Mansfield University Commencement - May 2021

• 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.

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. 

• 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.

• All graduates and guests will be asked to exit the stadium and return to cars within 20 minutes after the end of the ceremony.

• Each graduate and their guests will remain 6 ft. apart from other graduates and guests during the ceremony.
• All participants will be required to wear a face covering. These should be self-provided.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be provided.

Attendees are reminded to wear masks at all times and perform frequent hand washings.

 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

Both ceremonies will be live-streamed and available on the university website, mansfield.edu.

Accessible restrooms are available within the stadium complex.

Which College is my Degree Program under?

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.