Graduation Weekend

Commencement Ceremony Instructions for Graduates

Get ready, grads - here’s what to know before you walk!

• Arrival & Line-Up
  • Doors open for guests one hour before each ceremony begins.
  • Graduates should report to the Stokes Auxiliary Gym with full academic regalia one hour before the ceremony.
  • Check-in with the line-up staff to receive your reader card and be guided to your correct place in line.

  ---

  ** Important: Do not leave the line once you’ve checked in, and keep your reader card with you at all times.

• During the Ceremony - Receiving Your Diploma
  • When your degree is announced, stand as a group for the conferral.
  • A staff member will lead your group to the stage.
  • As you approach the stage, hand your reader card to the staff member.
  • At the top of the stage, wait until your name is called, then walk to the center.
  • Extend your left hand to receive your diploma.
  • Exit via the center steps, where a faculty member will hood you, then return to your seat.
• Additional Guidelines
  • If your name is difficult to pronounce, please check with your School Dean in advance.
  • Only University-approved adornments may be worn with your regalia.
  • Do not bring purses, phones, or valuables - there is no secure storage.
  • Dress professionally and appropriately for the occasion.
  • Do not decorate your cap.
  • Alcohol is prohibited.
  • No pranks or disruptions, please - let's honor the dignity of the day.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Ceremonies for School of Health Sciences and Education

• 9 a.m. Graduate Students SHSE

  School of Health Sciences and Education (Graduate Students)

  9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)

  Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena

  Commencement Speaker:  Dr. Elliott Bedford

• 10 a.m. Brunch

  Brunch  (Torvian Dining Hall)

  10:00 a.m. 

  Cost: $9

  No reservations needed. 

• 1 p.m. Undergraduate Students SHSE

  School of Health Sciences and Education (Undergraduate Students) 

  1:00 p.m.  (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)

  Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena

  Commencement Speaker: Dr. Elliott Bedford

• 4 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass (Chapel)

  Baccalaureate Mass

  Time: 4 p.m.

  Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel

  Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
   

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Ceremony for SSOB, STEAM & DPS

• 9 a.m. Combined Ceremony

  Combined Ceremony

  ---

  School of STEAM

  Shields School of Business

  Division of Professional Studies

  ---

  9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)

  Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena

  Commencement Speaker:  Sr. Margaret Careny, OSF

   

More Senior Activities

• Senior Year-Fun

  Donut Heaven: TBA

  ---

  Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) TBA
  Seniors: Meet at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian

  ---

  Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association) TBA

  ---

  Senior Send-Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class) TBA

• Special Academic Ceremonies

  President's Award Convocation: TBA

  ---

  Nurses Pinning Ceremony:  TBA

  ---

  Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony: TBA

  ---

  Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony:  TBA

  ---

  Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: TBA

  ---

  Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: TBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more help? Email: commencement@francis.edu

• What do I need to do to get ready for graduation?

  View the  2025 Commencement Checklist. 2026 list coming soon

• How many family members can I bring?

  You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.

  Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.

  Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.

• Is the ceremony handicapped accessible?

  Those with difficulty walking can be dropped off near the main entrance of Maurice Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will provide directions. Handicapped seating is available at each ceremony with no advanced reservation needed.

• Where can my family park on graduation day?

  Parking for Commencement is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.

• Will my family members be able to watch the ceremony from home?

  Yes, we will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens.  Links will be provided at the top of this page before each ceremony.

   

• How do I request a transcript?

  Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.

  https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript

   

• Where can I purchase graduation announcements, flowers, etc.?

  Graduation Announcements

  Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.

  The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.

  ---

  Flowers

  Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!

  Pre-order Flowers

• Purchasing Senior Portraits from Lifetouch

  Individual Photo Packages

   Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase. 

  

   

• How do I stay connected after graduation?

  The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!

  Alumni Homepage >