The Dean of Students sent the following email message to members of the Class of 2023 on April 15, 2023:
Greetings, Senior Class!
The warm spring air means Commencement is not far away. The purpose of this email is to share critical information you will need to prepare for your big day. Congratulations on your accomplishments and in becoming a member of Lafayette College’s 188th graduating class.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the Commencement ceremony and full schedule of events, please visit the College’s Commencement website. Below are several highlights of note.
Grad Finale
Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: College Store
Grad Finale is a special event held at the College Store that allows members of the Class of 2023 the opportunity to purchase their graduation regalia with the help of representatives from Jostens for proper fitting. You also will be able to meet with representatives to purchase class rings, announcements, and diploma frames. This event allows you a final chance to meet in person with other departments on campus who will be present to answer questions and provide information before you graduate.
Regalia Hand-Me-Down Program
The Hand-Me-Down Commencement Gown Program is a Student Government and Office of Sustainability initiative to distribute used caps, gowns, and hoods to current seniors through a pay-what-you-can model. This program increases the accessibility of gowns (removing the $60+ cost) and achieves zero-waste goals by decreasing the number of single-use gowns thrown away each year. To request regalia, apply for the program by April 13. Supplies are limited, and items are not guaranteed. After Commencement, grads are asked to “pay it forward” by donating their regalia to next year’s seniors. To donate after Commencement, graduates can drop off their regalia in any Green Move-Out bin across campus.
Welcome to the Alumni Association
Thursday, May 18, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Location: Easton Quad Tent
Join Alumni Association Board Members and Trustees for this special champagne reception to welcome graduating seniors to the Alumni body. Dress for the reception will be business casual and the event will feature informal conversation among students and alumni. Enjoy a tot bar and some passed hors d’oeuvres while you gather with friends for a great evening!
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Kamine Gymnasium
Now in its second year, we will host an in-person rehearsal! We will meet to talk (and walk) through all the logistics of Commencement from robing in Kamine to the procession on the Quad to walking across the stage. You will want to wear footwear appropriate for the occasion; you do NOT need to wear regalia. Please enter Kamine through the green doors on Hamilton Street and then exit through the tan doors. This rehearsal was added to streamline communications that are student-focused and give you all confidence on the flow for the day.
Honors Thesis
Friday, May 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Colton Chapel
Baccalaureate Service
Friday, May 19, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Colton Chapel
This interfaith celebration is designed to honor Lafayette’s graduating senior class. No tickets are required for Baccalaureate. All seniors, their families, and friends may attend. Many members of the Class of 2023 will lead this service, along with the College Chaplain.
Posse Reception and Graduation
Friday, May 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Pfenning Alumni Center
Assembly for Commencement
Members of the Class of 2023 will be expected to assemble, fully robed, and ready to take seats and await instructions and the signal to begin the procession. *Continental breakfast food will be available for students who have not yet eaten before line-up.
Saturday, May 20, 9:45 a.m.
Location: Kamine Gymnasium
In case of severe weather, Commencement may be held in Kirby Sports Center arena. Because of the limited seating capacity in the venue, “rain site” tickets will be required for family members and other guests only if the ceremony is moved indoors. Up to 3 electronic tickets may be ordered in advance.Tickets can then be downloaded. Graduates do not need a ticket. A limited number of additional tickets will be made available on the Commencement Site on May 1st at noon.
Attire is semi-formal to formal dress for this tradition. Be mindful of your footwear since you will be walking up Hamilton Street and then across grass on the Quad. Flatter shoes might be a good option. Official cap, gown, and tassel may be obtained during Grad Finale. Stoles are optional; students who would like to order a stole, may do so. The following vendor has served Lafayette students in the past. https://www.
For individuals requiring accessible seating or other accommodations, please contact Accessibility Services at 610-330-3513 or Marty Sullivan, no later than May 6th to help us ensure availability.
Post-Commencement Reception for Graduates and Families
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Easton Quad & Marquis Hall
Diploma
Diplomas will be mailed to May graduates who have completed all requirements* to the post-Commencement mailing address once all grades and honors processing are finalized. Students will receive the traditional Lafayette College diploma cover during Grad Finale. Once the diploma is mailed, each student will receive an email with tracking information. In addition, graduates will be able to access their Certified Electronic Diploma—an official, portable, and verifiable electronic version of the diploma. *All financial obligations to the College must also be resolved in order to receive the diploma.
Yearbook Purchase
Click here to purchase a 2023 Lafayette College yearbook. The final day to purchase a yearbook is June 2, 2023. Yearbooks will be shipped in early fall.
Moving Out of College Housing
Graduating Seniors may remain in housing until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. Seniors can donate any non-perishable food and new or gently used items through Green Move Out by placing items in the green bins or PODs across campus, or by requesting a donation box. Visit the Residence Life website for additional move out information.
Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling
Per federal regulations, graduates who receive federal loans through the Direct Student Loan Program at any time as a Lafayette student must complete Exit Loan Counseling. As the reminders to you stated, you should complete this requirement prior to graduation in preparation for repaying any federal student loans. You may access your Exit Loan Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. If you have questions regarding repayment or the exit counseling, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 610-330-5055, 107 Markle Hall, or by email at financialaid@lafayette.edu.
Account Balances
Please review your student account balance on my.lafayette.edu. It is important that you pay all financial obligations including College Store balances, Deans’ loans, Health Center fees, and fines from Public Safety, Facility Operations, and Skillman Library. Payments can be made at the Cashier’s window, basement of Marquis Hall, open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. These financial obligations need to be cleared prior to May 1, 2023. There will be no release of records certifying graduation until all debts have been paid. Questions regarding student accounts should be directed to 610-330-5145 or studentbilling@lafayette.edu.
Development Office
Be sure to make your Senior Class gift and earn your Class of 2023 pin to wear at Commencement! When you make a gift of any amount to any area on campus, you will receive your class pin. A gift of $20.23 will earn you the class pin and a Class of 2023 pint glass. Visit the Senior Gift Website to make your gift!
Alumni Relations
Alumni Relations congratulates the Class of 2023 and invites you to stay connected with our 30,000 alumni and the College. Learn about events, volunteering, and more at leopardlink.lafayette.edu
Very best,
Dean Samble
Brian Samble, Ph.D.
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