Commencement Day Planning

188th Commencement Day
Saturday, May 20, 2023

Updated May 9, 2023

 

CEREMONY AND REGALIA

Ordering Regalia

Caps, gowns, and hoods are to be worn at the Commencement ceremony. Graduation regalia will be available for purchase at the College Store during Grad Finale Thurs., April 27, and Fri., April 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are currently away from campus, you may order your graduation regalia through the College Store.

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.

Information About the Ceremony

Families, friends, and members of the Lafayette community are invited to celebrate the Class of 2023 at the 188th Commencement ceremony Sat., May 20, beginning at 11 a.m. EDT.

No tickets are needed unless inclement weather forces the ceremony indoors. If indoors, tickets will be needed for admission to the Kirby Sports Center. Each graduate will receive three tickets for family and friends. Tickets will be distributed to students via email in late April.

Caps, gowns, and hoods are to be worn by graduating students at the Commencement ceremony. They can be purchased during Grad Finale at the College Store. 

Members of the Class of 2023 should assemble in Kamine Gymnasium at 9:45 a.m. on Sat., May 20, for robing prior to the Commencement ceremony.

Ticketing

Because the ceremony is planned to be held outdoors on Lafayette’s Quad, no tickets are required; however, outdoor seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If inclement weather forces the ceremony indoors, tickets will be needed for admission to the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center. Three (3) electronic tickets for family and friends are available for each graduate beginning Mon., April 3. Please review the instructions for ticketing and note that students need to log in with their Lafayette credentials to access the ticketing site. Graduates do not need a ticket.

A limited number of additional rain site tickets were available for request starting May 1. As of May 9, those tickets are no longer available. The additional rain site tickets can be picked up at the ticket office in Kirby Sports Center on the day of Commencement, Saturday, May 20, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony

The Commencement ceremony runs for approximately 90 minutes. A large screen will be present next to the stage to assist family and friends in viewing the ceremony. 

Cords

Cords are individually coordinated and distributed by each organization or department. If you have any questions about cords you expect to receive, please reach out to the appropriate department or organization.

Diploma

Diplomas will be mailed 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. 

Live Broadcast

The Commencement ceremony will be broadcast live via livestream and ATVN-TV in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Rain or shine, the live broadcast of the Commencement ceremony will be available in Colton Chapel. No tickets are required for indoor viewing.

Program

Weather

If there is a change in the location of the Commencement celebration or the President’s Reception 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. This information also will be posted on the Lafayette College homepage and the College’s social media accounts.

Commencement/Senior Week Participation Request Form

The purpose of this form is to allow noneligible students to request participation in senior activities and/or limited participation in Commencement due to extenuating and/or unanticipated circumstances. A submission of a request does not guarantee that an exception will be granted. Each request will be carefully reviewed along with the student’s academic and conduct record.

Only those seniors who have completely satisfied degree requirements and are approved for graduation are eligible to participate fully in Commencement exercises. Seniors who are candidates for graduation may attend senior activities.

Access the form here.

CELEBRATORY ITEMS

Graduation Announcements

Announcements can be ordered online from Jostens.

Yearbooks and Senior Class Photos

All students on campus should have received an email from Lors Photography to have a personal photo session with the photographers. Yearbooks can be ordered directly through Jostens.

Diploma Frames

Diploma frames are available for purchase at the College Store, in person or online.

Roses

If you would like to order roses for your graduate, they are sold by the dozen. All proceeds benefit Crime Victims Council, a local non-profit organization assisting those whose lives have been directly impacted by violent crimes. Roses will be available for pick up the day of Commencement before the ceremony inside Farinon Center.

ACADEMICS AND FINANCE

Student Balance

Please review your student account statement on Banner Self-Service at my.lafayette.edu. It is important that you pay all financial obligations—tuition, housing, meals, fees, and any other miscellaneous charges on your tuition statement.

These financial obligations need to be cleared up 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 studentaccounts@lafayette.edu.

Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling

Per federal regulations, graduates who receive federal loans through the Direct Student Loan Program at any time as Lafayette students must complete Exit Loan Counseling. You should complete this requirement prior to graduation in preparation for repaying any federal student loans. You may access your Exit Loan Counseling at studentaid.gov. If you have questions regarding repayment or the exit counseling, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid by phone at 610-330-5055, in person at 202 Markle Hall, or by email at financialaid@lafayette.edu.

Diploma

Diplomas will be mailed 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.

VISITING THE CAMPUS

Planning Your Day

Guests should plan to arrive on campus at least 45 minutes to an hour prior to the ceremony to allow time for parking and securing seating on the Quad. Seating for the ceremony is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The College Store also sells candy, snacks, and beverages and will be open Fri., May 19, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., May 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Travel

Parking

During Commencement weekend, all College parking lots are open for general use (by visitors and guests). Campus Safety does not require visitor passes during Commencement weekend. See the Commencement weekend parking and shuttle bus map (PDF) for parking lots. Guests with state-issued Disability Parking Placards can access accessible parking in the Markle Parking Deck. 

Recommended general parking lots include the Markle Parking Deck, the Bushkill parking lot (901 Bushkill Drive), and the Leopard Parking Deck (located on Sullivan Road). On-street parking also will be available. Please allow an extra 45 minutes to park your vehicle, and anticipate heavy traffic. Shuttle service will be available to transport guests from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shuttle Buses

Commencement shuttle buses will operate Sat., May 20, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buses will stop at the locations indicated on the map.

Lodging

Professional Photography

GradImages will be providing professional photography services during the Commencement ceremony, capturing individual photographs of each graduate. You will receive a notification from them within a week following the ceremony with access to your proofs. Additionally, you can register with GradImages in advance of the ceremony to receive 20% off your order. You can find your proofs following the ceremony by visiting www.gradimages.com or directly contacting their customer service.

Live Broadcast

The Commencement ceremony will be broadcast live via livestream and ATVN-TV in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.. Rain or shine, the live broadcast of the Commencement ceremony will be available in Colton Chapel. No tickets are required for indoor viewing.

Weather

If there is a change in the location of the Commencement celebration or the President’s Reception 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. This information also will be posted on the Lafayette College homepage and the College’s social media accounts.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items for the day’s events can be found at, or turned in to, the Guest Services tent located on the Quad. Following the ceremony, lost and found items can be found at, or turned in to, the Office of Public Safety, 901 Bushkill Drive, 610-330-5330.

College Store

The College Store is located at 211 McCartney St. and will be open on Commencement weekend. Hours are as follows: Fri., May 19, 8:30 a.m-5 p.m.; Sat., May 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Alcohol Policy

Commencement is an important Lafayette tradition, and one that we want graduating seniors and members of their families to fondly reflect on for many years to come. In order to celebrate this venerable tradition and make the event as enjoyable as possible for everyone in attendance, the College’s alcohol policies will be in full effect.

ACCESSIBILITY

Additional Viewing Options

For guests who are coming to campus but prefer remaining indoors rain or shine, the live broadcast of the ceremony will be available in Colton Chapel. No tickets are required for indoor viewing in Colton.

Sign Language Interpreting

ASL interpreters will be signing during the Commencement ceremony and Baccalaureate service.

Closed Captioning

The live broadcast of Commencement will include closed captioning.

Parking

Guests with state-issued disability parking placards can access accessible parking in the Markle Parking Deck. Staff members will be operating golf carts to transport guests from the Markle Deck to Commencement ceremony seating.

Accessible Seating

Seating for guests who use wheelchairs, as well as those with limited physical mobility or medical conditions, will be available on the Quad or at the rain location (Kirby Sports Center).

If you require special seating due to a wheelchair, limited physical mobility, or other medical condition(s), you may request seating in the accessible seating area. Due to space constraints, guests with disabilities who are seated in this area may be accompanied by only one escort.

An email confirmation will be sent within five business days of submitting your request. There is no guarantee that an accommodation can be made if the request is received after May 6. 

If you have any questions about the accessibility of this event, or if you wish to request assistance, support, and/or accommodations for a disability-related need, please email resourcehub@lafayette.edu.

INFORMATION FOR NEW ALUMNI

Alumni Office

Alumni Relations welcomes the Class of 2023 to the community of over 30,000 Lafayette alumni. We invite you to stay up to date on events and initiatives through the Alumni Relations website, leopardlink.lafayette.edu. LeopardLink allows you to read and submit class notes, search the alumni directory, and, of course, register for the over 200 events coordinated by our department each year. We are very interested in having members of the Class of 2023 join our many alumni volunteers—just complete the volunteer interest form to let us know how you would like to be involved.

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 site to make your gift!

Gateway Career Center

Gateway Career Center congratulates the Class of 2023 on this major accomplishment! Each year, the Gateway Career Center asks seniors to share their post-graduation plans on the “First Destinations” survey. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Once you get settled in life after your four years on College Hill, we encourage you to stay connected to our office. If you have not already done so, please sign up on GatewayLink, our Lafayette-exclusive networking and connecting platform. Should you need additional career services post-graduation, please reach out to our dedicated career coach, Margie Cherry, Gateway Career Center.