Congratulations Class of 2026!
SP2 Commencement
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Pre-Ceremony Reception
The Inn at Penn
3600 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA
4:00 – 6:00pm ET
Graduation Ceremony
The Palestra
223 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA
6:30 – 8:00pm ET
270th University Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 18, 2026
Franklin Field
235 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
10:15AM ET
Visit the University Commencement for more information
Graduation Schedule
4:00PM
SP2 Pre-Ceremony Reception begins at the Inn at Penn
4:15PM
Welcome remarks from Dean Bachman
5:00PM
Graduates will be escorted from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra
*Palestra doors open for Accessible Seating only*
5:15 PM
Graduate Registration and Class Photos begins at Tse Sports Center (inside the Palestra)
6:15PM
Pre-Ceremony Reception ends
Palestra doors open for all guests
Graduation line up begins
6:30PM
SP2 Graduation Ceremony begins
Presentation of Graduates:
PhD, DSW, Internal Dual Degree, MSNPL, MSSP, MSSP+DA, MSW
8:30PM
Closing Remarks / Recessional
Accessibility Information
The Palestra doors open at 5pm for ADA seating. Our accessibility team will be stationed at 33rd St. at the crosswalk between Franklin Field and Walnut St. near the Palestra entrance. A golf cart will transport those with accessibility needs from 33rd St. to the Palestra where staff will be available to guide them to the designated sections. For guests attending the Pre-Ceremony Reception at the Inn at Penn, there will be transportation from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra starting at 4:30PM.
Additional Information
Those who requested accessible seating in the Palestra will have reserved seats marked with their graduates’ names. Others in their party will be able to sit right behind them.
After graduation, there will be two golf carts assisting those in need from the Palestra back to the handicap sign on 33rd St. If requesting this service, we greatly appreciate your patience as our staff members work diligently to get everyone back and forth in a timely manner.
Seating Chart
Accessible seating is available in the following sections:
Section 202/203
Section 216-217
Section 218/219
FAQs
What is the difference between the SP2 Graduation Ceremony and the University Commencement Ceremony?
- At the SP2 Graduation Ceremony, graduate names are called and students walk across the stage.
- At the University Commencement Ceremony, schools are recognized by their Dean. Graduates do not walk across the stage.
- Diplomas are not distributed at either ceremony.
- Students are not required to attend either ceremony.
- Tickets are not required for either ceremony.
What time should I arrive for the graduation ceremony?
Line up for the graduation ceremony starts at 5:15 pm but you should definitely consider joining us for SP2’s Pre-Ceremony Reception at 4:00pm.
Contact the Office of Student Affairs for any graduation related inquiries