Commencement Day

Special Assistance
Please inform the event staff of your needs and you will be directed accordingly. Handicap passes can be obtained by contacting Elena O’Connor at elena.oconnor@keystone.edu or 570-945-8160. Vehicles already displaying a state-issued handicap placard do not need a pass from the College.

First Aid and Medical Assistance
Emergency medical personnel will be on site to provide assistance as needed.

Keystone College Dining Services will operate a hospitality area beginning at 9:30 a.m.

While Keystone College’s Commencement Exercises will be held indoors at the Gambal Athletic Center, weather during May in Northeastern Pennsylvania is quite unpredictable. We ask that graduates and their families monitor the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.

Campus personnel will be on hand directing traffic.

Diplomas may be picked up after the Commencement ceremony on May 17 before 2 p.m. in the Theatre in Brooks.

While recognizing that Commencement is a time for celebration, it is important for students to remember that it is also a formal academic ceremony to be conducted with dignity.

• Caps/Gowns, dress shirts, dress pants, dresses, flat-soled shoes
• No flowers or decorations may be worn or carried. Also, bring bobby pins to secure your mortarboard (cap).
• Put your mortarboard (cap) on straight – parallel to the ground, not tilted over either ear or on the back of the head.
• If able, please remove caps for the invocation, national anthem, and benediction.
• It is recommended that the gown is steamed or pressed prior to Commencement.

Decorations on graduation caps (mortar boards) are a symbol of pride and accomplishment. The decorations represent personalized statements about accomplishments that can be presented in the form of a quote, image, symbol, flag, or other items. To ensure that Commencement remains a dignified celebration of achievement, the decorations must be consistent with the Keystone College student code of conduct. Failure to adhere to this standard could result in the student’s loss of their graduation cap.

All graduates should arrive at the Theatre in Brooks no later than 9:30 a.m. on Commencement day.

9:30 a.m. Doors open for guest seating

9:30 a.m. Student Check-In

Students should report to the Theatre in Brooks for check-in where they will receive a numbered place card. Honors cords and veterans cords will be distributed to eligible undergraduates at this time and grads will be directed to a robing and line-up area.

10 a.m. Line up

Students and faculty report to the Theatre in Brooks to check-in. All individuals should take their place in line as directed by Assistant Marshals.

10:30 a.m. Students line up

Students will line-up numerically and alphabetically by degree.

• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Business Administration (all concentrations)
• Master of Education
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Sport Leadership Management
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Science
• Associate in Applied Science

10:45 a.m. Academic procession 

11:00 a.m. Commencement exercises begin

Conclusion (approx. 1 p.m.)

At the conclusion of Commencement exercises, the stage party, followed by the trustees, faculty, administrators, and staff, will recess under the direction of Assistant Marshals, forming a double line from the Gambal Athletic Center lobby out to the side parking area.

On direction, graduates proceed through the double line of trustees, faculty, administrators, and staff, breaking formation at the end of the double line.

Following the ceremony, dispomas can be picked up in the Theatre in Brooks before 2 p.m.

Congratulations, graduates! If you’re taking to social media this Commencement season – before, during, and after the ceremony – be sure to use the hashtag #kcgrad.