/ College Commencement/FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated as we have more information. All information is subject to change. Continue to check this page as information will be updated regularly.

When and where will commencement take place?

Commencement 2024 will take place at 2 pm on May 4, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

What can I wear to the ceremony?

Lewis & Clark College requires that graduates wear traditional academic caps and gowns during the commencement ceremony. The College reserves the right to decline to permit graduates to wear or to require graduates to remove or alter, any attire or personal adornments it deems to be unduly distracting or objectively offensive.

Typically, graduates wear business casual or business professional attire along with their traditional Lewis & Clark regalia (caps and gowns). Please wear comfortable shoes. Clothing is not optional. Your clothes should have at least one pocket to carry essential valuables such as keys, wallets, and cell phone as you will not be able to store any personal belongings at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mask wearing is left up to each individual and their comfort level.

We ask seniors to arrive at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum with their cap and gown in hand and to wait until arriving at the Exhibit Hall for the student lineup to actually wear these items.

Mortarboards (caps) are worn parallel to the floor with the tassel on the right, decorations are allowed on the cap, but should be in good taste and a positive representation of the college and our academic programs. Graduates with decorations that do not meet these guidelines may be asked to remove their decorations prior to the ceremony.

How do I apply to graduate?

Before applying for graduation, please be sure to review your Program Evaluation on Webadvisor to make sure you know exactly which requirements still need to be completed.

Learn more information about applying to graduate.

Am I eligible to graduate?

To check to see if you are eligible to graduate, please check your Program Evaluation on Webadvisor under your Academic Profile. You can also confirm your eligibility status with the Registrar.

When is the last day to apply for graduation?

The last day to apply for spring 2024 graduation is April 5, 2024.

How do I know if I’m graduating with Latin honors?

Latin honors are awarded to students with high overall GPAs. Cum laude graduates earn a GPA of 3.7 to 3.799, magna cum laude graduates, 3.8 to 3.899 and summa cum laude graduates, 3.9 to 4.0.

How do I know if I’m graduating with departmental honors?

To be eligible to graduate with honors, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.500 or higher and successful completion of your department’s additional requirements, which may include a senior project in your major. For more details, visit your department’s webpage, individual departments may require a higher minimum GPA and/or a minimum overall GPA.

You should receive an email from your department chair notifying you of your honors. Students who receive departmental honors will receive gold tassels which will be dispersed by their department.

Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?

The registrar’s office provides the commencement committee with a list of seniors who are eligible to participate in commencement. Please reach out to the registrar’s office if you are unsure if you are able to participate.

Commencement Expectations

Commencement ceremonies at Lewis & Clark College are the culmination of many years of hard work. It is an academic ceremony and a time for you, your family, and friends to recognize and honor your success! We ask for your help in making these events a positive experience for everyone. The graduates, faculty, staff, and guests all expect and deserve safe, orderly, and dignified ceremonies, and any misconduct would be an unwelcome disturbance. Please be respectful of the moment and others in our presence. The College’s Student Code of Conduct applies to Commencement and any participating student/graduate.

Please help us celebrate the Class of 2024 Commencement and graduation events respectfully and responsibly!

Cap and Gown and College Memorabilia

How and when do I get my diploma?

Learn information on your diploma.

How do I order my cap and gown?

Your cap and gown are ordered by the commencement committee, no need to worry about ordering or paying for your cap & gown.

When can I pick up my cap & gown?

Cap and gown pickup is currently scheduled for May 1 and 2 from 10 am - 4 pm in Council Chamber. Further instructions will be sent out before the pickup dates.

Do I need to return my cap & gown?

No! Your cap and gown are yours to keep.

Should the cap be removed anytime during the graduation ceremony?

The cap is an essential part of the academic dress and remains on the head throughout the graduation ceremony.

How do I wear the tassel?

Tassels are worn forward on the right front side. When the cap is in the correct position on the head, the tassel will hang off the right front cap edge. Tassels should never hang off the back of the cap. All graduates wear the tassel on the same side. During the ceremony the graduates will be instructed to move their tassels to the left to signify the conferring of the degree/certificate.

How many tickets is each student given?

Tickets for the 2024 commencement are unlimited.

How/When will I receive my tickets?

A link will be sent out by the commencement committee to seniors where you will be able to order your tickets. Tickets will be electronic with the option to print. Once at the venue, guests can show their printed tickets or show them on their mobile devices.

What should I bring to commencement?

We adhere to the policies of the commencement venue, which can be found here. Guests are not allowed to bring a bag or purse that is larger than 14” x 14” x 6”. This policy will be strictly enforced by the venue. If you bring a purse or bag larger than these dimensions, you will not be allowed to enter the venue. The only exceptions are baby/diaper bags and medical bags. All bags will be subject to being searched and passed through an X-Ray machine.

Graduates, don’t forget to bring your cap, gown, and L&C regalia!

Is mask-wearing being enforced during the ceremony?

Currently, we are not requiring masks to be worn during the ceremony. We adhere to the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum’s COVID-19 policy. While masks are not mandatory, we strongly encourage guests to wear a mask to their comfort level. Please keep in mind the health and safety of others.

If I am a staff member, do I need a ticket to enter the ceremony?

No! L&C faculty and staff do not need tickets to enter the ceremony. Simply show us your L&C ID and you will be able to enter the venue.

How long can expect the ceremony to last?

With about 490 graduates this year, we expect the ceremony to last between 2.5 to 3 hours.

Tips and Reminders for Graduates

Keys, wallets and cell phones can be carried in a pocket underneath the gown, not held in the hand, during processional.

The only item you should carry in your hands during the processional is your name card!

When you exit the stage, you will carry a diploma cover.