Etiquette, Protocols and the Processional

Graduates and guests should wear appropriate business attire to commencement. Wear comfortable shoes. Ladies should decide on what style of shoes to wear since graduates will be going up and down steps onto and from the stage from orchestra seats.

Graduates should not bring personal possessions into Verizon Hall. Personal items such as purses, cameras, cell phones and other electronic devices should be given to guests for safekeeping. Refrain from bringing flower bouquets into Verizon Hall. Balloons, horns, and noisemakers of any kind are prohibited in the Kimmel Center. Flowers should not be presented or worn until after the ceremony.

Every guest must have a reserved seat ticket to gain entrance into Verizon Hall. Infants and toddlers who will sit on the lap of a responsible adult for the entire ceremony do not need a ticket. Children who will sit in a reserved seat must have a ticket.

Upon entering the grand lobby of the Kimmel Center, graduates will be directed by Holy Family guides into the Perelman Theater for robing and queuing up for the processional. Holy Family guides will line up graduates according to their school or division. Graduates will be given a card with their name and degree on it. The graduate will hand this card to the administrator at the podium when she/he walks onto the stage. The appropriate dean or senior administrator will announce the graduate’s name to the audience. Graduates will walk into Verizon Hall two-by-two according to their school or division in the following order: Arts and Sciences; Business Administration, Education; Nursing and Allied Health Professions; and the Division of Extended Learning.

The Kimmel Center is a smoke-free facility. Graduates should remind guests to turn off all cell phones and electronic devices upon entering Verizon Hall.

Tripods and recording devices that may hinder the view of others should not be used in Verizon Hall. No person may approach the stage for any reason during the ceremony including the taking of photographs or videos. Professional photographers will take photos of graduates receiving their diplomas from the President and these photos are available for purchase.

Graduates and guests should refrain from applauding and cheering until the names of all graduates are announced so that every graduate’s name can be heard by the audience.

Graduates and guests should attempt to arrive early at the Kimmel Center considering downtown Philadelphia traffic and parking challenges. 

No food or beverage is allowed in the grand lobby of the Kimmel Center. No food or beverage is permitted in the Perelman Theater or Verizon Hall. Degree candidates's should inform all guests of the no "food or beverage" policy.



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