The University awards degrees three times a year: in May, August, and December. Students must sign up for degree well in advance. Sara Forrest in BGS emails all students and coordinators about the specific deadlines and the process as soon as the exact deadlines are known. Students may now sign up online. For more information you can visit the complete Degree Calendars and the Doctoral Dissertation Manual.
BGS conducts a Commencement Ceremony immediately after the University ceremony each May. Students who graduate in August and December are invited to return for the May ceremony.
Starting in May 2011, BGS will feature a Hooding Ceremony as part of Graduation. As a result, Academic Regalia will be required for all participating graduates. Students may rent regalia from the Penn Bookstore by submitting this form (check the box for "ALL PHD's").
Alternatively, students may order regalia in person at the Bookstore's Grad Fair in March.