LRU Commencement

APPLICATION: The deadline for submitting your graduation application is March 3, 2017. Late applications may result in your name being omitted from the commencement program. You can locate applications for graduation here.

GRADUATION INFO FAIR: The Grad Fair will be held in Cromer Center Lobby. For your convenience, you can choose which day to come: Wednesday, March 22, 9 am - 1 pm or Thursday, March 23, 2 pm - 6 pm. One stop is all it takes to get all your commencement-related questions answered!

RAIN TICKETS: In case of rain or inclement weather, your guests will need tickets. You can pick up your allotted tickets at the Grad Fair. Any unclaimed tickets will be distributed at the Info Desk in Cromer Center beginning on Reading Day (May 4). Student Marshals will be on hand at the ceremony to escort your guests to several viewing areas (where tickets are not necessary) to watch the live broadcast.

CAPS & GOWNS: You can purchase your caps, gowns, and stoles at the Grad Fair. If you have to miss the Grad Fair, you can still purchase your regalia in the LR Bookstore. Contact Lucy Manzanares at 828.328.7142 or manzanaresl@lr.edu.

ANNOUNCEMENT CARDS & INVITATIONS: Order your personalized invitations and announcement cards at the Grad Fair. You can also order them online at www.herffjones.com/college/lru. The LR Bookstore will carry a limited number of general announcements for purchase.

BEARS FOR LIFE: You can sign up to join the LR Network at the Grad Fair. Contact Cheryl Abee at lru.director@alumni.lr.edu.

CAREER SERVICES: You can meet with your career advisor to refine your job search, interact with employers at recruiting events, connect with alumni at networking receptions, or receive information about graduate schools. Contact Katie Wohlman at katie.wohlman@lr.edu.

IN ABSENTIA: All candidates are expected to attend the commencement exercise unless you have received permission in writing from the Provost. If you cannot attend the ceremony, you must email Dr. Larry Hall at larry.hall@lr.edu with your justification to graduate in absentia.

TIME & LOCATION: The Undergraduate Commencement will be held on Friday, May 12 at 8:00 pm. It will be held outdoors in Moretz Stadium. Bachelor’s degree candidates who have met all degree requirements and received approval must check in one hour before the ceremony - promptly at 6:30 pm - in Shuford Gym. There will be no rehearsal. In case of rain, you will assemble in Mauney Music Building for the ceremony in P.E. Monroe Auditorium.

DIPLOMAS: Diplomas will be withheld from those students with outstanding financial obligations to the University. Please check with the Business Office prior to Graduation. Additionally, undergraduate students must have completed all Convocation requirements in order to receive their Diploma. Please check your Convocation status with the Learning Commons to ensure your diploma will not be withheld.

Only diploma covers will be handed out during the ceremony. After the ceremony has ended, you can pick up your diploma in Shuford Gym. In case of rain, you will go to the Fireside Room in Cromer Center. Representatives from Enrollment Management will be available to hand out diplomas for one hour after commencement concludes. Note: Friends/family members may not pick up the diploma on your behalf.

PERSONAL DRESS: Candidates should wear clothing appropriate for this significant occasion. Improper dress may cause a candidate to be withdrawn from participation. Cords, pins, or medallions will be allowed only if they are symbolic of campus-wide and programmatic academic honors.

CAPS/MORTAR BOARDS: Extra decorations are not allowed on your graduation cap or Mortar Board during Baccalaureate or Commencement/Graduation Exercises.

TASSELS: You will start out wearing your tassel on the right side of your cap. During the ceremony, you will be prompted to move it to the left, signifying that you have earned your bachelor’s degree.

HONOR CORDS: Gold, silver, and bronze honor cords will be given for summa, magna, and cum laude candidates (respectively) during the line-up for the processional. Other cords, pins, or medallions will be allowed only if they are symbolic of campus-wide and programmatic academic honors.

CEREMONY: Candidates will line up and proceed to your seats on the field following the Dean of Students’ instructions. Your tassel is to be worn on the right side of the cap. Remain standing until you are signaled to sit. Follow Dr. Whitt’s instructions to simultaneously move your tassel to the left side of your cap. Remain seated until your row is called. When your name is read, proceed across the stage to receive your diploma cover. Smile as your professional photo is taken and return to your seat. Led by the Dean of Students, follow the stage party to exit, front row first. You can pick up your diploma in Shuford Gym. In case of rain, go to the Fireside Room in Cromer Center.

RECEPTION: Graduates will then join the reception on the Visitors’ side of stadium. Rain location will be Cromer Center Dining Hall.

TIME & LOCATION: Undergraduate Commencement will be held on Friday, May 12 at 8:00 pm. It will be held outdoors in Moretz Stadium.

TICKETS: Attendance outdoors is unlimited and you will not need tickets.

RAIN OR INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event of unfavorable weather, a decision will be made by Friday noon (stated on this page) whether the ceremony will need to be moved indoors to P.E. Monroe Auditorium. If so, tickets will be required. Your graduate has been instructed to pick up their limited allotment of guest tickets.

If you do not have a ticket, Student Marshals will lead you to a viewing area to watch the live broadcast. Immediately following the ceremony, you will join your graduate at the reception inside Cromer Center.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Interpreters/Transliterators and Assistive Listening Devices for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests are available upon request. Please contact Shawn Frank at 828.328.7298 or shawn.frank@lr.edu at least two weeks in advance to make your request.

Additionally, if you or a family member have a disability requiring any accommodations for special seating, etc., please contact Sherry Proctor at 828.328.7296 or sherry.proctor@lr.edu at least two weeks in advance to make your request.

PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE: General parking will be in the Stadium Parking Lot on Stasavich Place. Drivers can drop off people at the main stadium gate. Security officers will direct handicapped parking. Golf cart service will be available upon request.

STADIUM SEATS & WHEELCHAIRS: Guests may bring stadium seats or cushions for the aluminum bleachers. Student Marshals will help guests find seats, particularly those with special needs. Wheelchairs may be stationed along the top rail between the Stadium and the Gym.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos and videos may be taken from the audience or from a designated area by the stage. The University has contracted with a professional company, Photo Specialties, who will photograph each graduate receiving their diploma and post the photos online for you to view or order at www.photospecialties.com. An individual password for each graduate will be e-mailed from Photo Specialties when photos are posted. In addition a paper proof will be mailed to each graduates' permanent address. There is no obligation to buy.

DVDs: DVDs of the Hickory Campus Graduate graduation events, including the Graduate Hooding Ceremony and the Undergraduate Ceremony, will be available for purchase. To order, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

RECEPTION: A reception will follow immediately after the ceremony, outside on the Visitors’ side of the stadium. All guests are welcome. (Rain location: Cromer Center Lobby.)

LODGING IN HICKORY: The following is a list of hotels/motels which give discounts for LR related events. Call them directly to confirm discounts and rates:
Best Western 828.323.1150
Comfort Suites 828.323.1211
Jameson Inn 828.304.0410
Courtyard by Marriott 828.267.2100
Hampton Inn 828.624.2000
Crowne Plaza 828.323.1000
Holiday Inn Express 828.328.2081
Fairfield Inn 828.431.3000
Sleep Inn 828.323.1140
LaQuinta Inn & Suites 828.465.1100

APPLICATION: The deadline for submitting your graduation application is March 3, 2017. Late applications may result in your name being omitted from the commencement program. You can download an application for graduation here.

GRADUATION INFO FAIR: The Graduation Fair will be held in Cromer Center Lobby. For your convenience, you can choose which day to come: Wednesday, March 22, 9 am - 1 pm or Thursday, March 23, 2 pm - 6 pm. One stop is all it takes to get all your commencement-related questions answered!

CAPS & GOWNS & HOODS: You can purchase your caps, gowns, and hoods at the Grad Fair. If you have to miss the Grad Fair, you can still purchase your regalia in the LR Bookstore. Contact Lucy Manzanares at 828.328.7142 or manzanaresl@lr.edu.

ANNOUNCEMENT CARDS & PERSONALIZED INVITATIONS: Order your personalized invitations and announcement cards at the Grad Fair. You can also order them online at www.herffjones.com/college/lru. The LR Bookstore will carry a limited number of general announcements for purchase.

BEARS FOR LIFE: You can sign up to join the LR Network at the Grad Fair. Contact Cheryl Abee at lru.director@alumni.lr.edu.

CAREER SERVICES: You can meet with your career advisor to refine your job search, interact with employers at recruiting events, connect with alumni at networking receptions, or receive information about graduate schools. Contact Katie Wohlman at katie.wohlman@lr.edu.

IN ABSENTIA: All candidates are expected to attend the commencement exercise unless you have received permission in writing from the Provost. If you cannot attend the ceremony, you must email Dr. Larry Hall at larry.hall@lr.edu with your justification to graduate in absentia. LTSS candidates must email Dr. Clay Schmit at clay.schmit@lr.edu.

TIME & LOCATION: The Graduate Hooding & Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm. It will be held in P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Master’s degree candidates who have met all degree requirements and received approval must check in one hour before the ceremony - promptly at 6:00 pm - in Mauney Music Building. There will be no rehearsal.

DIPLOMAS: Diplomas will be withheld from those students with outstanding financial obligations to the University. Please check with the Business Office prior to Graduation. Only diploma covers will be handed out during the ceremony. After the ceremony has ended, you can pick up your diploma in the Fireside Room in Cromer Center. Representatives from Enrollment Management will be available to hand out diplomas for one hour after commencement concludes. Note: Friends/family members may not pick up the diploma on your behalf.

PERSONAL DRESS: Candidates should wear clothing appropriate for this significant occasion. Improper dress may cause a candidate to be withdrawn from participation. Cords, pins, or medallions will be allowed only if they are symbolic of campus-wide and programmatic academic honors.

TASSELS: You will wear your tassel on the left side of your cap, signifying that you have previously earned your bachelor’s degree. Carry your hood over your arm as you will be hooded as part of the ceremony.

CEREMONY: Candidates will line up and proceed to your seats following the Dean of Students’ instructions. Your tassel is to be worn on the left side of your cap and your hood carried over one arm. Remain standing until you are signaled to sit. You will rise as one and carry your hoods to the stage when signaled to do so. Your program’s advisor will place the hood upon you. Upon completion of being hooded, you are invited to come to the microphone to make brief (30 seconds maximum) personal remarks, thanking family members, faculty and staff mentors, etc. Continue across the stage to receive your diploma cover, shake hands and smile as your professional photo is taken. Led by the Dean of Students, follow the stage party to exit, front row first. You can pick up your diploma in the Fireside Room in Cromer Center.

RECEPTION: Graduates will then join the reception outdoors on the lawn in front of the Auditorium. Rain location: Cromer Center Lobby.

The Graduate Hooding & Commencement for Hickory students will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm. It will be held in P.E. Monroe Auditorium.

TICKETS: Attendance is unlimited and you will not need tickets.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Interpreters/Transliterators and Assistive Listening Devices for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests are available upon request. Please contact Shawn Frank at 828.328.7298 or shawn.frank@lr.edu at least two weeks in advance to make your request. Additionally, if you or a family member have a disability requiring any accommodations for special seating, etc., please contact Sherry Proctor at 828.328.7296 or sherry.proctor@lr.edu at least two weeks in advance to make your request.

PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE: There will be a limited number of handicapped parking spaces in front of the Auditorium where drivers can drop off guests. If needed, security officers can direct you to golf cart service.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos and videos may be taken from the audience or from a designated area by the stage. The University has contracted with a professional company, Photo Specialties, who will photograph each graduate receiving their diploma and post the photos online for you to view or order at www.photospecialties.com. An individual password for each graduate will be e-mailed from Photo Specialties when photos are posted. In addition a paper proof will be mailed to each graduates' permanent address. There is no obligation to buy.

DVDs: DVDs of the Hickory Campus Graduate graduation events, including the Graduate Hooding Ceremony and the Undergraduate Ceremony, will be available for purchase. To order, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

RECEPTION: A reception will follow immediately after the ceremony outside the Auditorium. All guests are welcome. (Rain location: Cromer Center Lobby.)

LODGING IN HICKORY: The following is a list of hotels/motels which give discounts for LR related events. Call them directly to confirm discounts and rates:
Best Western 828.323.1150
Comfort Suites 828.323.1211
Jameson Inn 828.304.0410
Courtyard by Marriott 828.267.2100
Hampton Inn 828.624.2000
Crowne Plaza 828.323.1000
Holiday Inn Express 828.328.2081
Fairfield Inn 828.431.3000
Sleep Inn 828.323.1140
LaQuinta Inn & Suites 828.465.1100

The deadline for submitting your graduation application is March 3, 2017. Late applications may result in your name being omitted from the commencement program.

Graduation applications are available beginning one year before your ceremony. You can download the form from the Registrar page. Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to registrar@lr.edu or mailed to:
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Registrar’s Office
PO Box 7227
Hickory, NC 28603

Caps, Gowns, Stoles & Hoods: Caps, gowns, and stoles may be purchased at the LR Bookstore. Contact Lucy Manzanares at 828.328.7142 or manzanaresl@lr.edu. Be sure you arrange to have your purchase shipped to your home.

Graduation Announcements & Personalized Invitations: You may order personalized invitations and announcement cards online at www.herffjones.com/college/lru. The LR Bookstore will carry a limited number of general announcements for purchase.

Career Services: You can meet with your career advisor to refine your job search, interact with employers at recruiting events, connect with alumni at networking receptions, or receive information about graduate schools. Contact Katie Wohlman at katie.wohlman@lr.edu.

Alumni Association: Sign up to become a Bear for Life. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to your class gift, by designating it in memory or in honor of someone special. Contact Cheryl Abee at lru.director@alumni.lr.edu.

Graduates will assemble promptly at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 13 in the 2^nd Floor Boardroom on the LR Asheville Campus (two hours before the ceremony). At this time, graduates will check-in and be given instructions about the procession and ceremony. Graduates are shuttled to Vance Monument to line up for the processional. A shuttle will be available to take you back to campus after the reception, starting at 1:00 pm.

Processional: For our graduates, the ceremony will start at Vance Monument with a procession down Biltmore Avenue to The Orange Peel. Graduates will form a single line in alphabetical order by degree program. Master’s graduates are to wear tassels on the left side and carry hoods over one arm.
The faculty marshal will lead the procession from the Vance Monument to The Orange Peel. Graduate should remain standing once you reach your reserved seats until instructed to sit. If you would rather skip the procession, please let us know beforehand (email sara.landry@lr.edu) and meet us at The Orange Peel no later than 10:50 am.

Personal Dress: Graduates should wear clothing appropriate for a significant occasion.

Hooding and Conferring of Degrees: You will be directed to the stage (with your hood), row by row. When your name is read your program advisor will place the hood on you. You will then move to your left across the stage to receive your diploma. Continue across to shake hands with the President of the University and other dignitaries. Exit via the back of the stage and return to your seat.