Schedule
Saturday, May 25
Baccalaureate Service (10:30 a.m.)
The Baccalaureate Service is an interfaith worship service planned for the class and their relatives and guests. This program will be held on Saturday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. on the Quadrangle (rain site: Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Field House). There will be no senior processional for this service in order that students and parents may be seated together. Students do not need to dress in cap and gown, and no tickets are required. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour. NOTE: Cell phones should be turned off during the ceremony.
If there is a change in the location of either the Baccalaureate Service or Commencement or both due to inclement weather, that information will be available in a recorded message on the Lafayette Weather Information Hotline (610-330-5809) as soon as it is known.
Lunch in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Kamine Gymnasium (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
To provide an opportunity for graduates and their families to meet and dine informally, a luncheon will be available in the air conditioned Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Kamine Gymnasium. Graduates will receive three complimentary luncheon tickets from the Student Life Programs Office; one for the graduate plus two for guests. Additional tickets may be obtained on Commencement Day at a table at the luncheon site. Students will receive a letter from the Student Life Programs Office notifying them when to pick up the tickets at that office.
The Academic Procession (2:15 p.m.)
Assembly for seniors will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, west end of the Arena. It is imperative that candidates meet promptly. Please turn off all cell phones. Caps, gowns, and hoods are to be worn at the Commencement ceremony. They are purchased from the College Store beginning April 25th at a cost of $52.00. To be comfortable, we suggest that you do not wear a jacket underneath your academic robe. Women are advised to leave purses with guests or at home. Caps, gowns, and hoods are yours to keep after the ceremony.
Commencement Exercises (2:30 p.m.)
Families, friends, and members of the faculty and administrative staff are invited to join the graduates at 2:30 p.m. for the Commencement Exercises on the Quadrangle. Guests should plan to arrive and be seated no later than 2 p.m. to prevent traffic delays. Tickets are not required for Commencement held outside on the Quad. Audience seating for the Commencement ceremony at the outdoor site will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We will not be able to reserve seats or control access to these areas; only occupying them can hold seats. Special seating arrangements can be made for those with medical problems or physical disabilities by contacting the President’s Office at 610-330-5200, before May 1. Our guests should also be advised that the outdoor ceremony is held in an unshaded area.
In case of rain, Commencement will be held in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center. Indoor seats are limited. Each graduate will receive 3 “Rain Site” tickets to the indoor ceremony for distribution to family members and friends. Rain site tickets will be available for seniors to pick up during the College Store Grad Finale in the Farinon Center beginning April 25. These tickets will be needed only if the Commencement ceremony must be held indoors. Admission to the Kirby Sports Center Arena by ticket will be between 1-2:15 p.m. As a courtesy to other graduates and their families, all guests should remain seated until the entire procession (graduates, faculty and platform party) has departed the Kirby Sports Center Arena. NOTE: Cell phones should be turned off during the ceremony.
For your convenience, general information with regard to the Commencement ceremony (restroom locations, special seating, etc.) will be available at two areas on the Quad prior to and during the ceremony. A professional photographer will take individual photos of the graduates receiving their diplomas, and a video of the ceremony will be available for purchase a few weeks after Commencement. Details will be provided by mail directly from GradImages. Please be aware that pets will not be allowed on the Quad.
If there is a change in the location for Commencement based on weather, that information will be available from the Lafayette College Weather Hot line phone at 610-330-5809.
President’s Reception (4 p.m.)
Following Commencement, President Daniel H. Weiss will host a reception for graduates, parents, families, and friends at the President’s House Garden. No tickets are required. In case of rain, the reception will be held in Kamine Gymnasium, Allan P. Kirby Sports Center.
Roman Catholic Mass – Sunday, May 26th (11:30 a.M.)
A Roman Catholic Mass for graduates, their relatives and guests will be held on Sunday, May 26th at 11:30 a.m. in Colton Chapel.
