Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

We are excitedly anticipating our upcoming Commencement ceremonies. This is one of our most time-honored traditions and the culmination of our students' experience at Arcadia. In working with the faculty, staff, and officers for the Class of 2021, Arcadia is pleased to announce information on our Commencement ceremonies to help graduates and families in their planning. 

Arcadia Commencement will take place May 20 and May 21 in smaller ceremonies, by program, and socially distanced on Haber Green.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you and with your help, we will do this safely and correctly.

The ability to host our ceremonies in person on the Green is contingent on several factors, including the continued mitigation of the spread of COVID within the Arcadia community after spring wellness break, continued adherence to University and federal and county health and safety guidelines, vaccine efficacy, and transitioning to Operational Tier 2 Status.

*College of Arts and Sciences Specific Programs include: Acting, ARTS (History, Therapy, Ed, Studio, Camera, Theater), Anthropology,  Ceramics, Communications (Global Media, Video),  Computer Forensics,  Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Journalism, Fine Arts,  Graphic Design, General Studies, History, Illustration, International Studies, Metals and Jewelry,  Multi-Media & Print, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Public Relations, Politics, Political Science, Government and Law, Political Science & Government Law, Political Science & Philosophy, Scientific Illustration, Sociology, Spanish

**College of Arts and Sciences Specific Programs include: Actuarial Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, Psychology, Sports Psychology

Commencement attire includes a black cap, gown, hood, and tassel (the University purchases this attire at no cost to the graduate). If you plan to participate in Commencement, please complete the Undergraduate Attire Order Form or the Graduate Regalia Order Form. Note: If you are eligible for one or more Commencement cords listed below, please list that so we may include the cord in your regalia packet: Athletic (3 years or more as an Arcadia student-athlete), Veterans, LGBTQ. Graduates eligible for a Veterans cord should contact Bill Elnick at registrar@arcadia.edu.

• Commencement Sharing Information
• Commencement Information
• Register for Commencement
• Last Call to Register

Arcadia is pleased to present honorary doctoral degrees to Pedro Rivera and Dr. Danchien Lu. 

President Pedro Rivera

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

President Rivera, who earned his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility at Arcadia in 2005, has been a leader for education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for decades. He served as Secretary of Education for Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2020 and prior to that, as Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, the first Latino to serve in either of these roles. Rivera also was a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive director for the School District of Philadelphia for 13 years. In 2014, the White House named him as one of 10 individuals as a Champion of Change for his efforts to transform urban education with his holistic approach to student success. In 2020, then-President-Elect Biden named Rivera to the Agency Review Team for the Department of Education. 

In October 2020, Rivera began his tenure as president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a residential, two-year, accredited technical college that provides equitable access to higher education to transform the lives of generations of families while supporting the economic growth of the industry across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

A first-generation college student, Rivera earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Education Administration from Cheyney University, and a Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University in 2005.

Dr. Danchien Lu

Jiangsu University

A full professor of mathematics at Jiangsu University, Dr. Lu’s research areas include computability theory, differential equations, logic and foundations of mathematics, and applied mathematics. 

Dr. Lu has been instrumental in Arcadia’s Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Joint Education program with Jiangsu University, a 2+2 and 3+1 program that was established in 2011. Students who complete either two years at Jiangsu and two years at Arcadia or three years at Jiangsu and one year at Arcadia earn Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics or Actuarial Science from both institutions.

Dr. Lu earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Jiangsu University. He joined Jiangsu University in 1982 and also served as a visiting scholar at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus in Germany in 2005-2006 and in 2007. 

How do I register for Commencement?

Approved candidates for graduation were sent a link to register for the in-person commencement activities, if you have not registered yet, please do so by April 15 so we may include you and your guests (each graduate may invite up to 4 guests).  If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Stephens.

Where do I order my cap and gown?  

If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please do so here by April 14th. Graduate Regalia and Undergraduate Regalia

You may opt to pick up your regalia during Senior Knights April 28-30 or if you live a distance, you may have your regalia mailed to you.  Please note that when ordering your regalia.

How do I share the Livestream?

More information on the live stream details will be forthcoming. 

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to each graduate after the commencement ceremonies.

How long will each ceremony take?

Arcadia’s Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree all-modes ready ceremonies and delivered in a hybrid way to expand participation. Each will include a series of speakers, acknowledgments, reading the names of all graduates. In-person graduates will walk across the stage when they hear their name and receive an Official Arcadia casing.  Each ceremony will be approximately one and a half hours.

Where do I make my graduate slide?

Each graduate is asked to create a graduate slide which will be shared online.  Please create your slide following the directions listed here.

Can I come to campus to take photos?

For those wishing to visit campus and take photos, information will be sent regarding dates and times that are available.