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When is Commencement?
Commencement will be held outdoors on Sunday, May 6, 2012. The Baccalaureate Service is held at the International Cultural Center at 10:00 a.m. and is approximately one hour in length. The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the LLC “The U” Lawn Area. The procession will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. The Ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. and is approximately 2 hours in length.
What is required to participant in the Commencement Ceremony?
Students must be financially and academically cleared for participation in the Commencement Ceremony. Please make sure you have met all the requirements beforeCommencement Day.
Questions concerning academic standing should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.
Questions concerning financial clearance should be directed to the Bursar’s Office in the lower level of Vail Hall.
You must be financially cleared in order to participate in Commencement ceremonies. Those who currently owe money to the University have been notified. The late date for University Departments to add fines, aid, etc. to your account is Monday, April 23rd. All students who are not financially cleared will receive an email on Tuesday, April 24th. Please check your email Tuesday evening.Payments with be accepted only at the Bursar’s Office. The Bursar’s office will observe the following hours:
– Now through Thursday, May 3 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
– Friday, May 4 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
– Saturday, May 5 12:00 – 5:00 pm
(cash, money orders, credit card payment*, and cashier’s checks ONLY)
– Sunday, May 6 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
(money orders and cashier’s checks ONLY – NO EXCEPTIONS)
*Emailed or faxed credit card payments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5th.
PLEASE NOTE: It is a Federal Regulation that all students who receive Perkins Loans must complete an exit interview. Until you complete the interview at www.mycampusloan.com, you will not be financially cleared.
Where do I obtain information about the graduation process?
Information about the graduation process is found in the Senior Packet. Additional questions should be directed to the Office of Student Life and Development.
How can graduates find out more details about Commencement?
There will be a Graduation Rehearsal on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in the International Cultural Center (ICC) from 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (starts promptly at 11:00 a.m.) All potential graduates must attend in order to participate in the ceremony.
When and where do I pick up my cap and gown or graduation announcements?
Caps and Gowns may be picked up from the Bookstore.
Graduation Announcements may be obtained from the Office of Student Life and Development. The Commencement Announcement is an official notification of your graduation for family and friends. Announcements are not tickets nor are they required to attend the Commencement Ceremony.
How do I obtain my honor cords?
Honor cords are distributed by the deans to eligible graduates during line up for the processional on graduation day.
What is the Photography Card used for?
Your photo will be taken as you shake hands with the President when you walk across the stage and obtain your degree cover. The photography card is used by the contracted Photography Company to contact you with proofs of your photos. Purchase of the prints is optional. Family members will not be permitted in the platform/stage area to take photographs.
Where do I pick up my diploma?
Diplomas will be available from your school starting one hour following the close of the Commencement Ceremony. They may be picked up in a designated area, which will be communicated to you. If you do not pick up your diploma after Commencement, contact the Registrar’s Office to make the proper arrangements. Diplomas will not be distributed prior to the close of the Commencement Ceremony.
Are tickets required for Commencement?
Tickets are required only if the ceremony is moved indoors in the event of rain.
Where will Commencement be held if it rains?
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Main Gymnasium of Manuel Rivero Hall with remote viewing areas around campus. Seating in the remote viewing areas will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. An admission ticket must be presented at the time of entry.
Where do I obtain the rain tickets?
Rain tickets will be distributed at the graduation rehearsal. Graduates must pick up the tickets in person with Photo ID (no exceptions). Tickets may also be picked up after the rehearsal on Monday – Thursday between 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Vail Hall 218-219, and on Sunday, May 6th between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in ICC Ticket Booth. Receipt of rain tickets does not guarantee participation in the Commencement Ceremony.
Who should have a rain ticket?
All guests (ages 3 ) are required to have a rain ticket.
What time should graduates report for the Baccalaureate and Commencement Services?
Baccalaureate Service:
9:00 a.m. – Graduates assemble at ICC Building
9:30 a.m. – Line of March forms and starts moving
Commencement Ceremony:
11:30 a.m. – Graduates assemble in designated areas of the Student Union Building
12:30 p.m. – Line of March forms
1:00 p.m. – Line of March starts moving
Where are the restroom facilities?
Portable toilets are available at the ceremony site and parking lots. Indoor facilities are available in the following buildings surrounding the ceremony site, Student Union Building and Living Learning Center and are accessible during the Commencement Ceremony.
What hotels are in the area?
Please review the Area Hotels list for information.
Is campus housing available for guests?
Graduating seniors who wish to have family and friends stay overnight during the weekend of May 4-6, 2012 should contact the Office of Residence Life.
Reservations will take place in the Office of Residence Life during the week of April 16, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Deposits of $10.00 per room will be taken for guarantee of space reserved. Deposits are non-refundable. Payment is due at check-in.
Is there food/drink available?
Bottled water will be available for purchase at the Commencement site.
Food will be available for purchase at Thompson Hospitality in the Living Learning Center between the hours of 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The method of payment is cash only.
The bookstore is located in the Student Union Building and will be open between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Is there reserved seating?
No, seating is first-come, first-served. There is a reserved handicap accessible seating area.
Is there a place to view the ceremony indoors?
Yes, guests may view the ceremony in an air-conditioned building on a large screen inside the Dickey Hall Auditorium.
Can I view the Commencement Ceremony from somewhere other than campus?
Yes, the Commencement Ceremony can be viewed online on the University’s website at www.lincoln.edu.
Who is the Commencement speaker?
Dr. Roland Martin, Syndicated Columnist and CNN Political Strategist will deliver the Commencement Address.
Are pets permitted?
Pets are not permitted with the exception of service aids.
Is there a dress code?
Female Graduates – Dresses must be worn under your robe. We strongly recommend white dresses to better cope with the possible high temperatures. Comfortable shoes are suggested because you will have to walk on various terrains (grass, gravel, concrete) to get to the ceremony site. Shoes should be black or dark in color.
Male Graduates – Trousers, shirt and dress shoes (black or dark in color) must be worn under your robe.
Sneakers are not permitted to be worn by either our young men or young women – NO EXCEPTIONS.
Is there parking available?
Free parking is available. Guests should follow the posted parking signs and direction of the Public Safety Officers to the designated parking areas. A limited number of shuttle buses will be available to transport guests to the Commencement site. However, most guests should be prepared to walk from the parking areas. See the Parking Plan for additional information.
Are there accommodations for guests in wheelchairs?
Wheelchair accessible shuttle vans will be available to transport physically challenged guests to the accessible seating area. Additional seats are available for accompanying family members.
Is shuttle service available from the Baccalaureate Service to the Commencement site?
Yes, shuttle service is available from the Baccalaureate Service to the Commencement site.
Who should I contact for specific questions?
Additional questions may be directed to Office of Special Events by phone at 484-365-7434 or e-mail at ugraves@lincoln.edu.