2023 Communication Major Graduation Ceremony

Join us at our 2023 Communication major graduation celebration!

Annenberg School for Communication is pleased to invite graduating seniors, along with their friends and family, to its Communication Major Graduation Ceremony & Reception on May 14, 2023.

At these events, which take place the day prior to the University Commencement on Franklin Field, we celebrate the graduation of Penn's Communication Majors. We distribute graduation certificates and awards and hear short speeches from students, faculty, and a distinguished alumnus from the Comm program, Lauren Hitt.

View the Event Program

Times & Locations

• 9:45am – Students receiving awards should arrive at the Zellerbach Theater.
• 10:00am – All other graduating students should arrive at the Zellerbach Theater and take their assigned seat on stage. All graduates will be seated alphabetically (look for the seat with your name card on it) and it is vital that you not switch seats. Guests may also begin arriving at this time.

• 10:30-11:30am Ceremony
  • Zellerbach Theater, Annenberg Center for The Performing Arts
    3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
• 11:30am-12:30pm  Reception
  • Annenberg Public Policy Center, 202 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia
  • The reception is two-minute walk from the ceremony site. Walking maps will be provided on the day. Students and guests should enter the Annenberg Public Policy Center's main doors on 36th Street to ensure they receive their graduation certificates and gift.
  • Food, beverages, and indoor and outdoor seating will be available at the reception.

Accessibility

The Zellerbach Theater is ADA compliant and the Penn Live Arts accessibility page can provide more details. If you or your guests require additional accommodations, or have any questions regarding accessibility, please email Luisa Klemm at luisa.klemm@asc.upenn.edu by Monday, May 1, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony?

Annenberg School for Communication will be hosting a ceremony for our undergraduate Communication majors on May 14, 2023 at 10:30am at the Zellerbach Theater of the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Please note that the Annenberg Center is a separate building adjacent to the Annenberg School. 

Will tickets be required for this event? Is there a limit to the number of guests that can attend?

No tickets are required, and there is no guest limit. The Zellerbach Theater is a large space, with over 900 seats, and is able to accommodate all of our students’ guests. There is no reserved or assigned seating. 

Will there be seating available for those in wheelchairs?

Yes. A space within the theater is available to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. Those requiring ADA compliant seating may have up to 3 companions join them. An usher will direct guests to their seats. Visit the Penn Live Arts accessibility page for more details, and please email Luisa Klemm if you or your guests require any additional accommodations. 

What time should I plan to arrive at the Zellerbach Theater?

Doors open at 9:30am. Graduates must arrive by 10:00am and those who fail to arrive on time may not be able to participate. Graduates who are receiving awards should arrive by 9:45am. The ceremony begins promptly at 10:30am and we suggest family and friends arrive at least 15 minutes early. 

How long will the ceremony be?

Graduation is typically an hour long. A light reception will follow immediately after.

Where will the reception be?

The reception will be hosted at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which is a short walk from the Annenberg Center. 

How is this ceremony different from the ceremony hosted by the College on Sunday evening or the University ceremony on Monday?

Annenberg’s ceremony is an intimate event to recognize the achievements of our majors. Graduates sit on the stage with our Dean and our faculty. Various graduates will make brief remarks. All student participants will have their name called and will walk across the stage to receive their certificate. At the reception that follows, there are photo opportunities with classmates and faculty.

Will graduates be receiving their diplomas at this ceremony?

No. The diplomas of May graduates are mailed in July, the diplomas of August graduates are mailed in October, and the diplomas of December graduates are mailed in February.

Will graduates be wearing their caps and gowns at this ceremony?

No. Academic regalia is not worn for this ceremony. While there is no formal dress code, please keep in mind that you'll be seated on stage and many people will be taking photographs. 

If you have any further questions, please contact Luisa Klemm at luisa.klemm@asc.upenn.edu.