Graduation FAQ


Here is your guide to find answers for the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 Penn Foster Commencement Ceremony. Review the following guidelines to make sure all of your bases are covered while planning to join graduation.

Graduation Registration

How can I register for the 2023 ceremony

Eligible graduates will receive an email on May 15, 2023 with personalized links to register for graduation, purchase guest tickets and order regalia. If you did not receive the email or completed the academic or financial requirements after that date, please contact Graduation Services at 1.800.232.1243 for assistance.

How much is the Graduate Registration Fee?

Graduate registration is $45.50 and includes an engraved diploma holder for you to take home. Guest tickets need to be purchased separately.

What does the cost of my registration fee cover?

Your Graduate Registration Fee covers administration fees, the cost of the event, and an engraved diploma holder.

When will I receive my regalia package?

You can expect to receive your regalia package within 4 weeks of payment and will be shipped directly to you from Josten’s. Orders must be placed by June 30th to ensure delivery in time for the event.

Graduation Requirements

What are the requirements to participate in the graduation?

  1. All academic requirements and financial obligations must be successfully completed and an overall passing grade average achieved before registration closes on June 30, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. EDT.
  2. Graduate Registration must be completed and paid by June 30, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. EDT, or before the event sells out.
  3. Your regalia must be purchased by June 30, 2023.**
  4. Graduates must travel to the ceremony in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Travel expenses are not covered by Penn Foster.

Professional attire is recommended.

**All graduates who register are subject to review for verification of graduation status.

When is a student considered academically complete?

All academic requirements must be successfully completed and an overall passing grade average achieved before ticket sales close on June 30, 2023, or before the event sells out.

How do I know if I am 100% academically complete?

Contact Graduation Services at 1.800.232.1243 or email them via your Student Portal to confirm your graduate status.

Do I have to pay my tuition in full to attend? 

Yes, you will need to have your tuition obligations paid in full in order to attend graduation. Please visit your Student Portal to determine your remaining tuition.

Guest Tickets

How much are guest tickets?

$30, plus ticketmaster fees.

Will guest tickets be sold on-site the day of the event?

We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available the day of the event. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance of the event to ensure entrance to the graduation ceremony.

Where can I purchase guest tickets?

You will receive the link to purchase guest tickets when you complete the registration process. It will be on the confirmation page, as well as in your confirmation email.

How many guest tickets can I purchase?

Yes. In order to have enough space for all graduates to bring friends and family, we will be limiting to 6 guest tickets per graduate.

Do children require a ticket?

All guests over the age of 2 years require a ticket to be allowed entry into the venue.

What is the refund policy?

Both the Graduate Registration Fee and guest tickets for this event are non-refundable.

Is seating reserved?

The only reserved seating is for graduates, faculty, and staff. All other seating is general admission.

Cap & Gown

Do I need to purchase my own cap & gown?

Yes. Graduates attending graduation must purchase a cap & gown separately from the Penn Foster Jostens store. Orders must be placed before June 30, 2023. Your cap, gown, and tassel will be mailed directly to you from Josten’s.

If you prefer to purchase separately, please make sure your gown is black.

I already have a cap & gown. Do I have to pay for one?

As long as your cap & gown is black, you are not required to purchase one for the ceremony.

Diploma & Degrees

Will I receive my official diploma, certificate, or degree on the day of the event?

No. Official documents are mailed to your address of record. The ceremony being symbolic, is meant to celebrate the successes of our students; however you will receive a diploma holder during the ceremony to commemorate your special day.

Should I bring my diploma to the ceremony?

We don’t recommend bringing anything you can’t carry on your person at all times. There are no lockers or spaces to store personal items in the arena. If you would like to bring your diploma, degree, or certificate, please be sure you have a friend or family member in attendance hold on to it for safe keeping.

Class Rings

Can I purchase a class ring? If so, where?

Penn Foster doesn’t have class rings available for purchase in the Penn Foster Bookstore. However, students and graduates who want to purchase a class ring can do so at Jostens.

Accessability

Will special assistance be provided to graduates with disabilities?

Yes. Graduates with disabilities who require special assistance to participate in the ceremony should contact social@pennfoster.edu to make arrangements. A sign language interpreter will be on stage to accommodate those with hearing disabilities.

Is seating and parking available for guests with disabilities?

Accessible parking and seating is available for guests with disabilities. Arena security can assist with any special needs.

Parking

Is parking free?

Yes.

Is seating and parking available for guests with disabilities?

Accessible parking and seating is available for guests with disabilities. Arena security can assist with any special needs.

Event Details

When is graduation?

Graduation will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Where is the ceremony held?

The Mohegan Sun Arena, located at 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702.

What should I bring to the Commencement Ceremony?

Your pressed cap, gown, and tassel. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The arena’s floors are concrete and you can expect to be standing for a few hours prior to the main event.

Is there a place to store my personal belongings at the Commencement Ceremony?

No, there is no secure place to store personal belongings (e.g. purses, coats, cellphones, etc.) during the ceremony; therefore please do not bring personal belongings to the event. Mohegan Sun Arena has a strict bag policy. Please review closely to see what you can and cannot bring into the venue.

Will food and beverages be provided at the event?

Yes. Food and beverages will be sold at the arena concession stands. No outside food or beverages are allowed in the Arena.

Will photos be available?

Yes. Professional photos will be taken at the event as each graduate walks and receives their diploma, degree, or certificate. These will be available at an additional cost by the photographer after the event.

Why will the Penn Foster Graduation be held as a combined event with Ashworth College, James Madison High School, New York Institute of Photography, and New York Institute of Art and Design?

Penn Foster is part of a larger group of online learning providers, including those listed above. In order to accommodate the large demand and maintain the spirit of celebration for this special milestone for our learners, families and friends, the six institutions will hold a combined graduation ceremony event.

Will the event be broadcast live?

Yes! Our event will be broadcast live on our Facebook pages for anyone who cannot attend the event in person to watch.

I can’t make it to the event will you call my name?

Unfortunately, with tens of thousands of graduates each year, it would not be possible for us to recognize each individual graduate at the event for those not in direct attendance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: To attend the 2023 ceremony all graduates must be 100% academically complete, paid in full and registered by 6:00 p.m. EST June 30, 2023. Eligible graduates received an email with a personalized link to register on May 15th. If you did not receive the email or completed the academic or financial obligations after that date, please contact Graduation Services at 1.800.232.1243 and they can assist you with registering and purchasing guest tickets.