As we look ahead to celebrating our Mounties who will graduate this academic year, Mansfield University will host a combined Commencement ceremony on Karl Van Norman Field on Saturday, May 14, 2022, for our Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 graduates, instead of having separate winter and spring ceremonies. Please note that any Summer 2021 graduates who did not attend our May 2021 ceremonies may also participate in our combined Spring 2022 ceremony.
The administration’s decision to hold a single, grand Commencement ceremony this academic year was based primarily on considerations related to the ongoing pandemic and the highly transmissible Delta variant. In particular, we are concerned about our ability to host a large, indoor gathering in December, and we do not want to have to limit the number of family and friends who may attend. In addition, past December commencements have sometimes been affected by severe winter weather which impacted the attendance of our graduates and their families and friends – and in one year caused the ceremony itself to be cancelled -- so that was a consideration as well.
We acknowledge that not having a commencement this December may be disappointing for those looking forward to participating in the winter ceremony, and we apologize for the change in plans. The decision was not an easy one. However, by making the decision now, we will be better able to plan for our combined ceremony on Karl Van Norman Field on May 14, 2022, and provide everyone with a more normal commencement experience. We look forward to celebrating all our graduates together at Karl Van Norman Field in May 14, 2022, with Mansfield’s beautiful campus as the backdrop.
And please note: if you are a student finishing your degree program in Fall 2021, having one combined commencement ceremony on May 14, 2022, will not impact the posting of your degree to your academic transcript and mailing your diploma in time for the Christmas holiday to share your achievement with family and friends.
Please check back to this page for more information on the Spring '22 commencement.
Mansfield University Commencement
Congratulations Classes of Fall 2020 and Spring/Summer 2021! We are pleased to invite your participation in our on-campus commencement ceremonies.
We are honoring your graduation with two smaller in-person ceremonies that abide by all social distancing and health guidelines set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the State System of Higher Education, and the federal government.
Although we cannot offer handshakes of congratulations, we are excited to have you back on campus for this special event.
Ceremony Details:
Saturday, May 15 - Karl Van Norman Field
- 9:00 AM – College of Arts and Humanities/Business Admin., Math and CIS majors
- 1:00 PM – College of Natural and Social Science
To print your tickets, access the commencement portal by logging into My Mansfield!
Saturday, May 15
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9:00 AM – College of Arts and Humanities/All Business Administration, Math and CIS majors
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1:00 PM – College of Natural and Social Science
Commencement Speaker:
Dr. Nana Ama Kwarteng Baryeh
Arrival at the Event
- Gate will open 45 minutes prior to start of each ceremony.
- Parking will be directed by Campus Police as you arrive at Van Norman Field.
- Graduates and guests will arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to their ceremony.
- We are requesting that each graduate and guests use one vehicle, if possible, to park on campus and enter the stadium as a group.
- Graduates should be already robed and ready to be seated.
- Check in at front gate for seating instructions and stage cards.
- Event programs will be available.
RSVP
You will register for your ceremony using the Commencement registration button in your my.mansfield account. Candidates/Guests will print out tickets prior to arrival for collection at entrance. You must register to receive tickets to this event. We do not have the ability to print tickets at the field, so please print prior to your ceremony.
Awarding of Degrees and Presentation of Candidates
- Candidates will be sitting with guests on football field, in groups of five (1 candidate and four guests), socially distanced.
- When indicated, students in each row will stand, proceed left of stage and hand stage card to herald.
- Once the candidate’s name is read, the candidate will walk across stage, and either pick up diploma cover or accept from the President and exit on right to have picture taken by Mansfield banner before returning to seat.
- Candidates will stand at seat while the Provost and President conduct the conferral of degrees and moving of tassels.
Dismissal
- All graduates and guests will be asked to exit the stadium and return to cars within 20 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Social Distancing Guideline
- Each graduate and their guests will remain 6 ft. apart from other graduates and guests during the ceremony.
- Face coverings are required for individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated. These should be self-provided.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be provided.
Information for Visitors
Face coverings are required for individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated.
In the event an invited attendee displays any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus they are asked to stay home and not attend the ceremony.
Decorum
- Cap and Gown: Academic attire is required by all candidates.
- Academic regalia can be purchased through the Mountie Spirit Store.
- Prices (w/tax):
- Bachelor Unit (robe, cap & tassel combined) $31.05
- Bachelor Hood ONLY $28.95
- Bachelor Unit & Hood $60.00
- Master Unit (rope, cap & tassel combined) $33.64
- Master Hood ONLY $30.36
- Master Unit & Hood $64.00
- If you are unable to visit the Mountie Spirit Store to purchase your attire, the store can ship your items for a postage and handling fee of $15.00. Call 570-662-4922 for assistance.
- Honor cords will be distributed at the check-in table
- No spikey, high-heeled shoes are allowed on the football field.
- Alcohol/Drug Policy: possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages or other drugs are prohibited. Beverages and substances will be confiscated and violators will be escorted away from the event. Graduates who appear intoxicated or under the influence will not be permitted to participate.
Photography
- Guests are not permitted to approach stage to photograph graduates and need to remain seated. Professional photographers will take a portrait photo of each candidate after the candidate exits the stage. The photography company, GradImages, will contact you regarding your interest in purchasing photos.
Flowers
Flowers for the graduate may be purchased by visiting Commencementgroup.com. We strongly encourage customers to take advantage of the online pre-order service. The company has a contact-free customer experience for the guests who are simply picking up their pre-purchased and reserved products. A portion of the proceeds goes to support the MU Psychology Club.
Additional Viewing Options
Both ceremonies will be live-streamed and available on the university website, mansfield.edu.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available within the stadium complex.
FAQs
Q: How many guests can each candidate bring?
A: Four guests per student, arriving in one car. Requests for additional tickets will not be honored.
Q: What is the plan for inclement weather?
A: The University continues to closely monitor the inclimate weather and infection rates of COVID-19 across the State of Pennsylvania and beyond. Should there be any disruption or the need to further postpone or cancel the May 15 Commencement ceremony, all registered ticket holders will be notified in advance and updates will be provided on this Commencement website.
Q: Will refreshments be available?
A: Candidates and guests are asked to bring their own bottled water and to take with them what is brought in upon dismissal.
The University continues to closely monitor the inclimate weather and infection rates of COVID-19 across the State of Pennsylvania and beyond. Should there be any disruption or the need to further postpone or cancel the May15 Commencement ceremony, all registered ticket holders will be notified in advance and updates will be provided on this Commencement website.