The following message was sent to members of the Class of 2022 via email.
Greetings, Senior Class!
The warm spring air means Commencement is not far away. The purpose of this email is to share critical information you will need to prepare for your big day. Congratulations on your accomplishments and in becoming a member of Lafayette College’s 187th graduating class.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the Commencement ceremony, please visit the College’s Commencement website. Below are several highlights of note.
Grad Finale
Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: College Store
Grad Finale is a special event held at the College Store that allows members of the Class of 2022 the opportunity to purchase their graduation regalia with the help of representatives from Jostens for proper fitting. You also will be able to meet with representatives to purchase class rings, announcements, and diploma frames. This event allows you a final chance to meet in person with other departments on campus who will be present to answer questions and provide information before you graduate.
The Commencement regalia hand-me-down program is a Student Government and Office of Sustainability “pay-it-forward” initiative for graduating seniors to donate their gowns, caps, and cords to next year’s seniors. This program increases the accessibility of gowns (removing the $60+ cost) and also achieves zero-waste goals by decreasing the number of single-use gowns thrown away each year. To donate after Commencement, students can drop off their gowns in any green move-out bin across campus.
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kamine Gymnasium
New for the Class of 2022, we will host an in-person rehearsal! We will meet to talk (and walk) through all the logistics of Commencement from robing in Kamine to the procession on the Quad to walking across the stage. Please enter Kamine through the green doors on Hamilton Street and then exit through the tan doors. This rehearsal is being added to streamline communications that are student-focused and give you all confidence on the flow for the day as well as expectations.
Senior Brunch
Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Locations: Marquis Dining Hall and Upper Farinon Dining Hall
Graduates are welcome to three complimentary meal tickets (one for the graduate plus two for guests). Brunch tickets are available for student pickup at Grad Finale in the College Store on Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional brunch tickets cost $15 each and may be obtained online from the Ticket Office or on Commencement Day at the Guest Services tent on the Quad.
Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.
Location: The Quad
This interfaith celebration is designed to honor Lafayette’s graduating senior class. No tickets are required for Baccalaureate. All seniors, their families, and friends may attend. Many members of the Class of 2022 will lead this service, along with the College chaplain.
Assembly for Commencement
Members of the Class of 2022 will be expected to assemble, fully robed, no later than 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Assembly location will be in Kamine Gymnasium.
In case of rain, Commencement may be held in Kirby Sports Center arena. Because of the limited seating capacity in the venue, “rain site” tickets will be required for family members and other guests only if the ceremony is moved indoors. Rain site tickets will be available for student pickup at Grad Finale in the College Store Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each graduate will be entitled to three rain site tickets. Admission to Kirby Sports Center arena by ticket will begin at 1 p.m.
Attire is semi-formal to formal dress for this tradition. Be mindful of your footwear since you will be walking across grass on the Quad this year. Flatter shoes might be a good option. Official cap, gown, and tassel may be obtained during Grad Finale. Stoles are optional; students who would like to order a stole, may do so. The following vendor has served Lafayette students in the past. https://www.midwestglobalgroup.com/
For individuals requiring accessible seating or other accommodations, please contact Accessibility Services at 610-330-3513 or Marty Sullivan, by Friday, April 30 to help us ensure availability.
Post-Commencement President’s Reception
Who: Graduates and their guests
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Garden of the President’s House (rain location: Kamine Gymnasium)
Yearbook Purchase
Click here to purchase a 2022 Lafayette College yearbook. The final day to purchase a yearbook is June 17, 2022. Yearbooks will be shipped in early fall.
Moving Out of College Housing
Seniors need to move out of housing by 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. Visit the Residence Life website for additional move out information.
Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling
Per federal regulations, graduates who receive federal loans through the Direct Student Loan Program at any time as a Lafayette student must complete Exit Loan Counseling. As the reminders to you stated, you should complete this requirement prior to graduation in preparation for repaying any federal student loans. You may access your Exit Loan Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. If you have questions regarding repayment or the exit counseling, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 610-330-5055, 107 Markle Hall, or by email at financialaid@lafayette.edu.
Account Balances
Please review your student account balance on my.lafayette.edu. It is important that you pay all financial obligations including College Store balances, Deans’ loans, Health Center fees, and fines from Public Safety, Facility Operations, and Skillman Library. Payments can be made at the Cashier’s window, basement of Marquis Hall, open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. These financial obligations need to be cleared prior to May 1, 2022. There will be no release of records certifying graduation until all debts have been paid. Questions regarding student accounts should be directed to 610-330-5145 or studentbilling@lafayette.edu.
Development Office
Be sure to make your Senior Class gift and earn your Class of 2022 pin to wear at Commencement! When you make a gift of any amount to any area on campus, you will receive your class pin. A gift of $20.22 will earn you the class pin and a Class of 2022 pint glass. Visit the Senior gift site to make your gift!
Alumni Relations
Alumni Relations congratulates the Class of 2022 and invites you to stay connected with our 30,000 alumni and the College. Learn about events, volunteering, and more at leopardlink.lafayette.edu
Very best,
Dean Samble