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 2 – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Graduation Fair will be held until 1 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 an Amazon 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 2 – 11am-1pm: Graduation Fair | (570)961-7816 |
Hazleton Center | Hazleton Center Front Desk | May 6-10 – 9am-6pm | (570)459-1573 |
Lake Region Center | Lake Region Center Main Office | May 7-9 – 8am-7pm May 10 – 8am-12pm | (570)226- 4625 |
Tunkhannock Center & School of PNG | Tunkhannock Center Main Office | May 6-10 | (570)866-1900 |
Sunbury Center | Sunbury Center Main Office | May 6-16 – 8am-6pm May 17 – 8am-4pm | (570)988-1931 |
Towanda Center | Towanda Center Main Office | May 5-10 – 8am-4pm | (570)265-3449 |
Honors Convocation Rehearsal
Friday, April 26 – 1:00 p.m. Peoples Security Bank Theater
A mandatory rehearsal for the Honors Convocation/Phi Theta Kappa/SALUTE Induction ceremony will be held from 1 to 2p.m. in the Theater. Graduates will meet in the Theater at Lackawanna College at 12:45 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 30 – 5:30 p.m. Peoples Security Bank 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 10 – 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 11
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 2024’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.
Graduate Checklist
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)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival Time and Parking
Doors to the Student Union will open at 11:30 a.m. Please plan on arriving early.
No tickets are required for the entrance. Guest movement into and within the facility will be limited during the official entrance and exit. Entrance is not guaranteed. Individuals may be turned away due to occupancy and safety limitations.
Please be aware of the possibility of extreme temperatures. While the Student Union is climate controlled, please be prepared for longer lines while entering and exiting the facility due to the hundreds of graduates and guests in attendance. In the event of rain, the student procession will be altered and will process through the main lobby of the Student Union. This will cause access to guests to be restricted during the entirety of the procession. Guests may be asked to remain outside, please plan accordingly.
Please Note: Traffic delays should be expected as you are navigating within the City of Scranton. Areas surrounding the Lackawanna College Student Union (Jefferson Avenue) will be significantly congested.
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. Designated parking for individuals with disabilities will be available with written approval from Linda Durso who can be reached at (570) 961-7846 or dursol@lackawanna.edu.
For individuals without prior-written approval, overall handicap parking will be available at Saint Matthew’s United Evangelical Lutheran Church located at the corner of Jefferson Ave. and Vine St. While a reservation is not required for this lot, Persons with Disability Parking Placards will be required for entrance. Golf cart transportation will be available through Lackawanna College Public Safety.
Seating of Guests and Special Accommodations
Visitor Safety
The safety and security of all graduates and their guests is of great importance to Lackawanna College. The following security measures will be in effect throughout Commencement Weekend ceremonies and events. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with these important precautions.
Security will be present in order to provide a safe and secure environment for graduates and visitors. In addition, Lackawanna College will work cooperatively with local emergency responses providers (e.g., law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire department) for this event.
It is recommended that graduates wear flat shoes as the Student Union floor may be uneven in some areas.
Security will be present both inside and outside the facility and will control the flow of traffic. Please be aware of and follow all signage and any directions of the security staff for everyone’s safety and security.
LC staff will be available throughout the venue to help you with any questions or concerns.
The following items and activities are PROHIBTED in the Lackawanna College Student Union:
- 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
- Bags
Please note: Lackawanna College does not take responsibility for lost, stolen, or misplaced items.
Unruly, disruptive, or illegal behavior is prohibited. Any guest who acts in an unsafe manner, presenting hazard or risk to persons or property, may be subject to ejection, revocation of future venue privileges, and arrest and prosecution in accordance with Pennsylvania state and local laws and ordinances.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should immediately contact the Lackawanna College Public Safety department at 570-961-7899; 911 for emergencies.
Distribution of Diplomas
Diplomas will be available for pick up Wednesday, May 22 through May 31, 2024. 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.
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.
Click here to download 2024 Commencement Photos
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