ addresses common concerns and will continue to be updated regularly.
For additional information, please call the Commencement Hotline (570-577-1192) weekdays between 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. or email commencement@bucknell.edu.
Ceremony
We will honor 2020 graduates with an in-person Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
No. Each class will have its own ceremony. The Class of 2020 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
Graduates can expect a traditional Commencement program including speakers, the reading of graduates' names and the chance to walk across the stage. Following the ceremony, graduates will recess from Malesardi Quadrangle and through the Christy Mathewson Gates.
Yes. The ceremony will be livestreamed at bucknell.edu/commencement and facebook.com/BucknellU, so your friends and loved ones who are unable to attend in person can watch the ceremony live.
Yes, the hotline is generally staffed from 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. during the work week. Call 570-577-1192 for personal assistance.
Graduating Students
All graduates from the Class of 2020 who would like to attend may do so. Registration is required. Information about registration was sent to all eligible graduates in January 2022. If you plan to participate and have not yet registered, please email commencement@bucknell.edu.
Yes, all graduates will need to register to participate in the in-person ceremony and other activities. Information about registration was sent to all eligible graduates in January 2022.
Yes, the Class of 2020 will have its own Candlelighting Ceremony on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Yes, regalia will be required for all graduates participating in the in-person ceremony and will be available for pickup on Friday, May 20, for those that registered.
There is no rehearsal for graduates for the Commencement Ceremony. Information will be sent to graduates prior to the ceremony and will be included in their packet provided at check-in.
Guests, Tickets & Seating
No, there is always enough seating available for all guests. If you are planning to come early to reserve seats, please note that at least one guest must remain to hold seats. Items left unattended will be removed. The Malesardi Quad will not open until 7 a.m.
Yes, inside viewing is available in Trout Auditorium in the Vaughan Literature Building (directly adjacent to the reserved wheelchair section). This location is close, has a very large high-definition video screen, and offers guests a comfortable climate. If the ceremony is moved indoors, additional live simulcast viewing locations will be available.
Yes. Unfortunately, weather in central Pennsylvania is difficult to predict at times. Commencement will be held outdoors rain or shine. In the case of severe weather including thunderstorms with lightning, high winds, and heavy or prolonged rain, Commencement may be delayed or moved indoors.
Tickets will not be required if Commencement is held outside on Malesardi Quad, with the exception of specific reserved seating.
Each graduating student will receive five tickets when they check in. These tickets will be required if the ceremony is held indoors in Gerhard Fieldhouse. If the ceremony is moved indoors, additional guests may view a live webcast of the Commencement ceremony at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Trout Auditorium in the Vaughan Literature Building and many other locations. For a complete list, see signage posted in the Elaine Langone Center.
No, pets are not permitted in residence halls and are not allowed during the Candlelighting Ceremony or the Commencement Ceremony on Malesardi Quadrangle.
The ceremony takes place on Malesardi Quadrangle, with chairs set up on the grass. Sensible shoes should be worn, especially if the weather has been wet. Dressing with layers is appropriate as the weather can change throughout the morning, ranging from quite chilly to rather warm.
Yes, the Bison Snack Bar is open on the ground floor of the Elaine Langone Center from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Limited drinks and snacks will be available for purchase under a tent on the east side of Bertrand Library. In addition, complimentary water and coffee will be available in front of the library.
Access & Accessibility
As you enter campus, Public Safety officers will direct you to the drop-off area in front of Malesardi Quadrangle on Dent Drive. Staff will be there to assist your guests in exiting the vehicle, provide information on restrooms, direct access Malesardi Quad via elevators in Marts or Coleman Hall, and answer questions. The driver of the vehicle can then park the car in one of the many parking lots offering shuttle options.
The University does not loan or rent wheelchairs. You may call Dice Surgical and Home Health Care at 570-322-0656 to rent one. It can be picked up on the second floor of the Elaine Langone Center.
Yes. Call the hotline number at 570-577-1192 to reserve seating in this area and for personal attention to details. This section is exclusively for wheelchair accommodations and one guest. (See how to access Malesardi Quad in previous question.)
Yes. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available by request. Please call the hotline number at 570-577-1192 to request this service.
Yes, restrooms are available on all floors of Bertrand Library, Coleman Hall, Vaughan Literature and the Elaine Langone Center. Portable restroom facilities will be available on the east and west sides of the library. With the exception of the portable restrooms, all facilities are accessible.
Health & Safety
Bucknell is committed to taking all necessary precautions and following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe event. Details about specific safety precautions will be provided as the date approaches.
Please check the COVID-19 Information page for the most current University policies and important information related to the pandemic.
Housing
The University will provide on-campus housing to 2020 graduates only on a first-come, first-serve basis. Information about registration was sent to all eligible graduates in January 2022.
Class of 2020 graduates who have reserved housing will receive their room assignment and keys during Commencement check-in. Housing check-in is on Friday, May 20, from noon until 7:00 p.m.
Outside of check-in hours, you may pick up keys from the University Switchboard in the Elaine Langone Center on Friday until 10:00 p.m.
Linens, summer weight blanket, pillow and towel are provided. There is no towel or linen exchange.
No pets are allowed in residence halls.
All graduates must depart residence halls by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.
On-campus housing is not available for guests. Graduates staying in on-campus housing may not host overnight guests. Accommodations for the greater Lewisburg area can be found here or by contacting the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at 800-525-7320.
Photography
A photography team from Island Photography will be at the Ceremony to take a candid photograph of each graduate at the special moment of recognition as well as a portrait-style photo as they exit the platform. Feel free to stay seated. Information will be sent out about how to purchase these photos directly from Island Photography.