Graduation

We take great pride in our graduates — many of us at Penn State World Campus either were or are adult learners, and we understand the tremendous sacrifices you and your families make for you to obtain your degree. As your graduation approaches, review the following information to learn what you can expect and what actions you’ll need to take.

In the semester in which you plan to graduate, your first step is to officially set your intent to graduate. You can check the academic calendar to find the intent to graduate activation period for the semester in which you plan to graduate.

To set your intent to graduate in LionPATH, go to the Degree Planning and Progress section and select “Apply for Graduation.” View a tutorial about setting your intent to graduate and other important actions.

If you are an undergraduate student and you miss the deadline to set your intent to graduate, or if your plans change and you no longer expect to graduate, and you will need to contact your academic adviser. Graduate students will need to contact the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School.

Your diploma will be mailed approximately four weeks after commencement to your permanent address or to the diploma address you have entered in LionPATH.

World Campus undergraduate degree students are eligible to graduate with distinction. Your diploma will include any academic distinctions you have earned.

For more information, including requirements, visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Commencement is your academic college’s official graduation ceremony. World Campus students are invited to attend Penn State’s commencement ceremonies. Many Penn State World Campus programs hold commencement at University Park, but some programs typically have commencement at other campuses. For more information about attending commencement, visit our commencement page.

Each semester, we also host a World Campus Reception for Penn State World Campus students and their families and friends. The World Campus Reception includes light appetizers, professional photographs, family activities, and time to meet other students and faculty and staff members in person. This event is held at the University Park campus. Eligible students will receive an email invitation.

There are many ways alumni stay involved and active in Penn State life after graduation — including joining the Penn State Alumni Association, joining the Penn State World Campus Alumni Society, giving to Penn State, and becoming an Alumni Ambassador. Be sure to access your profile in the alumni directory and update your contact information, so that you can receive alumni communications.