Commencement
Learn about the joyful conclusion to the Muhlenberg journey.
Commencement is the culmination of the Muhlenberg College experience.
Each year, we honor and celebrate the academic achievements of our undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students as they close their Muhlenberg College chapter and take the first steps on the journey that awaits them next.
2026 Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m.*
PPL Center in Allentown, PA
*The ceremony is expected to begin at 10 a.m.,
however, the start time is subject to venue programming.
About Commencement
Muhlenberg’s commencement ceremony is a joyous celebration of the achievements and hard work of our graduating students. Held at the expansive and fully accessible PPL Center in Allentown, this event offers families and friends the opportunity to see their loved ones mark a momentous occasion that they will never forget.
Commencement FAQs for Students
Find answers to your most frequently asked questions about your Muhlenberg commencement ceremony.
How can I confirm whether or not I will be participating in the May ceremony?
For questions about graduation status or to confirm your eligibility to participate in the 2026 commencement ceremony, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@muhlenberg.edu.
How can I order commencement regalia?
You can order your commencement regalia here. Regalia must be ordered by March 13 for pick up at the Senior Fair on April 14 at Berg Outfitters. Any regalia ordered after March 13 will be shipped to your residence and will incur additional shipping charges.
How can I record my name's pronunciation for the commencement ceremony?
You can help with the pronunciation of your name during the commencement ceremony by recording it in Workday. Instructions can be found here.
Please record your name as it will appear on your diploma, including your middle name, if requested. If your name was previously recorded, please listen to the current recording and update it as needed. If you have any difficulty recording your name, please contact commencement@muhlenberg.edu.
How can I get senior portraits taken?
There will be another opportunity to register for senior portraits from March 23-April 6. The sitting fee is waived for graduates and there will be an opportunity to purchase photo packages. Graduates will receive an email directly from Lauren Studios in early March with more information.
How can I order tickets for the commencement ceremony?
An email has been sent to graduates at their muhlenberg.edu address with instructions on how to retrieve their digital tickets for the ceremony.
How can I pre-register for the professional photos taken during the ceremony?
You will be photographed as you cross the stage and before you return to your seat. To ensure you receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, please complete your Selfie Check-in. You can also request that your family and/or friends receive your proofs as well. There is no obligation to purchase photos.
Commencement FAQs for General Public
Find answers to your most frequently asked questions about Muhlenberg’s commencement.
Where and when will commencement be held?
The 2026 commencement ceremony will be held at the PPL Center in Allentown on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The ceremony is expected to begin at 10 a.m., however, the start time is subject to venue programming. The link to the livestream will be available on this website approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
How can we get tickets for the ceremony?
An email has been sent to graduates at their muhlenberg.edu address with instructions on how to retrieve their digital tickets for the ceremony.
How long does the ceremony usually last?
The commencement ceremony run time varies year to year. The ceremony is expected to begin at 10:00 a.m. and we anticipate it will end between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
We always suggest making lunch plans after 1:30 p.m. so you have enough time to meet up with your graduate for picture taking, etc. Although the area generally clears out quickly, traffic is also something to anticipate.
How many tickets will each graduate be given?
Each graduate may reserve an unlimited number of guest tickets.
Are there ADA seats available?
Yes. The PPL Center is a fully-accessible venue. Adequate ADA seating is available on the main concourse around the arena on a first come, first-served basis. ADA seating cannot be reserved.
What other accessibility accommodations are available?
Sign language interpreters will be present at the ceremony. The ceremony also will be transcribed through captioning found on the screens through the facility, as well as on the live stream. Guests needing to rent wheelchairs or other medical devices can do so from a nearby facility, such as St. Luke’s Allentown campus. If you have additional questions regarding accessibility accommodations, please visit the accessibility accommodations page of the PPL Center site.
What can I expect at the PPL Center?
The PPL Center offers Muhlenberg families air-conditioning; comfortable seating; an expansive stage; unlimited guests; ample, on-site, covered parking; and live video on large screens/the Jumbotron — providing an exceptional view from every seat in the arena.
For all events, entry begins with patrons going through a security check that includes metal detectors and bag checks. All items are subject to security screening prior to entering the building.
Where can I park?
The parking garage adjacent to the venue is the PPL Center/Orange Garage. There are several other parking garages in close proximity to the PPL Center that can also be reserved. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Street parking is also available.
Is transportation to the PPL Center provided for the graduates? How do I get there?
Graduates are responsible for providing their own transportation. Graduates and their guests will need to arrange transportation and parking. The PPL Center website has information on directions and parking.
What is prohibited at the PPL Center?
Guests should review the PPL Center list of prohibited items and the bag and purse policy. Backpacks and duffle bags are prohibited. Please note, outside food or beverages, balloons, wrapped packages, whistles, or other noisemakers, and signs or banners larger than 24”x36” are not permitted.
Can I buy Muhlenberg gifts for my graduate at the PPL Center?
Berg Outfitters will be hosting a booth in the main concourse of the PPL Center if you would like to get your new graduate some Muhlenberg-branded items!
How can we order flowers for our graduate?
Muhlenberg College partners with the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley to offer bouquets of roses conveniently available for pick-up at the PPL Center in the Main WFMZ Lobby. One bouquet of roses can be purchased for $40 and two bouquets for $75. Each order includes a gift card. Orders can be placed online or by mail through the Crime Victims Council order form. Orders must be received by Monday, May 11, 2026.
All proceeds from this sale benefit Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, a nonprofit, United Way agency dedicated to making the world a safer place for every graduate.
How can I view a video of the commencement ceremony after the event?
Following the commencement ceremony, the video will be available in the archive section of this website.
Where can I order photos of graduates receiving their degrees?
Island Photography will be providing professional photo coverage of every graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony. Every graduate will be photographed while crossing the stage and after receiving a diploma. Graduates are encouraged to pre-register using the Selfie-Check In link to ensure proofs are delivered correctly. Graduates can also request for families and friends to receive a copy of the proofs when they become available after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase photos.
Where is a good place for hotel and restaurant accommodations?
Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com for a list of area hotels and restaurants.
How can graduates order commencement regalia?
Graduates can order their commencement regalia here. Regalia must be ordered by March 13 for pick up at the Senior Fair on April 14 at Berg Outfitters. Any regalia ordered after March 13 will be shipped to your residence and will incur additional shipping charges.
What do the colored graduation cords on some graduates signify and how do I get one?
Honors cords recognize that a student achieved high academic standing in their major or minor and are members of a recognized national or international honor society.
Club cords are awarded to club members in clubs that serve the college mission. The cord recognizes that a student has met the academic requirements to be recognized for significant service in a club or organization.
Commencement cords, stoles, and other like items are distributed by the awarding department or student organization. Latin honor cords will be distributed by the Provost’s Office to eligible students. Please contact your department head or student organization president if you have any questions.
Commencement Cords
| Honors Society | Cord Color | |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Epsilon Delta (Prehealth Honor Society) | Purple and Red | |
| Chi Alpha Sigma (National Scholar-Athlete Honors Society) | Black and Gold | |
| Dana Scholars | Red and White | |
| Dobro Slovo (Languages Honor Society) | Gold and Black | |
| Media and Communication Honors | Tan | |
| Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honors Society) | Royal Blue and Gold | |
| Phi Alpha Theta (History Honors Society) | Light Blue and Red | |
| Phi Beta Kappa (National Honors Society) | Pale Pink and Pale Blue | |
| Phi Sigma Iota (Languages Honor Society) | Purple and White | |
| Phi Sigma Tao (Philosophy Honors Society) | Blue and White | |
| Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honors Society) | Gold, Purple and Lilac | |
| Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors Society) | Red, White and Black | |
| Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society) | Platinum/Dark Blue | |
| RJ Fellows | Cardinal and Gray Spiral | |
| Shankweiler Scholars | Black/Black/Kelly Green | |
| Sigma Iota Rho (International Studies Honors Society) | Yellow | |
| Studio Art Honors | Turquoise and White | |
| Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude | Gold | |
| Theta Alpha Kappa (Religion Studies Honors Society) | Red | |
| Triota (Women's and Gender Studies Honors Society) | Pale Lavender |
Commencement Cords
| Club/Affiliation | Cord Color | |
|---|---|---|
| Band Fraternity | White and Royal Blue | |
| Emerging Leaders | Muhlenberg Colors with White | |
| First Generation | Navy and White | |
| Hall Directors and Resident Assistants | White, Black and Gray | |
| Head Tutors | Green and White | |
| International Students | Flags | |
| Learning Assistants | Green and White | |
| Muhlenberg College Emergency Medical Services | Navy Blue and Red | |
| PHAM (Peer Health Advocates at Muhlenberg) | Salmon | |
| Student Government Association | Red and Blue | |
| Study Abroad | Country of Study | |
| Voices of Strength | Purple and Turquoise | |
| Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society) | Platinum/Dark Blue | |
| RJ Fellows | Cardinal and Gray Spiral | |
| Shankweiler Scholars | Black/Black/Kelly Green | |
| Sigma Iota Rho (International Studies Honors Society) | Yellow | |
| Studio Art Honors | Turquoise and White | |
| Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude | Gold | |
| Theta Alpha Kappa (Religion Studies Honors Society) | Red | |
| Triota (Women's and Gender Studies Honors Society) | Pale Lavender |
What is the Commencement Luncheon?
Tickets are on sale now for the on-campus Commencement Luncheon in the Wood Dining Commons immediately following the commencement ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited seating and the popularity of this event, we encourage you to purchase your tickets soon.
The deadline to purchase Commencement Luncheon tickets is Friday, May 16, or until seating capacity is filled. Purchase your tickets before April 14 to take advantage of the discounted rate of $18.99 for adults and $10.99 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 eat for free. Tickets purchased between April 14 and May 16 will be available for $21.99 for adults and $13.99 for children ages 3-12.
Where can I direct additional questions?
For any of your remaining questions about commencement or other graduation activities, please use the following contacts:
Commencement ceremony: commencement@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3230
Commencement weekend/campus events: studentactivities@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3657
Housing/move-out: housing@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3180
Graduation status: registrar@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3190
Cap and gown: megan.snyder@getugear.com (’Berg Outfitters) or 484-664-3492
Commencement Archive
See videos, photos, and other coverage of past commencement ceremonies.