Frequently Asked Questions

Who made the decision to move Commencement indoors?

The Commencement Committee, consisting of faculty and staff from across the University, was tasked with evaluating the structure of last year’s Commencement Weekend and developing potential alternatives that would address the feedback from students, their families, and faculty and staff.The committee reviewed multiple on- and off-campus scenarios for this year’s weekend, with a focus on maintaining as much La Salle tradition as possible while also considering the ability of students and their families to make timely travel and celebration arrangements.

The Cabinet reviewed the Committee’s recommendations and their work resulted in a new approach for this year’s Commencement Weekend.

Why was the decision made to move Commencement indoors and all on one day?

There was a significant amount of feedback surrounding the fact that this past year’s Commencement fell on Mother’s Day.  Some families had difficulty making hotel reservations in the city.   Restaurants could not accommodate guests’ reservations on Mother’s Day.

Inclement weather forced us to resort to our contingency plan which split the ceremony in two and move both inside.  The change in schedule significantly disrupted the travel and celebration plans for students and their families.

By having the ceremony take place indoors, students, families, faculty and staff can plan accordingly in advance for commencement.  Guests have stated that they had a better experience indoors because they can see their graduates better on the indoor video screens, sound system is better indoors, and additional indoor restrooms are located in the TruMark Center vs. outdoors.  The commencement ceremony will be shorter for graduates and guests because each ceremony will have fewer graduates so the calling of names is expedited.

The Commencement website (lasalle.edu/commencement) will be updated in the coming weeks with more detailed information and targeted communications will continue to be released to students and families throughout the year.

What is the Commencement fee that is charged to graduates used for?

The graduation fee is a one-time fee charged to all degree applicants and is payable prior to graduation. The fee is nonrefundable. This fee covers the cost of degree audits and evaluations, and the diploma; it is not related to regalia, ceremony costs or attendance.

All regalia must be purchased through Herff Jones, or at the La Salle Outpost after Herff Jones’ pre-order deadline.  If regalia is pre-ordered it will be available to be picked up at the La Salle Outpost at our annual Grad Fair.  We will also have representatives from areas across the university available on that day to answer any questions related to Commencement activities or opportunities after graduation.

Since all of the ceremonies are indoors, will tickets be required?

Yes, tickets will be required for all ceremonies. The number of tickets available per student will be determined once the final number of eligible graduates is available.  No less than 4 tickets will be available per student and will be sent electronically.  Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.  Both a simulcast and webcast of each ceremony will be available.

If any guests require special assistance, a request must be made through the Accessibility page on the Commencement website.

What is the Simulcast?

On Saturday, May 9^th, all ceremonies will be simulcast in the Dan Rodden Theatre (located in the Union) and the Founders’ Hall Auditorium for guests who do not have a ticket to the ceremony. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

What is the Webcast?

The webcast is a service for graduate’s families that are unable to attend the ceremonies in person; the University will stream a LIVE broadcast of each ceremony via the internet.