Luzerne County Community College grants degrees, certificates, and diplomas in credit programs only at the end of the spring semester in May and at the end of the summer semesters in August.

Students anticipating graduation from Luzerne County Community College must complete a graduation application by February 21, 2025. Graduation applications will not be accepted after February 21, 2025. Every student expecting to graduate is required to submit an application regardless of whether or not they plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony. Students can apply for graduation by logging in to their Self Service account and clicking on "Graduation Overview."

Requirements

• LCCC holds one formal Graduation ceremony each year in May.
• Students should follow the academic catalog that was in place during their initial enrollment to determine graduation qualifications as long as they have not missed two or more consecutive semesters. Alternatively, students may opt for the academic catalog in place at the time of their graduation.
• Students who will not complete their program requirements during the Spring term and meet certain conditions, may also attend the ceremony. To be eligible:
  • Meet the minimum 2.0 GPA requirement.
  • Have no more than six credits remaining in your program.
  • Register and pay for the required courses for the upcoming summer semesters by May 1.
    • If the required courses are not available during the summer semesters, students may seek approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs to register for the fall semester and still be eligible to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony.
    • Health Science students whose programs extend through the summer semesters may participate in the May Commencement Ceremony if they meet the GPA requirements.
• Students who have completed all of their program requirements will receive their diploma the night of the ceremony. Students who participate in the May Commencement Ceremony but finish their program requirements during the summer will receive their diploma by mail at the end of the summer semester in August.

Program requirements as stated in the academic catalog must be satisfied prior to the selected graduation date. Students uncertain as to whether they are ready to graduate should make an appointment with their academic advisor or review their degree audit in Self Service.

Contact My Advisor

Self Service - Graduation Overview - Review My Academic Progress

Students can apply for graduation by logging in to their Self Service account and clicking on "Graduation Overview." If you have any issues with your Self Service account, please contact the Help Desk at 570-740-0711 or at helpdesk@luzerne.edu. Before applying to graduate, it is crucial that the College has your correct current address on file. Simply entering a new address on the graduation application will not update your records. To officially change your address, you must submit a Change of Address form to the Admissions Office prior to applying for graduation.

Additionally, when completing the Application for Graduation, you will be asked how you wish your name to appear on your diploma. You must use the last name currently in our records, as it is essential that your diploma reflects your legal name. You cannot request a different name unless you have officially changed your name with the Admissions Office and provided the necessary proof.

For example, you cannot request a future married last name or any other name not currently in our system. Below are some examples of permissible names for your diploma:

• John Smith
• John W. Smith
• John William Smith

Please note, shortened versions of names, even if commonly used, are not permissible. As this is a formal document, it is important to use your full legal name, for instance, "Joseph" instead of "Joe."

If you need assistance updating your name or address, please contact the Admissions Office at 570-740-0337 or at admissions@luzerne.edu before submitting your application.

Self Service - Graduation Overview

The Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 6 p.m., at Mohegan Arena. Please arrive at the Arena at 5 p.m., dressed in your academic attire and with your graduation card. Your graduation card will be sent to you approximately mid-May.

• Commencement Photographs: Professional photos will be taken of each graduate as they receive their diploma. Earl & Sedar Photographic will contact you after graduation to provide you with the opportunity to view and/or purchase your photograph on-line.
• Commencement Flowers: The LCCC 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. T-shirts will also be available for purchase. For more information or to order now and save time check out their website below. Pre-orders are encouraged. A portion of the proceeds will benefit student scholarships.

  Commencement Flowers

• Commencement Speaker:
  

  David Pedri President and CEO of the Luzerne Foundation will be the keynote speaker at Luzerne County Community College's 57th annual commencement ceremony on Thursday May 29th, 2025 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.
  
  David Pedri has dedicated his career to public service. An attorney by trade, he accepted the County Manager position at Luzerne County in 2016. In this role, David was the head of the Executive branch of government, overseeing 1,500 employees in 32 separate departments and a $300 million annual budget. With David as the County Manager, Luzerne County made great strides both financially and organizationally, paying off over $250 million in debt, achieving the highest credit rating in Luzerne County history, investing in County facilities and technology while revamping the Human Resources Department. David also excelled at public outreach creating the Luzerne County Cares Community Expo, an annual event hosting over 600 human services providers and subscribers and the "Rockin' on the River" concert series, a free annual outdoor gathering where over 6,000 citizens enjoy music and food in a county park.

  During the COVID-19 pandemic, David provided guidance and leadership to the Luzerne County community by the formation of the County COVID-19 Crisis Committee with key members of industry, government and medical providers. He also worked with state and local officials on testing and vaccine issues while providing consistent media updates.

  David worked for seven years at the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office where he tried many cases and convicted 13 murderers. He later worked as a private attorney and in-house counsel to Luzerne County where he gained a unique perspective handling diverse legal matters.

  David is currently the President and CEO of the Luzerne Foundation where he works to enhance the lives of Luzerne County residents by addressing community needs through strategic grantmaking, scholarships for students, and connecting donors to causes that matter to them.

  David lives in Drums with his wife and family. He sits on the Boards of Leadership Northeast, the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA, PNC Bank's Regional Advisory Board, and the President's Council of King's College. He is a longtime member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association where he assists with the Wills for Heroes Program. He was selected as the Citizen of the Year by the Minsi Trails Boy Scouts and as a Champion of Justice by the Northeastern PA Trial Lawyers Association. When not working, David volunteers his time as a coach for both youth baseball and soccer.

• Parking: Family and guests are requested to enter at the East Gate. Graduates will enter at the West Gate.

  More Info on Parking

• Mohegan Arena Know Before You Go: Please be advised that the following policies are now in effect at the Mohegan Arena:
  • NO BOTTLES OR CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED IN THE ARENA
  • Mohegan Arena has a clear bag policy.

    Clear Bag Policy

  • ALL CONCESSIONS ARE CREDIT CARD/MOBILE PAY SALES ONLY - Therefore, no cash will be accepted.

    More Info on Concessions

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

All potential graduates who will be participating in the May Commencement Ceremony on May 29th, may place a cap and gown order online through the Jostens website. The deadline date to place an online order is Saturday, March 15. Orders will not be accepted after that date. Please see below for instructions on how to order your cap and gown. There is no charge for a cap and gown. Graduates will have the option to have their cap and gown shipped to their home for $14.95 or shipped to the LCCC Trailblazer Bookstore at no charge. All orders will be available in the Trailblazer Bookstore beginning approximately the week of May 5th. A Broadcast Email will be sent out with the exact date of when you can pick up your cap and gown. If you have any questions, please stop by the Trailblazer Bookstore or call the Bookstore at 570-740-0596.

Jostens

- Click on Graduation Products
- Click on Graduation Caps and Gowns
- Click on Select a Collection
- From the drop down box choose Student Ship to Home or Student Ship to Bookstore.
- There is only one choice that includes your cap, gown, hood and tassel.
- Please follow the prompts and enter all information requested.
- Add to cart and before checking out it is advisable to create a Jostens account to track your order.
- After you check out make sure that you get a CONFIRMATION. Please print out the confirmation or take a picture on your phone.

*Students will not be charged a fee for the cap and gown*

Video Walkthrough

The following students will be recognized at graduation for academic achievement. A student with a cumulative honor point average of 4.0 will graduate SUMMA CUM LAUDE. Summa Cum Laude honors will be announced during the graduation ceremony and students will receive a commemorative plaque. Graduates between 3.75 and 3.99 will be recognized 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.

The Commencement program will note members in the College's Honor Societies. 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

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Educational Conference Center
Time 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Graduate Reception, hosted by the Alumni Association, will be held on Tuesday, May 27, from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Educational Conference Center. The reception will include a variety of hot and cold appetizers, music and prizes. All Graduates, Faculty, Staff and Administration are invited to attend at no charge. Guests will be charged $7.50 and children under five (5) are free. Registration will open on Monday, March 3, 2025.

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

Nominations for consideration for the Graduate Awards will open on Monday, February 10, 2025.

Outstanding Adult Learner Graduate Award
On-line Nomination Form Deadline: April 4, 2025

Alumni Association Outstanding Graduate Award Nomination
On-line Nomination Form Deadline: April 4, 2025

When and where is Commencement?
The LCCC Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Mohegan Arena, 1 Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

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 program requirements, they may participate in the May Commencement Ceremony provided the following conditions are met:

• The student has registered for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer semesters by May 1.
• The student has paid the tuition for the required course(s) for the subsequent summer semesters by May 1. The Vice President of Academic Affairs 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 semesters.

Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
You may pick up your academic attire at the LCCC Trailblazer Bookstore beginning May 1st, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

When will I receive my diploma?
Graduates who attend the Commencement Ceremony and have completed all requirements for their degree, certificate or diploma will receive their diploma the evening of Commencement. Graduates who do not attend the Commencement Ceremony and have completed all their requirements can pick up their diplomas in the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Office, Building #5, Room 516, the week of June 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If graduates do not pick up their diploma it will be mailed to them approximately 3 weeks after the Commencement Date of May 29, 2025. Please be sure the College has your correct address on file.

I've moved. Change my Address

If I have further questions, whom should I contact?

• To discuss your program requirements, please contact Counseling at 570-740-0451 or by email at kkollar@luzerne.edu.
• For questions regarding your academic transcripts, incomplete grades or variances, please contact Academic Affairs at 570-740-0422 or by email at pgorham@luzerne.edu.
• For all other graduation questions or concerns, please contact the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Office at 570-740-0336 or by email at gradapp@luzerne.edu.

After I submit an application for graduation, does that mean I will graduate?
No, submitting an online application for graduation does not guarantee that you will graduate. After you apply, the Academic Affairs Office will review your records to verify that you have completed all the requirements for your program of study. If you do not meet the requirements, you will receive a letter notifying you of the results and outlining the outstanding requirements necessary for graduation.

How will I know if I meet all requirements for graduation?
You can review your Academic Evaluation on Self-Service to track your progress toward graduation. If, after reviewing your evaluation, you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to your academic advisor or the Academic Affairs Office.

• Academic Advisor - 570-740-0451 - kkollar@luzerne.edu
• Academic Affairs Office - 570-740-0422 - pgorham@luzerne.edu

If I need to change my graduation date or change my major, do I need to reapply for graduation?
No, you do not need to reapply for graduation if you change your graduation date or major. However, if you need to change your graduation date, you must contact the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Office:

• Building #5, Room 516 - Phone: 570-740-0336 - gradapp@luzerne.edu

If you complete your program requirements in the next academic semester but do not request a change of graduation date, you will need to submit a new graduation application for the following semester.

Be sure to contact the office promptly to avoid delays in your graduation process.

What happens if I do not complete my degree requirements by graduation day?
If you fail to meet academic standards or do not complete all program requirements, and you do not contact the Academic Affairs Office, your name will be removed from the graduation list and the Commencement program. In this case, you will need to reapply by submitting a new graduation application to graduate in the following academic semester.

I participated in the May Commencement Ceremony, 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 to 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 be printed on the diploma and the transcript, is in August. If you completed or will complete the program 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.