2 days + 3 ceremonies = countless memories

Graduation Weekend at SFU

Family members welcome! No tickets required.

Commencement 2024

Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Saturday, May 11 & Sunday, May 12


Have you ordered your cap & gown yet? 
The deadline is April 11. 

graduation caps in the air
 

Ceremonies at a Glance


School of Health Sciences & Education (Graduate Programs)

9 a.m. on Saturday,  May 11, 2024  
Full Schedule


 

School of Health Sciences & Education (Undergraduate Programs)

1 p.m. on Saturday,  May 11, 2024  
Full Schedule


 

School of Business,  School of STEAM & Division of Professional Studies

9 a.m. on Sunday,  May 12, 2024  
Full Schedule

Questions


If  you have any questions, please email us.
commencement@francis.edu

Full Weekend Schedule


  • Candidates are to arrive one hour prior to your respective ceremony
  • All ceremonies, including Baccalaureate Mass, will take place in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

9:00 a.m.

Graduate Programs: School of Health Science & Education

Commencement Speaker: Cynthia Zane, Ed.D 

 

10:00 a.m

Brunch  (Torvian Dining Hall): Cost $9

No reservations needed. 

 

1:00 p.m. 

School of Health Science & Education: Undergraduate

Commencement Speaker: Fr. Dennis Holtschneider

 

 

4:00 p.m. 

Baccalaureate Mass

Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
 


Sunday, May 12, 2024

9:00 a.m.

Combined Ceremony

  • School of STEAM
  • Shields School of Business
  • Division of Professional Studies

Commencement Speaker: Paul M. (Mickey) Pohl, OF Counsel
 

 

More Senior Activities 


Senior Fun

  • Donut Heaven:  May 2-4, 2024, 9-11 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
  • Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) - May 8, 2024, 4:30 p.m.
    Seniors: meet us at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
  • Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association): May 8, 2024, 5-7 p.m., JFK Lounge
  • Senior Send Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class):  May 9, 2024, 6-10 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall/ South Quad

Special Ceremonies 

  • President's Award Convocation:  April 30, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., Stokes
  • Nurses Pinning Ceremony:  May 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., Chapel
  • Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony : May 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m.,  Chapel
  • Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony:  May 10, 2024,  1 p.m., JFK Student Center
  • Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: May 10, 2024, 4:30 p.m.,  JFK Auditorium
  • Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: May 12, 2024, 8 a.m., Outside Degol Arena

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more help? Email: commencement@francis.edu

  • How many family members can I bring?

    You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.

    Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.

    Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.

  • Where do I order academic regalia?

    Graduates may not participate in ceremonies without proper regalia which may be ordered online here:
    https://collegegrad.herffjones.com

  • Where can I purchase graduation announcements, flowers, etc.?

    Graduation Announcements

    Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.

    The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.


    Flowers

    Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!

    Pre-order Flowers


    Individual Photo Packages

     Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase. 

     

     

     

  • Where can my family park on graduation day?

    Graduation day parking is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. Those who have difficulty walking or who use a wheelchair may be dropped off near the main entrance of Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.

  • How do I stay connected after graduation?

    The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!

    Alumni Homepage >

  • Will my family members be able to watch the ceremony from home?

    Yes, we will will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. A link to watch the ceremonies will be located at the top of this page when it is available to view.

  • How do I request a transcript?

    Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.

    https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript