Commencement Information Spring 2025

Congratulations, Graduates!

We are excited to announce that the Spring Commencement ceremonies will be held on the following dates:

Friday, May 2, 2025

5:30 pm           Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

Saturday, May 3, 2025

10:00 am         Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

1:30 pm           College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

5:00 pm           Williamson College of Business Administration and the Cliffe College of Creative Arts

All ceremonies will take place in Beeghly Physical Education Center.

Pete's Senior Sendoff
Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 3-6PM | Kilcawley Center Chestnut Room

Pete is planning a party to celebrate our spring graduates – and you’re invited! This is a perfect opportunity for friends graduating at different commencement ceremonies to come together in their caps & gowns for group photos – and for student organizations to gather one last time before their members walk across the stage. University photographers will be on hand to snap group and individual photos, including head shots. Light refreshments will be available. We’ll have a short program featuring congratulatory remarks from university leaders at 4pm. Penguins are invited to drop in at any time during the event and are encouraged to reserve a table if there’s a large group attending. Due to space limitations, this event is restricted to current YSU students, faculty, and staff.

Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

Friday, December 12, 2025

5:30 pm           Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

Saturday, December 13, 2025

10:00 am         Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

1:30 pm           College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

5:00 pm           Williamson College of Business Administration and the Cliffe College of Creative Arts

All ceremonies will take place in Beeghly Physical Education Center.

As we prepare to celebrate your success, we know you might have some questions. Check out the list of frequently asked questions below. If you don't see your particular question, reach out to our commencement team at commencement@ysu.edu. Congratulations again, and best of luck!

CAMPUS MAP

• When and where is Commencement?

  Spring Commencement ceremonies will follow this schedule:

  Friday, May 2, 2025

  5:30 pm           Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

   

  Saturday, May 3, 2025

  10:00 am         Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

  1:30 pm           College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

  5:00 pm           Williamson College of Business Administration and the Cliffe College of Creative Arts

  All ceremonies will take place in the main gymnasium in Beeghly Physical Education Center.

• Are tickets required?

  No, tickets are not required for any of the celebrations and ceremonies.

• Where do I go when I arrive for the ceremony?

  Graduates will arrive dressed in regalia and go to their assigned location (information will be provided); they will get their name card and then line up in their designated area as indicated.

• Where do my family members go when they arrive for the ceremony?

  Family and friends will be seated in the main gymnasium in Beeghly Center.

• Where should I park and is there handicap parking?

  Free parking will be available in campus lots during the graduation celebration weekend.
  
  Handicap parking will be available in the M81 lot off of the Service Road. From there, a tram will be available to take guests to rear of Beeghly Center. Handicap seating is available in the "lower reds" of the gymnasium and also behind the graduates on the main level of the gymnasium, if available. 

• What time should I arrive the day of my Commencement?

  Please arrive 60 minutes prior to your commencement.

• How do I receive my regalia?

  Regalia will be mailed to you. If you are participating in the ceremony and have not received your regalia by April 23, 2025, please contact us at 330-941-2962.

• Will the ceremony be live streamed?

  The ceremony will be live streamed. Those who are unable to attend can watch the commencement on our YouTube channel, or by going to our homepage.

• What is the dress code for commencement? What if I am graduating with Honors?

  Please dress in business attire. Leave purses, bags, wallets and valuables locked in your car. There will be nowhere to store them once you arrive.

  Honor cords will be distributed to graduates who have earned them. Location to be announced.

• What are the disability accommodations for graduates?

  Graduates requesting assistance who are participating in the Commencement ceremony should contact 330-941-2136.

  A sign language interpreter will be available at the ceremony.

• Restroom Locations

  Restrooms are located on all levels of Beeghly Center.

• Etiquette Reminders:

  The commencement ceremony is a special event for all involved. It commemorates the completion of an educational goal by the graduate and allows family and friends to participate in a celebration of that completion. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience.

  • During the reading of graduate names, we ask graduates and their guests to be considerate in their applause so that all names are heard clearly and the ceremony is not disrupted.
  • Please remain for the entire ceremony.
  • Turn off or place your phone in silent mode to ensure that all guests may hear and enjoy the ceremony.