Graduation Weekend

Family members welcome! No tickets required.

Class of 2027 
Commencement Ceremonies 

All ceremonies will be held one day in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena 

We are pleased to share important updates for the upcoming academic year as we continue to enhance the student and campus experience.

The Academic Calendar for 2026–2027 is now available. View the full details here.

A key update for the year ahead is a change to Commencement. Beginning in 2027, Commencement will take place on a single day — Sunday, May 9.

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduates, families, and the entire university community. 

Ceremony Dates

Check back for times to be announced.

Saturday, May 8, 2027:  Baccalaureate Mass in the evening.

Sunday, May 9, 2027: Combined Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremonies for the School of Health Sciences and Education  in the morning.  Combined Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremonies for the Shields School of Business; the School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, and the Division of Professional Studies in the afternoon.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more help? Email: commencement@francis.edu

  • View the  2026 Commencement Checklist. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

     

  • 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

     

  • 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

  • Individual Photo Packages: GradImages will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma, which families can opt to purchase. 

     GET 20% OFF

    Receive a coupon for 20% off when you register before graduation day.
    Visit GradImages.com/Registration for details.

    Ordering Photos Info for Families

    Text “Grad26” to 36708 for more information or go to GradImages.com to view the professional photos taken during the ceremony. Browse through digital, print, and gift options to find the package that works best for you.

  • 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 >

Questions

If  you have any questions, please email us.
commencement@francis.edu

Commencement News

Blog
Celebratory Commencement Cap Toss

Scenes from Commencement 2026

University Communications & Marketing | 05/11/2026
The Saint Francis University community gathered this weekend to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026 during three distinct ceremonies. Enjoy the memories from our photo and video archives!
Celebratory Commencement Cap Toss

Scenes from Commencement 2025

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 05/13/2025
The Saint Francis University community gathered this weekend to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 during three distinct ceremonies. Enjoy the memories from our photo and video archives!
Francis 2022 Cohort Integrated Research Blog Image

Inaugural Cohort of Executive Doctorate Completes Integrated Dissertation Experience

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 05/06/2025
At Saint Francis University, the path to a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation is not just about earning a credential—it’s about applying knowledge with purpose. The Class of 2025, our inaugural Francis 2022 Cohort of Ed.D. graduates, exemplifies this mission through their exceptional research, made possible by the program’s integrated dissertation model.
graduation icon

Commencement plans for 2024

University Communications & Marketing | 04/19/2024
Saint Francis University is pleased to announce the plan for its in-person 173rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, 2022.
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