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Commencement

Harrisburg University will hold Commencement for the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Location:
The Forum Building auditorium
500 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Undergraduate Commencement beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Graduate Commencement beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Find all the latest information on upcoming 2026 commencement ceremonies, including dates, locations, schedules, and important details for graduates and their families. Stay updated with everything you need to know to prepare for this milestone event!

Watch the 2026 Commencement

Undergraduate Ceremony
Graduate Ceremony

Link for the Undergraduate Ceremony is here

Link for the Graduate Ceremony is here

Commencement Details

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) will hold two (2) Commencement Ceremonies for the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
- Undergraduate Commencement will begin at 12:30 PM.
  - All undergraduate students must report to the staging area of The Forum by 11:30 AM.
  - Arrive at 10:30 AM. if you would like to have photographs taken.
  - Doors open for guests at 11:30 AM. Seating is open and unassigned, except for areas that are reserved or blocked off.
- Graduate Commencement will begin at 6:30 PM.
  - All graduate students must report to the staging area of The Forum by 5:30 PM.
  - Arrive at 4:30 PM. if you would like to have photographs taken.
  - Doors open for guests at 5:30 PM. Seating is open and unassigned, except for areas that are reserved or blocked off.
Each ceremony will last for approximately two hours and will include remarks from the Commencement Speaker and student speakers, the formal conferring of degrees, and individual recognition of each graduate as they cross the stage. Please note: Students are required to remain seated for the entire ceremony.
Commencement rehearsal for both undergraduate and graduate students will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Students should arrive by 5:00 PM.
Please RSVP to receive important information about ordering regalia: Harrisburg University Commencement 2026 Graduate RSVP.
Accessible seating: Available in designated areas. Guests requiring accessible seating should ask an usher for assistance. Please note that the University does not provide, loan, or rent wheelchairs.
Accessible parking: There is a limited number of accessible parking spots located directly in front of The Forum. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Diplomas: Students graduating in Spring who attend Commencement can pick up their diplomas immediately following the event (photo ID required). Students graduating in Spring who are not attending will have their diplomas mailed to them two to three weeks after the ceremony. Graduates from previous terms should have already received their diplomas.
The University does not provide graduation announcements.

Have you met the Degree Requirements

If you have questions about whether you have met all degree requirements, contact Records and Registration by submitting a ticket through the Records and Registration Support Portal via the following link, https://reghelp.harrisburgu.edu.

International Student Commencement Support

International students who need to request a Commencement Support Letter(s) for your family, please submit the form on MyHU > Academics tab > E-forms > Commencement Support Letter Request.

COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL Wednesday, May 13, 2026

ALL students must report to the staging area of the Forum Auditorium by 5 p.m. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 5:30 PM. It is highly suggested that you attend practice, but it is not mandatory.

During rehearsal, we will review and practice the following:

Your place in line for the processional; How to find your assigned seat in the Forum Auditorium.
Where to look for the photographers when you are approaching the stage and receiving your diploma,
How to recess and exit the ceremony.

This is the only rehearsal. Please do your best to be here so you know what to do on the day of commencement.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Thursday, May 14, 2026

The undergraduate ceremony begins promptly at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony will last approximately 120 minutes.
- All students must report to the staging area of the Forum auditorium by 11:30 a.m.
- Arrive by 10:30 a.m. if you would like photographs taken.
- All students must be dressed in regalia, ready to go and in line for the processional by 12:00 p.m.

The graduate ceremony begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will last approximately 120 minutes.
- All graduates must report to the staging area of the Forum Auditorium by 5:30 p.m.
- Arrive at 4:30 p.m. if you would like photographs taken.
- All students must be dressed in regalia, ready to go and in line for the processional by 6:00 p.m.

Proceed to the graduate staging area of the Forum Auditorium. Look for the directional signs posted throughout the building.
Your guests (including children and family members) are not permitted in the backstage area before the ceremony.
Before the ceremony, we will have photographers available to take individual photos of you, if you choose.

Graduate Conduct During the Ceremony

Once the ceremony begins and you are on the floor of the Forum Auditorium, you are not to leave the ceremony for any reason.
Due to the formality of this occasion, and safety concerns when walking on the steps of the stage, please wear appropriate footwear.
High heels, stilettos, flip flops, and any other loose-fitting shoes are not recommended.
Any personal items, such as a jacket, must be left with your family, in your car or in the staging area. However, no valuables may be left in this area.
Any graduate that shows signs of being under the influence of drugs/alcohol will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Graduate and professional students already have graduated (with a bachelor’s degree), they should wear tassels on the left side of caps, over their hearts, throughout commencement ceremonies. Faculty members and administrators also should wear tassels on the left side of caps during processions and commencement ceremonies.

Photographs & Video of the Ceremony

The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has engaged a photographer to take an individual color photograph of each graduate receiving a diploma. You do not have to make prior arrangements for this service. The Office of University Advancement will set up a page so graduates, and their families can download photos approximately eight weeks after Commencement. Guests will be permitted to take photographs from their seats, but the use of flashbulbs is discouraged. We ask that guests remain seated as much as possible to avoid interrupting the ceremony. The photographers will also take pictures as you receive your diploma cover during the ceremony.

All photographs from the event will be uploaded and shared on the Harrisburg University Flickr account for everyone to view.

Parking, Streaming, and Hotels

Streaming: HU will stream and record the event. There will be an on-campus overflow viewing room will be available for any guests beyond the four (4) who use the allotted tickets. Family and friends will be able to view the ceremony live over the internet on this page if they are unable to attend in-person.

Restaurants

Visit this website for a list of restaurants in the Harrisburg Area. Harrisburg Restaurants | Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

Class Rings

Class rings are available for purchase through Jostens at www.Jostens.com Prices vary, depending on the style that you choose. For more information please call Jostens at 800.854.7464

Diploma Frames

Your diploma measures 14 x 11. Diploma frames are available through Framing Success at www.framingsuccess.com or Jostens at www.Jostens.com. Prices vary depending on the molding style and the glass you select. After looking through this site, please email Commencement@HarrisburgU.edu with any remaining questions.