In Absentia Graduates
Commencement Attire
Each graduation candidate will receive a commencement packet that includes their commencement attire. Attire, including a robe with cap and tassel, is required without exception.
Please remember that commencement is a formal academic event, and attire under your robe should be appropriate. Please wear shoes that will enable you to navigate steps and the stage safely and comfortably. You may wish to use hair pins to secure your cap. Plan to leave any personal items with your guests, as there is no secure storage area.
Commencement Ticket Information
No tickets are required for admission to the Commencement ceremony. Graduates are welcome to invite as many family members and friends who would like to attend!
As you graduate, give yourself a big pat on the back. You’ve made it! And as you step out, remember that the secret to handling college loans is the same as it is for getting through finals: prepare, and do your homework well in advance!
Pre-Commencement Events
Graduation Fair / Commencement Packet Pick-up
Thursday, May 8th – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Graduation Fair will be held until 2 p.m., in the Student Union. The Fair provides an opportunity for graduation candidates to ensure all of their graduation requirements are met and to pick up their commencement packets. Participants who have their Graduation Fair Passport stamped at each table will have an opportunity to win a VISA gift card.
If you are unable to attend the graduation fair, please see the table below for information on when and where you can obtain your commencement packets:
| Candidate | Pick-Up Location | Dates and Times | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scranton | Student Union | May 8th – 11am-2pm: Graduation Fair May 13th – 3pm-5pm May 16th – 11am-1pm: Graduation Practice | (570) 961-7816 |
| Hazleton Center | Hazleton Center Front Desk | By Appointment | (570) 459-1573 |
| Lake Region Center | Lake Region Center Main Office | By Appointment | (570) 226- 4625 |
| Tunkhannock Center & School of PNG | Tunkhannock Center Main Office | By Appointment | (570) 866-1900 |
| Sunbury Center | Sunbury Center Main Office | By Appointment | (570) 988-1931 |
| Towanda Center | Towanda Center Main Office | By Appointment | (570) 265-3449 |
Honors Convocation Rehearsal
Tuesday, April 22 – 12:15 p.m. – Theater
A mandatory rehearsal for the Honors Convocation/Phi Theta Kappa/SALUTE Induction ceremony will be held from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the Theater. Graduates will meet in the Theater at Lackawanna College at 12:15 p.m. A photo of all Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inductees will be taken immediately following the rehearsal. All inductees should dress appropriately.
Honors Convocation Ceremony
Tuesday, April 29 – 5:30 p.m. – Theater
The Lackawanna College community takes pride in the outstanding achievement students have manifested during their years of study at the College. Honors Convocation brings together a number of students who have earned recognition in various forms for exceptional academic performance or extracurricular activity and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Theater.
For specific information about Phi Theta Kappa, please contact Nicole Bradigan, PTK advisor, bradigann@lackawanna.edu. For specific information about SALUTE, please contact Melissa Kirschman kirschmanm@lackawanna.edu. If you would like more information about Honors Convocation, please contact Danielle Urso at (570) 961-7849 or ursod@lackawanna.edu
Graduation Rehearsal
Friday, May 16 – 1:00 p.m.
A mandatory graduation rehearsal is held before the Commencement Ceremony. Eligible graduates should meet at the Student Union (500 Jefferson Ave) at 1:00pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Lori Walsh at (570) 961-7855 or walshl@lackawanna.edu
Commencement Day - Saturday, May 17, 2025
Commencement Ceremony
Lackawanna College Student Union – 1:00 p.m.
Graduates will begin lining up for the Academic Procession at 12:15 p.m. in the Student Union, and the Academic Procession will begin promptly at 12:50 p.m.
REMINDER: If you are not planning to attend the Commencement Ceremony, you must email stating this intention to Lori Walsh – walshl@lackawanna.edu
Watch Graduation Virtually
Don’t miss a moment of the Class of 2025’s commencement! Watch the livestream of the graduation ceremony here.
Alumni Reception
Lackawanna College Student Union Lounge
Immediately after the Graduation Ceremony, a reception for Graduates families and friends will be held in the Student Union Lounge given by the Alumni Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you submit an application for graduation to the Registrar’s Office?
Did you notify Lori Walsh (walshl@lackawanna.edu) by email if you do not plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
Did you clear your account balances with Student Financial Services?
Did you complete your financial aid exit interview?
Did you attend the Graduation Fair or the main office of your Center (Hazleton, Lake Region, The School of PNG, Sunbury, or Towanda graduates)?
Arrival Time and Parking
he gymnasium doors will open at 11:30a.m. There are a limited number of parking spaces designated for guests with disabilities. Contact Linda Durso – dursol@lackawanna.edu or (570) 961-7846 as soon as possible to reserve these parking spaces as they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seating of Guests and Special Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities and/or mobility issues can enter the Student Union via the 500 block of Moir Court and may be dropped off and/or picked up at this designated entrance. However, vehicles will not be allowed to park in Moir Court without prior written approval from Linda Durso who can be reached at (570) 961-7846.
Distribution of Diplomas
Diplomas will be available for pick up Wednesday, May 27 through June 2, 2025. Otherwise, diplomas will be mailed provided the Registrar’s Office has determined that you have satisfactorily completed all degree requirements and you have received clearance from Student Financial Services. Please make sure we have your current address so you receive your diploma promptly.
Bag Policy and Prohibited Items
Bags that are clear on all sides and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12”
The following items and activities are PROHIBTED in the Lackawanna College Student Union:
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- Firearms or weapons of any kind
- Any knife with a fixed blade or a blade larger than 4 inches
- Fireworks or any explosive material
- Hard coolers or coolers/bags on wheels
- Pets
- Smoking
- Mace, pepper spray, or similar substances
- Glass containers, unless necessary for baby formula or medication
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco of any kind (including e-cigarettes)
- Helium balloons
- Strollers
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Photographs during Commencement
Family members and friends are welcome to take photographs before, during, or after the Commencement Ceremony from their seats. The College photographer takes individual photos of each graduate receiving their diploma and information on obtaining those photographs will be made available by the Office of Advancement.
Hotel Room Reservations
The following hotels are within walking distance or in close proximity to the College. Reservations should be made as early as possible, as rooms sell out rather quickly.
Hilton Scranton & Conference Center (Within walking distance to the College)
100 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 307-1200
hilton.com
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (Within walking distance to the College)
700 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 342-8300
radisson.com
Four Points by Sheraton Scranton (Located at Exit 184 off I-81; minutes from the College)
300 Meadow Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
(570) 344-9811
fourpointsscranton.com
Sleep Inn & Suites Dunmore (Located at Exit 188 off I-81; minutes from the College)
102 Monahan Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
(570) 961-1116
choicehotels.com
Rate includes a complimentary hot breakfast served from 6 – 9 a.m.
Microtel (Located at Exit 190 off I-81; four miles from the College)
232 Main Street
Dickson City, PA 18519
(570) 307-1200
wyndhamhotels.com