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Graduation Information

 Graduation Information (Return)

In order to graduate from Luzerne County Community College upon completion of a credit program and receive a degree, certificate or diploma, students must apply for Graduation by the published deadline. Applications are not accepted after the deadline date. Each student must complete an application whether he/she is attending or is not attending the Commencement ceremony. Luzerne County Community College grants degrees, certificates and diplomas in credit programs only at the end of the spring semester and at the close of the summer session in August.

One formal Graduation ceremony is held annually, at the close of the spring semester in May. Students who have completed requirements at the end of the previous summer or fall, in addition to those who have completed their requirements in the spring semester, are invited to take part in the annual Commencement ceremony. Students granted their degree, certificate or diplomas at the end of the summer session in August are forwarded their diplomas by mail.

In order to qualify for a degree, certificate or diploma, a student must attain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 and satisfy all requirements of his/her program of study.

In the event a student meets the minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meets all but six credits or less of his/her degree, certificate or diploma program requirements, he/she may participate in the May commencement provided the following conditions are met:

  1. the student has registered for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer session by May 1.
  2. the student has paid the tuition for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer session by May 1.

The Student Development Office may approve registration for the required course(s) for the fall term if the College does not offer the required course(s) in the subsequent summer session.

Students enrolling in a program may follow the catalog in place at the time of their initial enrollment to determine their qualification for graduation providing they have not missed two or more consecutive semesters. Students may always select the catalog in place at the time of their graduation.

In the event a student is enrolled in one of the Health Sciences programs that ends in the subsequent summer session (precluding him/her from completing the program in the Spring), and that student meets the minimum grade point average for his/her curriculum, he/she may participate in the annual Commencement ceremony in May.

Students who participate in the annual Commencement Ceremony in May prior to completion of their program will be granted their degree, certificate or diploma upon the successful completion of the program and will be forwarded their diplomas by mail at the end of the Summer Session in August.

 Directions for Completing the Application for Graduation (Return)

Degree requirements as stated in the catalog must be satisfied prior to the selected graduation date.

Students uncertain as to whether they are ready to apply should make an appointment with an academic advisor by calling 1-800-377-5222, ext. 7451 or ext. 7452 or log into WebAdvisor and review your degree audit. Follow the instructions listed on our Student Intranet's Document Space section under "Are you ready to apply for graduation?".

A diploma isn't just a piece of paper - it represents all your efforts and accomplishments. Here's how to get yours:

  • Complete the application for graduation form. The application deadline date is February 22, 2013 for the May Commencement and July 19, 2013 for receiving your diploma in August. You will be able to participate in the May Commencement providing you meet the minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meet all but six credits or less in your degree, certificate or diploma program.
  • Each student must complete an application whether he/she is attending or is not attending the Commencement ceremony.
  • Return the complete application to the Business Office with a $50.00 nonrefundable graduation fee. This fee is payable whether you attend or do not attend the graduation ceremony.

 Academic Information (Return)

How will I know if I'm considered a potential graduate?
You will receive a notification of potential graduate eligibility letter in the mail and by email on or about the fourth week of classes.

What happens if I think I'm going to graduate, but I don't get the letter?
Contact the Student Development Office, in building #5 or phone 740.0381 or email slewis@luzerne.edu

If I get the letter, does this mean I'll graduate?
No, after you complete the application for graduation, the Academic Affairs Office (740.0422) will review your records to see if you have completed all the requirements for your particular program of study. If you do not meet the requirements, you will receive a letter informing you that your evaluation was reviewed and that we found you do not meet the requirements for graduation.

How will I know if I meet all requirements for graduation?
You can review your Academic Evaluation on WebAdvisor. Follow the instructions listed on our Student Intranet's Document Space section ("Are you ready to apply for graduation?"). After you review your Academic Evaluation, and you have any questions, please contact your academic advisor.

If I need to change my graduation date or change my major, do I need to reapply for graduation?
No, the graduation application fee is a one-time charge. Contact the Student Development Office by phone at 570.740.0344 or by email at jminor@luzerne.edu.

What happens if I do not complete my degree requirements by graduation day?
If you fail to meet academic standards or complete all degree requirements you will be removed from the Commencement Program. You will need to contact the Student Development Office to change the date of your graduation.

** Print the Graduation Application **

 Commencement Ceremony (May 23, 2013) (Return)

Graduates are strongly recommended to attend the Graduation Ceremony. If you are unable to attend, you must indicate that you will not attend the ceremony on your graduation appication. Even if you do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must complete a graduation application to receive your diploma.

Please note that if you do not attend the Commencement Ceremony you may pick-up your diploma in Building #5, the Student Development Office beginning the week of May 29 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. If you do not pick up your degree, the college will mail it to you approximately three weeks after the Commencement ceremony. Please be aware that if you choose to have your diploma mailed, LCCC will be blameless should your diploma be lost in transit, and to receive a replacement diploma, you will be obligated to pay a fee of $25.00 to cover the cost of replacement.

 Graduate Reception (Return)

  • May 21, 2013 - Main Dining Room, Educational Conference Center
  • Time 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Graduate Reception is hosted by the Alumni Association. There will be a variety of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and music. The fee for guests to attend the Reception is $7.50. For information, please call the Alumni Office at 570-740-0734 or e-mail alumni@luzerne.edu.

 Ceremony Information (Return)

  • May 23, 2013 Mohegan Sun Arena
  • Doors Open: 4:30 p.m.
  • Procession begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

 Graduation Speaker (Return)

Tommy McFLY will serve as the program's main speaker. McFLY is a charismatic, innovative multimedia personality who uses several platforms to engage the nation's capital.

Since leaving NEPA in November of 2006 with an LCCC degree in hand, McFLY went from co-host of the Doc Show on Froggy 101 to executive producer of a D.C. radio show. In 2008, he was promoted to evening host and in 2010, was hired by CBS to bring personality to their brand new 94.7 FRESH FM.

Listeners see McFLY weekly on NBC4 TV in Washington and also hear him on sister station All News 99.1 WNEW, providing insight and analysis on entertainment, the media and culture. Each weekday, from 5 to 9 a.m., "The Tommy Show" uses interactivity, reliability, connection with the audience, and a perfect blend of fresh artists to make the morning move.

"The Tommy Show," by design, sounds like Washington in all of its uniqueness. McFLY treats the ratings growth of "The Tommy Show" like a presidential campaign, consistently meeting and engaging listeners. "The Tommy Show" and 94.7 FRESH FM also regularly gives a massive megaphone to worthy causes.

During the 2013 Inaugural festivities, McFLY was tapped to be the Emcee of the President's National Day of Service with Chelsea Clinton on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. McFLY, who has also served as the official Emcee of the White House Easter Egg Roll for the past two years and as the National Christmas Tree Lighting Pre-Show host in 2012, is the first person chosen to hold the mic at all three.

He also was the chairman of the Washington Humane Society's marquee event, Fashion for Paws, which brought in more than $750,000 in April 2012. According to McFLY, "Personalities have the ability and the obligation to impact their community, country, and world as much as they possibly can." McFLY works continuously with the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, Make-A-Wish, The Alzheimer's Association, Best Buddies, Washington Humane Society, GW University Mobile Mammography Unit, and many other organizations and projects throughout the year.

 General Commencement Protocol (Return)

The Commencement exercise is a formal academic ceremony. Please press your gown prior to the evening of graduation. We request that you dress appropriately to maintain the dignity of commencement. Please do not wear jeans or sneakers since it is not conducive to graduation attire.

 Commencement Day Information (Return)

You are requested to report to the Mohegan Sun Arena at 5:00 p.m. Graduates should enter the Arena at the West Gate. You will be directed by college staff to the Event Level to align for the procession. Please bring your graduation card with you. Your graduation card will be mailed to you during the second week in May.

Personal Belongings: There is no secure place to store personal belongings (i.e., purses, coats) during the Commencement ceremony, therefore, please do not bring personal belongings to the Commencement ceremony.

Parking for Graduates: Students are requested to park at the West Gate entrance. You will enter the arena at the Concourse Level Entrance and college staff will be available to provide you direction.

Parking for Parents/Guests: Parking for parents and guests will be at the East Gate. Security Personnel will be available to provide direction.

Seating: The only reserved seating for commencement is for graduates, faculty and administration. All other seating is on a general admission basis for relatives and friends. Therefore, no ticket for admission is necessary and there is no limit on the number of guests.

Graduates and Guest with Disabilities: Ceremonies are accessible to all graduates and guests. Accessible parking will be available in close proximity to the entrance of the Arena and college security will be available to assist with any needs.

College staff will be stationed at several locations to assist disabled guests to reserved section for wheelchairs. Graduates will physical disabilities who need assistance to participate in the ceremony should call 1-800-377-5222, ext. 7344 to make arrangements. A sign language interpreter will be positioned near the speaker to accommodate those with hearing disabilities.

Commencement Photographs: In order to ensure that all members of the audience are able to enjoy the commencement program, the College is asking parents and guests to refrain from approaching the commencement platform during the ceremony to take photographs. The College will be strictly enforcing this guideline. Because the college recognizes that you may want to have a photograph of yourself as you receive your diploma from the President, we have arranged for Earl and Sedor Photographic to capture that special moment for you. You will receive information on photographs approximately two weeks after graduation to provide you the opportunity to view your photograph on line. Any questions regarding your photographic should be directed to Earl and Sedor at 283-5055 or http://www.earlandsedor.com.

Graduation Honors: The following students will be recognized at graduation for scholastic achievement. A student with a cumulative honor point average of 4.0 will graduate SUMMA CUM LAUDE. The recognition of students graduating Summa Cum Laude will be done with an announcement at the time you receive your diploma and a plaque denoting this honor will be awarded to you after the ceremony when you are issued your diploma. Graduates between 3.75 and 3.99 will be certified Magna Cum Laude; between 3.50 and 3.74 will be recognized Cum Laude. Recognition for these honors between 3.5 and 3.99 will be noted on the graduation program next to your name. Gold Tassels will be mailed to honor students after the final grades have been submitted for the semester. (This is not a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Tassel) the gold tassel represents academic honors as mentioned above.

Graduation Flower Sale: The Alumni Association has made arrangements with Commencement Flowers Inc. to have a variety of floral arrangements available for purchase at the Arena. To view the selection of fresh flowers, or to preorder, visit their website at www.CommencementFlowers.com/index.php/Luzerne. New this year! Commemorative graduation tee shirts with the names of all LCCC graduates will be available for purchase. A portion of all sales will benefit LCCC.

Awards: The college recognizes graduates for the Outstanding Graduate Award and Outstanding Adult Learner Graduate Award.

 Graduation Awards (Return)

Outstanding Adult Learner Graduate Award
Cover Letter/Form .pdf .doc

Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award Nomination
Cover Letter/Form .pdf .doc

 Commencement FAQ's (Return)

When is Commencement?
May 23, 2013

Can I participate in May even though I won't graduate until August?
Yes, in the event a student meets the minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meets all but six credits or less of his/her degree, certificate or diploma program requirements, he/she may participate in the May commencement provided the following conditions are met:

  1. the student has registered for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer session by May 1.
  2. the student has paid the tuition for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer session by May 1.

The Student Development Office may approve registration for the required course(s) for the fall term if the College does not offer the required course(s) in the subsequent summer session.

When should I arrive?
You should arrive at 5:00 p.m. and you are requested to enter the Arena at the West Gate.

What should I bring to commencement?
Your cap, gown, hood, tassel and graduation card. Your hood will be given to you the evening of Commencement. PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ARENA WITH ANY BOTTLES OR CONTAINERS. SODA AND WATER WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONCESSIONS STANDS.

How will you know whether or not to read my name?
You will present your Graduation Card to the reader when you go up on stage. Your graduation card will be mailed to you in early May.

What if I cannot attend the Commencement Ceremony?
If you are unable to attend the graduation ceremony, you can email the Student Development Office at jminor@luzerne.edu. Please note that if you do not attend the Commencement Ceremony you may pick-up your diploma in Building #5, the Student Development Office beginning the week of May 29 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. If you do not pick up your degree, the college will mail it to you approximately three weeks after the Commencement ceremony. Please be aware that if you choose to have your diploma mailed, LCCC will be blameless should your diploma be lost in transit, and to receive a replacement diploma, you will be obligated to pay a fee of $25.00 to cover the cost of replacement.

How will I know if I can graduate in May?
After the Office of Academic Affairs Office evaluates your application, you will be contacted only if a problem exists with your application. It is your responsibility to make certain that the following is complete if it applies to you:

  • Transfer credits from other colleges - an official transcript must be on file and evaluated for transfer of credits.
  • Substitution of Courses - you must complete a variance form which may be obtained in the Academic Affairs Office.
  • Incomplete Grades - all incomplete grades must be completed and a grade change submitted by May 1.
  • Financial Obligations - all unpaid balances including parking and library fines must be satisfied.

Where do I get my cap and gown?
Your cap and gown will be available in the College Bookstore, Third Floor, Campus Center, beginning March 11, 2013, during regular Bookstore hours; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8:00 am, Tuesdays, 8:00 am until 7:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:00 am until 4:00. At this time, you will receive your cap, gown, hood and graduation announcements. A representative of Herff Jones will also be available for the purchase of other recognition products.

The graduation fee is payment for your cap and gown, ten announcements, your diploma and other costs associated with graduation. Additional commencement accessories will be available for you to purchase at the College Bookstore.

Honor Societies
Each honor society of the college has a special recognition for their graduates. You should contact the advisor of the appropriate honor society to learn of the specific items available to recognize your achievement.

Will my name appear in the commencement booklet even if I'm not graduating until August?
Yes, your name will appear in the Commencement program as long as you have completed an application for graduation and indicated your intention to participate in the commencement ceremony, satisfied the 2.0 GPA, and have less than 6 credits to complete. You must also register and pay the tuition for the courses you need to complete over the summer semester.

If I have further questions, whom should I contact?
Counseling Department - If you need to discuss meeting the requirements for graduation or advise on course selection for future semesters should be directed to the Counseling Department. 1-800-377-5222 ext. 7451 or ddennis@luzerne.edu

Academic Affairs - Questions concerning qualifications, academic transcripts, incomplete grades and variances. 1-800-377-5222 ext. 7422 or pgorham@luzerne.edu

Student Development Office All other questions concerning graduation should be directed to the Student Development Office. 570-740-0344 or jminor@luzerne.edu