Support Our Students,
2026 Commencement
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: The ceremony on May 7 starts at 6 pm. Graduates must arrive no later than 5 pm.
Location: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Student bills must be paid in full no later than April 15, 2026. For more information, contact the Student Business Office at 570-702-8923 or kwilliams@johnson.edu.
Alcohol is prohibited.
Tickets: Each graduate will receive six tickets for guests.
Tickets will be distributed with caps and gowns during Grad Finale. Students who need more than six tickets can enter the ticket lottery. Information about the lottery will be available during the Grad Finale. Additional tickets are not guaranteed.
Parking: Parking is available at several garages within walking distance of the theater, as well as at meters along North Main & South Main, and Washington Streets. Meters are free after 6 pm. Click here for more information about parking.
Seating: Limited wheelchair-accessible seating will be available at the graduation ceremony. All seating is first-come, first-served. We cannot guarantee accessible seating for everyone who may need it.
Security: Graduates and guests attending commencement at the F.M. Kirby Center should expect security screening upon arrival. Bags no larger than 12″ x 6” x 12” are permitted and subject to inspection, and all attendees will be wanded before entering the main lobby. For everyone’s safety, weapons are not permitted under any circumstances.
Live Stream: Begins at 6 pm on College’sge’s YouTube channel. A link will be posted on the day of the event.
Commencement Rehearsal
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 9 am – 11:30 am
You must bring your cap, tassel, and gown, and make certain your gown is pressed. Class pictures will be taken following commencement practice.
Location: Gym – Moffat Student Center, Scranton Campus
Appropriate attire: Appropriate business casual dress typically includes slacks or khakis, a dress shirt or blouse, an open-collar or polo shirt, an optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, a tailored blazer, a knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot.
Students who were awarded honor stoles, cords, and medals at the Awards Night Ceremony should wear them with their cap and gown.
Grad Finale
Dates & Times: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 1pm-3pm & Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2pm-4pm
Location: Gym – Moffat Student Center, Scranton Campus.
Date & Times: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11am-1pm
Location: Hazleton Campus
- Confirm your graduation status with Registrar/Academic Advising
- Ensure your student account is current and make arrangements for outstanding balances
- Complete the Career Services survey (if haven’ten’t already)
- Connect with Alumni Relations
- Pick up your cap and gown, commencement tickets, and information regarding commencement-related activities.
Cap & Gown:
Cap and Gown orders are due by March 2, 2026.
Graduates will receive their cap & gown at Grad Finale.
Information for Graduates:
Please contact Registrar’sar’s Office at registrar@johnson.edu or 570-702-8990 if you have questions about the following items:
- Resolving outstanding bill balances
- Eligibility to graduate or walk in the commencement ceremony
- Completing graduation requirements after May
- Academic honors
- Final course grades from the spring semester
Please contact the Student Success Team at studentsuccess@johnson.edu or 570-702-8912 or 570-702-8953 for the following items:
- Graduation rehearsal (Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 9 am-11:30 am)
- Grad finale (Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 1 pm-3 pm & Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2 pm-4 pm)
- Academic regalia (cap & gown)
- Commencement tickets (six per graduate)
Special Note:
You have devoted a considerable amount of time, effort, dedication, and energy to your program of study. You should plan to be present to receive your degree. Please remember, this is a day for which you have prepared and for which your family and loved ones have patiently waited. May you each do your part to make the occasion one we can look back upon with pride.