Students anticipating graduation from Luzerne County Community College must complete the application for graduation by the published deadline dates. Application will not be accepted after the deadline dates. Each student expecting to graduate must complete the application whether they are attending or 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 end of the summer session in August.

One formal Graduation ceremony is held annually. Students who will not be complete in the Spring term but in the coming summer term are also invited to attend the ceremony providing that student meets the minimum grade point average of 2.0 and meets all but six credits or less in their degree, certificate, or diploma program requirements, the following must also be 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 President's 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 them from completing the program in the Spring), and that student meets the minimum grade point average for their curriculum, they 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.

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 Self Service (with your Self Service username and password) and review your degree audit by clicking on "Graduation Overview" then "Review My Academic Progress".

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

• Complete the on-line application and pay the $50.00 graduation fee. The application deadline date is February 23, 2024 for the May Commencement and July 21, 2023 for receiving your diploma in August (Aug 24, 2023). 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 they are attending or are not attending the Commencement ceremony.

Graduation Application

After I submit an application for graduation, does that mean I will graduate?
No, after you complete the on-line application for graduation, the Academic Affairs Office (570) 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 Self Service. After you review your Academic Evaluation, and you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact your academic advisor (570) 740-0451 or the Academics Affairs Office at (570) 740-0422.

If I need to change my graduation date or change my major, do I need to reapply for graduation?
No, but you will need to contact the President's Office in building #5 by phone at 570-740-0344 or by email at jminor@luzerne.edu to request a change of graduation date. If you completed the requirements in the next academic semester and did not contact the college to request a change of graduation date you need to complete and submit a new graduation application in order to graduate in the following semester.

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 and do not contact the President's Office
(jminor@luzerne.edu) or the Academic Affairs Office (pgorham@luzerne.edu) your name will be removed from the graduation list and the Commencement program. You will need to reapply and complete a new graduation application in order to graduate in the next academic semester.

I participated in the May graduation but I still had a class I had to complete and I'm taking it now. How do I receive my diploma?
If you still have incomplete requirements, you did not graduate (though you may have participated in the Commencement Ceremony) actual graduation requires all courses be successfully completed. Many students participate in the Commencement Ceremony in May, and then complete requirements over the summer. In this case, the graduation date, which will print on the diploma and the transcript, is in August. If you completed or will complete the requirements in the next academic semester, and did not contact the college to request a change of graduation date you need to complete and submit another graduation application.

I still have classes to complete, can I participate in the May Commencement if I did not finish all my classes?
Although you cannot officially graduate until all coursework is complete you can participate in the Commencement Ceremony in May by completing an application for graduation and selecting summer as your completion date.

How do I complete the on-line graduation application?
You must be certain the college has your correct current address before you apply to graduate. Putting a new address on the graduation application is not sufficient to change your address. You must submit a Change of Address form to the Admissions Office to update your address before you apply to graduate.

The Application for Graduation will ask you how you wish your name to appear on your diploma. You must use the last name we have in our records. You cannot request a different last name on your diploma unless you provide proof and changed your name with the Admissions Office. As an example, you cannot request your diploma to state what will be your future married last name. Be cautious of using a shortened version of your first name, even if this is what you are commonly called. This is a formal document, and it is appropriate to have 'Joseph' rather than 'Joe' printed on your diploma.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Educational Conference Center
Time 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Graduate Reception, hosted by the Alumni Association, will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at 6 pm to 8 pm in the Educational Conference Center. All Graduates, Faculty, Staff and Administration are invited to attend at no charge. Guests will be charge $7.50 and children under five (5) are free. You can register on line HERE.

If you have any questions, please call the Alumni Office at 570-740-0734.

The Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 6 pm, at Mohegan Sun Arena and will last approximately two hours.

Please arrive at the Arena at 5:00 pm dressed in your academic attire and with your graduation card. Your graduation card will be sent to you approximately mid-May.

Commencement Photographs - The College recognizes that you may want to have a photograph of yourself as you receive your diploma from the President; therefore, we have arranged for a professional photographer to capture that special moment for you. Earl & Sedar Photographic will contact you after graduation to provide you the opportunity to view your photograph on-line.

Commencement Flowers - The Alumni Association is sponsoring a flower sale at the Commencement Ceremony. Commencement Flowers will be at a table located near the East Gate entrance of the Arena. In addition to a beautiful selection of roses they will be selling class t-shirts. For more information or to order now and save time check out their website at www.commencementflowers.com/index.php/Luzerne. Pre-orders are encouraged. A portion of the proceeds will benefit student scholarships.

Commencement Speaker : TBA

Please be advise that the following policies are now in effect at the Mohegan Sun Arena:

• NO BOTTLES OR CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED IN THE ARENA
• THERE IS A CLEAR BAG POLICY
• ALL CONCESSIONS ARE CREDIT CARD/MOBILE PAY SALES ONLY - therefore, no cash will be accepted.

Please review the full policy HERE.

Please share this information will your family and friends who will be attending the Commencement.

www.MoheganSunArenaPa.com/VenueShield

All potential graduates who will be participating in the May graduation ceremony must place your cap and gown order on-line through the Jostens website at www.jostens.com . The deadline date to order is TBA. Orders will not be accepted after this date.

Graduates will have the option to have your cap and gown shipped to your home for $12.45 + tax or your order can be shipped to the Bookstore at no charge.

If you did not place an on-line order for a cap and gown by the deadline date you can still pick up a cap and gown (there is no charge) in the TrailBlazer Bookstore beginning TBA during the hours of 8 am to 4 pm.

If you have any questions, please stop by the Bookstore or call us 570-740-0596.

Family and Guests are requested to enter at the East Gate. Graduates will enter at the West Gate.

Outstanding Adult Learner Graduate Award
On-line Nomination Form Deadline: April 5, 2024

Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award Nomination
On-line Nomination Form Deadline: April 5, 2024

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 by mail when you receive your diploma. Graduates between 3.75 and 3.99 will be certified Magna Cum Laude and 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.

HONOR SOCITIES

If you are member of one of the College's Honor Societies, it will be noted on the Commencement program. If you have any questions regarding one of the Honor Societies, please contact the following Advisors:

• ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA - Mrs. Bonnie Lauer at 570-740-0734 or blauer@luzerne.edu
• KAPPA BETA DELTA - Dr. Gary Mrozinski at 570-740-0538 or gmrozinski@luzerne.edu
• PHI THETA KAPPA - Mr. Tyler Russell at 570-740-0429 or trussell@luzerne.edu
• PSI BETA - Rachael Talpash at 570-740-0528 or rtalpash@luzerne.edu
• SIGMA KAPPA DELTA - Ms. Bonnie Pajka at 570-740-0545 or rpajka@luzerne.edu

When is Commencement?
May 23, 2024

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 their degree, certificate or diploma program requirements, they 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.

Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
You may pick up your academic attire at the TrailBlazer Bookstore beginning TBA, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am. until 4:00 pm.

Do I or my guests need a ticket to attend?
Everyone is invited to attend. No ticket is needed.

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.

When will I receive my diploma?
Graduates who attend the Commencement Ceremony and have completed all requirements for your degree, certificate or diploma will receive their diploma the evening of Commencement. Graduates who do not attend the Commencement and have completed all their requirements can pick up their diplomas in the President's Office, Building #5, the week of June 3 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you do not pick up your diploma it will be mailed to you approximately 3 weeks after the Commencement Date of May 23, 2024. Please be sure the College has your correct address on file. If you have moved, please change your address HERE.

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, Mrs. Dennis 570-740-0451 or ddennis@luzerne.edu

Academic Affairs - Questions concerning qualifications, academic transcripts, incomplete grades and variances. Contact Mrs. Gorham at 570-740-0422 or pgorham@luzerne.edu

President's Office - All other questions concerning graduation should be directed to Joanie Minor, in the President's Office, Bldg #5. (570) 740-0344 or jminor@luzerne.edu