174th Commencement Day
Saturday, May 23, 2009

Baccalaureate Service (10:30 a.m.)
The Baccalaureate Service is an ecumenical worship service planned for the class and their relatives and guests. This program will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. on the Quadrangle (rain site: Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Field House). There will be no senior processional for this service in order that students and parents may be seated together. Students do not need to dress in cap and gown, and no tickets are required. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour. NOTE: Cell phones should be turned off during the ceremony.

Lunch in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Kamine Gymnasium (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
To provide an opportunity for graduates and their families to meet and dine informally, luncheon will be available in the air conditioned Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Kamine Gymnasium. Graduates will receive three complimentary luncheon tickets from the Student Life Programs Office; one for the graduate plus two for guests. Additional tickets may be obtained on Commencement Day for a modest charge at a kiosk at the luncheon site. Students will receive a letter from the Student Life Programs Office notifying them when to pick up the tickets at that office.

The Academic Procession (2:15 p.m.)
Assembly for seniors will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, west end of the Arena. It is imperative that candidates meet promptly. Please turn off all cell phones. Caps, gowns, and hoods are to be worn at the Commencement ceremony. They are purchased from the College Store beginning April 23rd at a cost of $42.00. To be comfortable, we suggest that you do not wear a jacket underneath your academic robe. Women are advised to leave purses with guests or at home. Caps, gowns, and hoods are yours to keep after the ceremony.

Commencement Exercises (2:30 p.m.)
Families, friends, and members of the faculty and administrative staff are invited to join the graduates at 2:30 p.m. for the Commencement Exercises on the Quadrangle. Guests should plan to arrive and be seated no later than 2 p.m. to prevent traffic delays. Tickets are not required for Commencement held outside on the Quad. Audience seating for the Commencement ceremony at the outdoor site will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We will not be able to reserve seats or control access to these areas; only occupying them can hold seats. Special seating arrangements can be made for those with medical problems or physical disabilities by contacting the President's Office at 610-330-5200, before May 1. Our guests should also be advised that the outdoor ceremony is held in an unshaded area.
In case of rain, Commencement will be held in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Arena. Several weeks before Commencement, each graduate will receive 6 tickets to the indoor ceremony for distribution to family members and friends. The tickets will be sent to seniors in their campus mailboxes. Again, these tickets will be needed only if the Commencement ceremony must be held indoors. Admission to the Kirby Sports Center Arena by ticket will be between 1-2:15 p.m. As a courtesy to other graduates and their families, all guests should remain seated until the entire procession (graduates, faculty and platform party) has departed the Kirby Sports Center Arena. NOTE: Cell phones should be turned off during the ceremony.

For your convenience, general information with regard to the Commencement ceremony (restroom locations, special seating, etc.) will be available at two areas on the Quad prior to and during the ceremony. A professional photographer will take individual photos of the graduates receiving their diplomas, and a video of the ceremony will be available for purchase a few weeks after Commencement. Details will be provided by mail directly from Chappel Studio. Please be aware that pets will not be allowed on the Quad.

If there is a change in the location for Commencement based on weather, that information will be available from the Lafayette College Weather Hot line phone at 610-330-5809.

The President's Reception (4 p.m.)
The President's Reception for graduates, parents, families and friends will be held in the President's Garden at 4 p.m. No tickets required. In case of rain, this reception will take place in the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center, Kamine Gymnasium immediately following Commencement.

Roman Catholic Mass (Approximately 5 p.m., depending on the length of the commencement)
A Roman Catholic Mass for graduates, their relatives and guests will be held at 5 p.m. in Colton Chapel. If the Commencement rain site is used then Mass will take place at 5:30 p.m. to give folks time to walk to Colton Chapel from the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center.

Parking

Special Needs Parking/Access. If a non-handicapped driver is transporting handicapped passenger(s), please inform a uniformed officer upon arrival to campus. The officer will allow you to drop off the handicapped individual(s) in the Kirby West Parking Lot that is adjacent to the Commencement site. You will then be directed to park in the Markle Parking Deck.

If the driver of the vehicle is handicapped, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 610-330-5330 prior to Commencement to make arrangements for special needs parking.

Lost and Found

Alcohol Policy

Photographs

Video

Download Now! Video Order Form Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for viewing and printing. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed, please download Acrobat Reader from Adobe's web site.

Refreshments

Roses for the Lafayette College Graduate

Yearbooks

Service Facility Hours