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.
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
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.
When will tickets be available?
Graduates will receive an email sent to their muhlenberg.edu address with instructions on how to retrieve their digital tickets for the ceremony.
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.
How can we order flowers for our graduates?
Muhlenberg College partners with the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley to offer bouquets of roses conveniently available for pickup in the lobby of the PPL Center prior to the start of the commencement ceremony. One bouquet of roses can be purchased for $40 and two bouquets for $75. Orders can be placed online or by mail through the Crime Victims Council order form. Bouquets may not be purchased on site the day of the commencement ceremony.
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. To ensure graduates receive their free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, please complete the QR Selfie Check-in. If you would like proofs to be shared with family or friends, you can include their information in the check-in form. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Packages start at only $7.95. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Island Photography customer service team at custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908.
Where is a good place for hotel and restaurant accommodations?
Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com for a list of area hotels and restaurants.
How do I order my cap and gown?
Commencement regalia can be ordered from our vendor Herff Jones for home delivery.
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 |
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: (’Berg Outfitters) megan.snyder@getugear.com or 484-664-3492
Commencement Archive
See videos, photos, and other coverage of past commencement ceremonies.