Graduation and Commencement

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. As you prepare for graduation, it's important to review your progress to ensure everything is in order. Your hard work and dedication have set a strong foundation for the future.

Graduation Requirements

Review Program Requirements: Check the specific graduation requirements for your program in the LC catalog. It’s recommended to meet with your academic advisor before the graduation application deadline for the semester in which you plan to complete your program. If you need to make course substitutions to better fit your program, it's your responsibility to reach out to the program coordinator to discuss substitutions and ensure proper forms are initiated and processed by the graduation application deadline.

Graduation Application: This is required for all degree-seeking programs. You must submit the application for the Registrar's Office to review your program and confirm your graduation status at the end of the semester. The Graduation Application is not required for Certificate of Proficiency or Certificate of Completion programs, but you can submit a graduation application in advance to ensure that the program will be included in the Commencement program details.

Graduation Application Deadlines

How to Apply to Graduate: Log in to LC Self-Service to complete the Graduation Application. If your application is accepted and you qualify, you'll receive an email confirming your program will be reviewed. If you don’t qualify, you’ll be directed to meet with an academic advisor to review your program. The final review happens at the end of the semester once grades are finalized.

Graduation Status: At the end of the semester, you will be informed by L&C email if the Registrar is unable to certify your graduation. Graduates will be notified by LC text message once their graduation status has been applied to their records. Diplomas and certificates are sent directly to students 4-6 weeks after graduation status is finalized.

Note: The Graduation Application does not require participation in the Commencement Ceremony. If you plan to participate in the ceremony, you must RSVP before the deadline.

Questions about your application?

If you need to make changes or have missed the deadline, you must contact your academic advisor or the Registrar for further assistance.

As you conclude your journey here with Lewis and Clark, we want to celebrate you and your new beginning—whether you are continuing your education at a new school or moving into your career field. Join LC in celebrating you and all the students graduating this academic year.

54th Annual Commencement

6 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Ann Whitney Olin Theatre, Hatheway Cultural Center

Eligibility: All graduates completing a degree, certificate of proficiency, or combination of degree, certificate of proficiency, and/or certificate of completion during the same academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer after May ceremony) are eligible to participate in that academic year’s ceremony. All academic programs with accepted graduation applications received before the deadline (or by contacting the Registrar by email before April 1st ) will be included in the ceremony announcements and program printing. Those completing a certificate of completion program only for the academic year are NOT eligible for participation in the commencement ceremony and the graduation application is not required.

Submit RSVP to Participate: Students who wish to participate in the ceremony must provide their RSVP when completing their graduation application before the deadline. Due to required planning, program printing, and other personalized details for the ceremony, an RSVP of participation MUST be received in advance. When you answer YES to participate, you will receive detailed information about the ceremony via your LC email by April 1st. The email will include the number of guest tickets for theater seating being provided to each graduate (this is based on the graduate participation count), special events leading up to the ceremony, grad check in time, additional details to share with your guests, and links to access video and photos for after the big night. For additional assistance, please contact the Registrar or your Academic Advisor.

Photography: L&C photographers will capture photos during the ceremony. High-resolution images will be available for free download on the college's Flickr page within 2-4 weeks.

Cap and Gown Orders: A link to order your regalia through Jostens is provided when completing your Graduation Application. Ordering 5-6 weeks before the ceremony date is recommended to avoid delays. You can also shop for your LC-specific regalia on Jostens' website.

Highlights of Past Ceremonies

Discover what Commencement at LC could look like for you.