Penn GSE's Commencement is an annual celebration of our graduates’ achievements and milestones.
Over the course of their programs, our students work tirelessly to discover their passions, conduct important research, and explore ways to grow and contribute to the field of education. These ceremonies are a recognition of their perseverance and mettle, as our graduates walk the stage and celebrate alongside their friends and family.
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Announcements Events Day of Details For Graduates Commencement FAQs
Penn GSE 2026 Commencement Speaker
A nationally recognized leader in education policy and equity, Denise Forte will speak at the School’s 2026 Commencement ceremony on May 16 as part of the University of Pennsylvania’s 270th Commencement.
Commencement Day Information
Location, Date, and Time
Ceremony
The Palestra
223 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (entrance via Shoemaker Green)
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
*We strongly recommend arriving early to allow ample time for security screening.
Reception
Penn GSE
3700 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Parking
In addition to street parking, guests and graduates are welcome to park at the Penn Museum Garage, located at 3220 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Shuttle Transportation
Following the Penn GSE Commencement ceremony, the shuttle buses will begin running back and forth between The Palestra and the Penn GSE Reception.
Shuttle Stops:
- Commencement Stop: Shoemaker Green, located off S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Reception Stop: Penn GSE, 3700 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
ADA Accommodations for Graduates & Guests
To ensure that our events are enjoyable and comfortable for all attendees, both our ceremonies are ADA accessible. We provide the following accommodations:
- Seating Accommodations
ADA seating accommodations are available for graduates and their guests with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. On site volunteers will guide you to the appropriate location. A designated section of the Palestra is available to accommodate guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility-related access needs. Seating in this area is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each guest utilizing this section may be accompanied by one companion. *Graduates should request seating accommodations on the Commencement registration RSVP.
- Golf Cart Transportation
This service is available from designated pickup and drop-off points at The Palestra.
- Captioned Live-Feed Screens
A live feed of the events on stage with captions will be streamed on large screens at the Palestra.
- Shuttle Transportation
Shuttle buses will be running to and from the Penn GSE Reception following Commencement. View Shuttle Transportation details.
- Stroller Storage
Strollers can be stored at the front of the building, near the graduate entrance of the Palestra. Shuttle transportation is also available.
Commencement Ceremony Livestream
You can watch a captioned live stream of Penn GSE's Commencement ceremony on the Penn GSE YouTube Channel. To access the stream, visit our YouTube Channel and click on the "Live" tab. Recordings of the streams will be available in the channel's Commencements & Graduation playlist afterward.
Bag Policies
All guests and their belongings are subject to search by security personnel upon entry and within the facility. You can find the bag policy and prohibited items on The Palestra website.
Information for Graduates
If you’re graduating this year, please refer to the Commencement & Graduation webpage for more detailed information and FAQs.
No, there are not tickets for Commencement. Students are welcome to invite as many people as they want, though seating is first-come-first-serve.
Guests can begin entering the Palestra at 8:00am.
All bags must be in accordance with the following guidelines: Bags should be smaller than 16" x 16" x 8". No large bags, such as duffel or equipment bags, are allowed. View Palestra Policies & FAQ.
Yes, you can watch the Penn GSE Commencement ceremony on the Penn GSE YouTube Channel. To access the stream, visit our YouTube Channel and click on the "Live" tab. Recordings of the streams will be available in the channel's Commencements & Graduation playlist afterward.
Yes! In addition to street parking, guests and graduates are welcome to park at the Penn Museum Garage, located at at 3220 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
The shuttle to the reception will begin running after the Commencement ceremony. View shuttles details.
Unfortunately, no. We ask that only graduating students participate in the procession. If you will be bringing a service animal or need a disability accommodation for other support, please contact the Office of Student Success at gse-commencement@gse.upenn.edu ahead of time so we can make appropriate seating arrangements.
University Commencement Ceremony
Learn more about the University-wide Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026.