Penn State announces in-person commencement plans

Penn State officials say the university will host in-person commencement ceremonies at University Park and at its other campuses across the state.

The state’s largest university cited increasing vaccination rates and a relaxation in state guidelines in its decision to move forward with a more traditional graduation for the class of 2021.

University President Eric Barron said ceremonies at University Park will be held in Beaver stadium May 7-9. Graduates will be limited to two tickets each to allow for social distancing. All ceremonies will be livestreamed.

Locally, Penn State New Kensington will host in-person commencement at its athletic complex on May 8.

While a growing number of universities are opting for a more traditional approach to commencement after a year of remote and hybrid operations, officials at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg have yet to finalize arrangements.

Pitt Greensburg President Robert Gregerson announced a pause in commencement plans last week after students protested plans for a drive-thru commencement. Gregerson said officials planned to include students in discussions to re-evaluate that plan after a student-led online petition gathered nearly 300 signatures.

Barron said Penn State officials will continue to monitor public health reports, including the spread of new covid-19 variants. He said plans for commencement could change in the event of a surge in the virus or a change in state and federal guidelines.

“We all need to continue our vigilance with respect to covid-19, and I call on everyone in our community to continue to follow all public health guidelines,” Barron said in a statement.