Other Related Information
Announcement Cards
Franklin Field Policies and Tips
In the Event of Inclement Weather
Seating for Persons with Disabilities
Tickets are not required for admission to the Commencement ceremony in Franklin Field. For information on Commencement announcement cards, see Announcement Cards.
Franklin Field Policies and Tips
Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited in Franklin Field. Guests and students are asked not to use cellular phones during the procession across campus and during the ceremony on Franklin Field.
Tips for attending the Commencement Ceremony at Franklin Field (an outdoor stadium):
- Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are permitted at Franklin Field
- Please note: if anyone in your party uses a wheelchair, please bring it with you. The stadium does not have wheelchairs available on site.
- Dress for the weather
- Umbrellas are permitted
- Wear comfortable shoes
In the Event of Inclement Weather
Commencement will be held rain or shine. Students are free to wear rain gear over their gowns since they will be seated on the field. Please be advised that the dye in the gown may stain clothing when wet. Guests should come prepared for all weather conditions, including rain and hot sun, since Franklin Field is an outdoor stadium. Only a limited amount of covered seating is available, in the top rows of the lower stands under the overhang.
In the Event of Extreme Weather Conditions
In the event of dangerous weather conditions that threaten personal safety (such as a severe thunderstorm, lightening, or tornado), the ceremony may be delayed. In the unlikely event that dangerous conditions are forecast to persist throughout the morning, the ceremony may be moved to the Palestra, where seating would be limited to degree candidates only. These steps would be taken only in extreme circumstances.
If changes are required due to severe weather, details about changes will be communicated by:
Signs at Hamilton Village (Superblock) and around the campus
Announcements on the University's emergency information line (215) 898-MELT, the Commencement hotline (215) 573-GRAD, and radio station KYW (1060 AM)
A notice on this website
Seating for Guests with Disabilities
Seating for guests who use wheelchairs, as well as those with limited physical mobility or medical conditions, will be available both on the field and in the lower stands. Please be aware that the stadium is bench seating. Due to space constraints, guests with disabilities who are seated on the field may be accompanied by one escort only.
Arrangements for this type of seating may be made beginning April 1st between the hours of 12 noon - 5 p.m. by calling (215) 898-7369 (voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD). There is no guarantee that an accommodation can be made if the request is received after Monday, May 3rd. Tickets will be mailed beginning May 1st. Commencement informational materials are available in alternate format upon request.
For campus map, see Visitor and Family Information.
For parking information, see Visitor and Family Information.
