Commencement FAQ

Graduates can expect a traditional Commencement program including speakers, the reading of graduates' names and the chance to walk across the stage. Students will process through the Christy Mathewson Gates to Malesardi Quadrangle.

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 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 570-577-1192 for personal assistance. You can also email commencement@bucknell.edu.

Prohibited items 

For the safety and security of graduates and guests, the following items are prohibited: glass containers, alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs, explosives/fireworks, laser pointers, weapons of any kind, noisemakers, balloons, signs and posters, coolers, drones and pets (excluding registered service animals).

Please note that the use of tobacco products, including vapes, is prohibited. 

Bag restrictions 

Only small clutch bags (approximately the size of a hand) and bags made of clear plastic (of any size) will be allowed on Malesardi Quad. Exceptions will be made only for University employees and vendors whose work requires event-related supplies or equipment. Exceptions will also be made for diaper bags, strollers and medically-necessary equipment. Guests who require these items should plan additional time for inspection.

Please review the bag policy for more information.

Commencement is a time to celebrate the many accomplishments of our graduates. Therefore, speech and/or actions that disrupt any University activities or operations, or threatens or endangers others, is not permitted. This includes the use of visible displays (signs, balloons, banners, posters, flyers or any items that could obstruct the view of guests or graduates) and/or amplified sound items (noisemakers, bullhorns, megaphones, speakers). In the event of a disruption, an event representative will issue a warning and ask the individual(s) to discontinue the disruptive behavior. If the disruption continues, the individual(s) will be asked to leave. If the individual(s) refuse to leave, they will be removed by Public Safety.

If any member of the campus community or guest becomes aware of an emergency situation during the Commencement ceremony, they are encouraged to contact any Commencement staff member wearing a blue polo, Public Safety, and/or visit any kiosk in the four corners of Malesardi Quad.

If needed, evacuation of part or all venues will be announced by University personnel and undertaken as circumstances dictate. Please follow any directions/announcements given at that time. Guests can sign up to receive commencement emergency alerts. 

Guests and graduates are encouraged to make themselves aware of the physical facilities, exits and posted evacuation plans prior to the ceremony. Please review the Relocation & Emergency Evacuation Plans to familiarize yourself with the procedures in case of severe weather or other emergency situations. 

Yes. Graduates who finished their degrees in July 2025 and December 2025 will be able to participate.

Students must meet academic requirements in order to graduate. You may apply to graduate using the Banner student self-service graduation Application. For additional details please visit the graduation and degree requirements page.

Yes, information regarding caps and gowns will be communicated to graduating students by the end of January 2026.

After completing the First Destination Survey, graduates will receive honors medallions, rain location tickets and their caps and gowns. Please view the Commencement Weekend schedule for pickup dates and times.

Caps and gowns are provided to graduates at no charge and do not need to be returned. They must be picked up by the graduating student only. This cannot be completed by a designee.

There is no rehearsal for seniors and graduate students for the Commencement Ceremony. Information will be sent to seniors and graduate students from the Registrar's Office before the end of the semester.

Additionally, procession directions for the Commencement Ceremony will be provided to graduates when caps and gowns are distributed.

The Center for Career Advancement administers a brief survey that collects data to be compiled in Bucknell's annual Post-graduate Outcomes Report. The survey must be completed in order to receive your cap and gown. Additional details will be provided by mid-April.

Diplomas will be mailed in June to the permanent address listed in myBucknell. Please confirm this address is correct.

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. Malesardi Quad will not open until 7 a.m.

Yes, climate controlled inside viewing is available in Trout Auditorium in the Vaughan Literature Building, Harvey Powers Theatre and many classrooms in Coleman Hall. 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. Please also review the Event Safety & Emergency Procedures page for more information regarding severe weather procedures. 

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 rain tickets. 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, or one of many other locations. For a complete list, see signage posted in the Elaine Langone Center or on the Commencement page.

No, pets are not permitted in any University residence hall, building, facility or event space. Additionally, pets are not allowed during the Candlelighting Ceremony or the Commencement Ceremony on Malesardi Quad.

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.

The ceremony takes place on Malesardi Quad; seating is in folding 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 is open on the ground floor of the Elaine Langone Center from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Limited drinks and snacks are available for purchase under a tent on the east side of Bertrand Library. In addition, complimentary water and coffee are available in front of the library.

Graduating students may pick up meal tickets when they pick up their caps and gowns. Please see the schedule for dates and times.

Tickets will be available for purchase in mid-January. Purchased tickets are not refundable.

Yes, shuttles will be circling the entire campus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday and will be available after the ceremony and lunch. An accessible shuttle is also available. Please contact the University Switchboard on Commencement day at 570-577-2000.

As you enter campus, Public Safety officers will direct you to the drop-off in front of Malesardi Quad on Dent Drive. Staff will be there to assist your guests in exiting the vehicle, providing information on restrooms, accessing Malesardi Quad via an elevator in either Marts or Coleman Hall and answering any other questions you might have. The driver of the vehicle can then park the car in one of the many parking lots offering shuttle options.

Yes. A seating area is reserved exclusively for users of wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Email commencement@bucknell.edu or call the hotline number at 570-577-1192 to reserve seating in this area and for personal attention. Seating in this area is limited to the user of the wheelchair/mobility aid and one guest. This area can be accessed via the accessible entrance in Marts Hall.

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. 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 side of the library. With the exception of the portable restrooms, all facilities are accessible.

Graduation announcements may be ordered through Jostens.

Class rings may be ordered through Jostens. 

L'Agenda, the 2026 Bucknell Yearbook, can be ordered online here or by calling 1-800-853-1337.

For questions, please email Ty Derk at td016@bucknell.edu.

A photography team from Island Photography will be at the ceremony to take two to three photographs of each graduate as they cross the stage and return to their seat. Family members are encouraged to remain seated.

To ensure that you receive your free Commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, you must complete the Selfie Check-in Form. You can also add email addresses for family and friends to receive your proofs using the form. There is no obligation to purchase.