Letter from Graduation Committee: Congratulations and Senior Survey 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Letter from Graduation Committee: Congratulations and Senior Survey 2

Schedule of Commencement Events 3

Important Information for Graduation Candidates 4

Applying for Graduation; In Absentia Graduates; Commencement

Packet:Commencement Attire, Announcements, and Tickets;

CommencementPacketPick-up for Scranton, Hazleton, Honesdale,

andTowanda Graduation Candidates; Student Accounts; Financial Aid

Commencement Events 5

Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony;Chi Alpha Epsilon

Induction Ceremony; Awards Dinner; Athletic Banquet;

Graduation Rehearsal/Ceremony

Commencement Day 8

Graduation Breakfast; Class Photo; Commencement Ceremony;Alumni Association Reception

General Information 10

Location of LackawannaCollege and the Scranton Cultural Center;

Arrival Times, Entrance toLackawannaCollege, and Parking;

Distribution of Diplomas; Seating ofGuests and Special

Accommodations; Alumni Association Message

Frequently Asked Questions 11

Additional Tickets; Conclusion ofCeremony;Photographs;

Hotel Reservation Information

Graduation Announcements to Newspapers 12

News Announcement Sample 13

Directions to LackawannaCollege 14

LackawannaCollege Campus Map 16

Diagram of Scranton Cultural Center Seating 17

DVD Order Form 18

Commencement Checklist 19

Spring, 2008

Dear Seniors:

Congratulations! Barring any last-minute complications, the hard work and sacrifice you willingly devoted to your studies over the past several years are about to culminate in the formal conferral of your Associate’s degree or certificate. This will occur at Commencement, on Sunday, May 18, when the President of the College will hand you the credential that will confirm your status as a graduate and your freedom to enjoy thereafter “all the rights and privileges” your degree or certificate brings.

This event is important not only to you and your families but also to the entire LackawannaCollege community. All its members look forward to celebrating with you not only Graduation Day itself but also each of the preliminary functions highlighting extra-curricular achievements. If you have qualified for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, if you have been nominated to an honors fraternity, participated in extra-curricular activities or have earned academic awards, you will certainly wish to take part in Awards Night on May 1st. If you are a student athlete, you will be sure to attend the Athletic Banquet on May 8th and receive recognition for your participation in the sports program.

Commencement starts the morning of May 18th with a special breakfast for all graduates and their families in the 3rd Floor Reception Hall. The ceremony follows in the Main Theater at the Scranton Cultural Center, with the class photo and line up at 12:30 p.m. and the procession beginning at 1:25 p.m. The day concludes with an informal reception at the CulturalCenter as graduates, families, faculty, administration, and staff share each other’s joy. Since a degree conferral is a “one-time only” event, you should make participation in all appropriate Commencement activities your principal priority for the days and times indicated.

Even though you will no longer attend classes after graduation, you will still maintain your ties to LackawannaCollege. As a member of the Alumni Association, you can take part in numerous social functions. If you decide to continue your education as a Baccalaureate candidate, you can assist our faculty and administration by keeping us apprised of your progress and offering insights on where or how we can do better. And, of course, as you advance in your profession, you should not hesitate to inform us of promotions, transfers, additional degrees or certifications, and other recognitions. Since your success is the best indicator of our educational effectiveness, we need to hear from you when we survey our alumni. You will receive survey forms at three-month, one year, and three-year intervals. Your cooperation in responding fully to each of these information requests will help us in our ongoing efforts to improve pre-professional studies and advising.

You have been, are, and will always remain important to us. For your family, friends, colleagues, and clients, “LackawannaCollege” is identified with you. You are, in essence, our best advertisement. We take pride in all you have done and all you will do.

Best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

LackawannaCollege

2008 Graduation Committee

LACKAWANNACOLLEGE

COMMENCEMENT EVENTS

(Complete Details on Pages 5 through 9)

Thursday, May 1, 2008

5:00 p.m. Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society Induction Board Room

6:00 p.m.Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Induction Mellow Theater

And Awards Night

Thursday, May 8, 2008

6:00 p.m.Athletic BanquetReception Hall

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

9:30 a.m. Academic Procession Line-up RehearsalMellow Theater

Graduation RehearsalScranton Cultural

Center

Sunday, May 18, 2008

11:00 a.m.Graduation BreakfastReception Hall

12:30 p.m.Class Photo (in cap and gown) Children’s Library

1:00 p.m.Academic Procession Line-upMellow Theater

1:25 p.m.Academic ProcessionMellow Theater

1:30 p.m.Commencement CeremonyScranton Cultural

Center

3:30 p.m.Alumni Association ReceptionBallroom of the

Scranton Cultural

Center

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

FOR ALL GRADUATION CANDIDATES

This commencement booklet contains important and detailed information for all graduation candidates. Please take the time to read over the entire document and feel free to contact the appropriate department with any questions you may have.

Applying for Graduation

If you have received this graduation information booklet, it is likely that your application for graduation is already on file with the Office of the Registrar. However, if you have not already submitted your application, contact the Registrar’s Office immediately. Application for graduation is only the beginning in a number of processes culminating in Commencement.

Candidates for graduation who learn there is a problem with fulfillment of their graduation requirements must contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible at 570-961-7816 to discuss options.

In Absentia Graduates

If you are not planning to attend the Commencement Ceremony, you must write a letter of explanation to the Academic Dean requesting permission to graduate in absentia. Please contact the Academic Dean’s Office at 570-961-7812 for more information.

Commencement Packet: Commencement Attire, Announcements, and Tickets

Each graduation candidate will receive a commencement packet that includes his/her commencement attire, announcements, and tickets. Commencement attire, including robe with cap and tassel, is required without exception. There is no cost for your graduation attire. Please remember that Commencement is a formal academic event, so

attire under your robe should be appropriate. Please wear shoes that will enable you to navigate steps and the stage safely and comfortably. You may wish to use hair pins to secure your cap. Plan to leave any personal carry items with your guests as there is no secure storage area.

You will also receive fivecommencement announcements and fivetickets to the Commencement Ceremony.

Commencement Packet Pick-up

Scranton Campus Graduation Candidates:

Scranton campus graduation candidates may pick up their commencement packets at the Lackawanna College Bookstore (570-961-1880) at the Main Campus during the week of May 5, 2008. Bookstore hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your commencement packet in person, please contact the bookstore directly to obtain shipping information.

Hazleton Graduation Candidates:

HazeltonCenter graduation candidates may pick up their commencement packets at the main office of theHazletonCenter (570-459-1573) during the week of May 5, 2008. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Honesdale Graduation Candidates:

HonesdaleCenter graduation candidates may pick up their commencement packets at the main office of theHonesdaleCenter (570-253-5408) during the week of May 5, 2008. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Towanda Graduation Candidates:

TowandaCenter graduation candidates may pick up their commencement packets at the main office of theTowandaCenter (570-265-3449) during the week of May 5, 2008. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Student Accounts

All account balances, including the late graduation application processing fee (if applicable), must be settled prior to graduation. Please contact the Business Office at 570-961-7834 with any questions.

Financial Aid

Financial aid that you borrow for higher education is often the key to a successful future, but it is also a serious obligation with specific responsibilities. It is important to remember that loans must be repaid. By handling your loan responsibilities correctly, you will build and maintain good credit. Before you graduate, regulations require that you attend an exit interview, so that the Financial Aid Office can explain your responsibilities. If you have not already done so, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 570-961-7859. If you plan to transfer between schools, and you maintain continuous enrollment, your loans can be deferred. Visit the Financial Aid Office of the college you will be attending for help. As you graduate, give yourself a big pat on the back. You’ve made it! And as you step out, remember that the secret to managing college loans is the same as it is for getting through finals. Prepare, and do your homework well in advance!

COMMENCEMENT EVENTS

Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Students who have been selected for inclusion in the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society should report to the Lackawanna College Board Room on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. promptly, for the induction ceremony. Only inductees will be allowed into the ceremony. However, photo opportunities will be available later that evening at the Awards Dinner. If you need additional information, please contact Karen Lloyd at 570-961-7873 or

Awards Night

The LackawannaCollege community takes pride in the outstanding achievement students have manifested during their years of study at the College. Awards Night brings together a number of second-year students who have earned recognition in various forms for exceptional academic performance or extra-curricular activity. The 2008 Awards Night is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st, at 6:00 p.m., in the College’s Mellow Theater. In the course of the evening’s program, President Raymond Angeli will commend students who have merited Act 101 or Student Service awards, and presenters will commend by name each student who has been inducted into our chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon Academic Honor Society and the Phi Beta Lambda Honor Society. An induction ceremony for all new members of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of the Two-YearCollege, will also be conducted. Formal invitations for Awards Night detailing the reservation process will be sent to invited students. If you would like more information, please contact Rachel Burnis at 570-961-7871 or .

Athletic Banquet

The Lackawanna College Spring Athletic Banquet will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m., in the College’s Reception Hall. This Spring Banquet will honor Lackawanna College’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cheerleading, golf and softball team athletes .The Winter Banquet, held in December, 2007, honoring football, cheerleading, cross country, soccer and volleyball athletes,was a great success. These banquets pay tribute to all LackawannaCollege athletes for their outstanding achievements as student-athletes, and are an enjoyable evening for parents and guests who acknowledge the athlete’s many accomplishments. Coaches pay tribute to their team members by presenting awards for Most Valuable Player in each sport as well as announcing scholarships for academic and athletic excellence. Invitations for the athletic banquets detailing the reservation process will be sent to athletes by the Athletic Department.

Graduation Rehearsal/Ceremony

Graduation rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, May 14th. Eligible graduates will gather in the Mellow Theateron the ground floor of the ScrantonCampusMainBuilding on 501 Vine Street at 9:30 a.m.

At the start, students will be given a brief survey to complete. The survey provides valuable outcomes data on the senior class and is used by the President as he prepares remarks for the Graduation Ceremony. At 10:00 a.m., students will be lined up for procession to the ScrantonCulturalCenteralphabetically by the degree they will be receiving. Two lines will be formed. These lines are divided as equally as possible. The order in which degrees are received is usually as follows but may be subject to change:

• Communications (includes Media Studies and Media Technology)
• Accounting
• Medical Office Assistant Studies
• Office Administration
• Paralegal Studies
• Banking
• Business Administration
• Business Administration – Sport Management
• Business Studies
• Computer Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Environmental Studies
• Human Services
• Liberal Studies
• Life Science
• Vascular Technology
• Paramedic Studies
• Certificate Programs

Dual majors are usually placed with graduates in the degree program which appears first on their diplomas.

As a rule, the first line of march (right side) usually ends half way through the Criminal Justice majors and the second line (left side) usually begins with the rest of the Criminal Justice majors.

After the line-up is complete, students will follow the two faculty marshals. One marshal leads each line, but the lines walk side by side. The marshals will exit the Main Building through the entrance on Vine Street, turn right on Vine Street, turn left onto North Washington Avenue, proceed down the Avenue, and enter the Scranton Cultural Center through its main entrance. Both lines will move through the lobby until they reach the rear of the theater. The marshals then direct students in the two lines to merge into a single file column as they process down the left center aisle toward their designated seats. Once all students are in their correct spots, they will remain standing until the rest of the procession, composed of faculty, administration, and the stage party, take their places. As soon as the stage party is on stage and in place, students may be seated.

Introductory remarks, the invocation, the National Anthem, welcome remarks, presentations, and various speeches follow. The presentation of degrees takes place near the end of the ceremony. It begins when the Dean asks students in each degree category (Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, etc.) to rise. The President will then officially confer the degrees earned. The marshals follow by leading students individually to the stage row by row. As each mane is announced, the graduate will walk to center stage where President Angeli will present the diploma with his left hand and offer a hand shake with his right. Each graduate then turns toward the audience. At this point, parents, family and friends are invited to take pictures. After a short pause, and with diploma in hand, the graduate will walk down the front steps of the stage, receive a rose from a faculty member, and return once again to his/her assigned row and seat.

After all graduates have received diplomas, the alumni message and benediction will be given. When the designated faculty member removes the mace from its stand on stage, the organist will begin to play the recessional. The stage party, the faculty, the administration, and the graduates will then exit the theater in order by way of theright center aisle. Graduates will continue out of the theater and proceed directly to the Ballroom for the Alumni Reception.

The Graduation Ceremony itself begins at 1:30 p.m. Students have the option of attending a graduation breakfast at 11:00 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Reception Hall. A group picture will be taken at the Children’s Library, located directly across the street from the MainBuilding, at 12:30 p.m. sharp. Graduates should gather in the Mellow Theater no later than 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call Mary Clare Gallagher, at 570-9961-7849 or e-mail .

COMMENCEMENT DAY

Graduation Breakfast

Members of the Class of 2008 are invited to attend our annual Graduation Breakfast on the morning of graduation. The breakfast is held in the Lackawanna College Reception Hall, located on the third floor of the main campus, beginning at 11:00 a.m. All graduates are invited at no cost as guests of the College. Family members and friends may purchase tickets, in advance, at an additional cost. However, seating is limited. Separate, detailed breakfast buffet and ticket reservation information has been included with this booklet. If you would like more information, please contact Pamela Dunning at (570)961-7836 or .

Class Photo

All members of the Class of 2008 are invited to take part in the annual class photo. At 12:30 p.m. on Commencement Day, the photo is taken on the steps of the Lackawanna County Children’s Library, located directly across the street from the main entrance of the main LackawannaCollege building on Vine Street. This photograph is a wonderful keepsake, and we encourage all members of the graduating class to take part. Please make every effort to be included by reporting to the Children’s Library (in cap and gown) no later than 12:15 p.m., on May 18th. All graduates will receive a copy of the class photo at no charge, and photographs will be mailed to graduates during the summer.

Commencement Ceremony