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?

We recommend wearing whatever makes you comfortable! Typically, graduates wear business casual or business professional attire, along with their traditional gown and Lewis & Clark regalia. Please wear shoes and don’t forget to bring a mask! Clothing is not optional.

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. 

More information about applying to graduate can be found here.

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.

How and when do I get my diploma?

Diplomas for May graduates will be mailed out after final grades are posted and student accounts are cleared. If you would like to pick up your diploma, please notify the registrar’s office. Otherwise, your diploma will be mailed to the address you provided on your degree application. For more information, click here.

How do I order my cap & 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 & gown pickup is currently scheduled for May 1st & 2nd 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.

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.


Have more questions? Please keep in mind that we will be updating this page regularly and more questions will be posted as we have more information. If you have an urgent issue, please email cascommencement@lclark.edu.
You can also contact the commencement coordinator, Tamara Ko, or the commencement graduate assistant, Jasmine Torres