Information for Family, Friends & Visitors
144th Spring Commencement Weekend
Sunday, May 20, and Monday, May 21, 2012
Where is graduation held?
When should family and guests arrive for graduation?
When should students arrive for graduation?
Do I need tickets to get in?
What happens if it rains?
Where should I park?
Is there seating available for the handicapped?
How should I dress?
Are refreshments available?
Will there be photographs available of students after the ceremony?
How long does the ceremony last?
What other events are going on Commencement weekend?
How can I purchase graduation announcements?
Are there places to stay in the area?
How is the Commencement Speaker selected?
How do I order roses for my graduate?
Will the ceremony be videotaped?
Still need help?
Where is graduation held?
Graduation will be held in Goodman Stadium on Lehigh’s Goodman Campus. In case of severe weather, please call (610-758-NEWS) to find out whether Commencement is in the severe weather plan.
When should family and guests arrive for graduation?
The gates to Goodman Stadium, on Lehigh’s Goodman Campus, open at 8:45 a.m. We strongly encourage you to arrive early to avoid traffic backups and parking delays.
When should students arrive for graduation?
Graduating students should arrive at Goodman Stadium no later than 8:45 a.m. to receive their processional cards and be lined up. They should check in at the registration tables set up on the southeastern side of the stadium.
Do I need tickets to get in?
Tickets are not required for admission to the graduation ceremony in Goodman Stadium.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of severe weather, there will be two ceremonies in Stabler Arena. The first ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m.for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education. The second ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. for the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Business and Economics. Please call (610) 758-NEWS on Commencement Day for further details.
Where should I park?
Parking for Commencement will be next to Stabler Arena on Lehigh’s Goodman Campus. No one will be allowed into the tailgating area behind Goodman Stadium.
For handicapped parking, please email your name, address and phone number to stb9@lehigh.edu. Please note if you have a wheelchair. Parking passes will be mailed two weeks before the ceremony. No reservations will be taken after May 1.
Is there seating available for the handicapped?
Special bleacher sections are reserved for handicapped seating. Faculty ushers will be available for assistance. For further details, please contact the Office of University Events at (610) 758-3898 or stb9@lehigh.edu.
How should I dress?
Please keep in mind that Commencement will be held in a football stadium so bring your creature comforts. Hats to shield your head from the sun, sunglasses, stadium cushions, etc. are recommended. In the event of rain, bring your umbrella and rain gear. High heels are not recommended.
Are refreshments available?
Water stations will be located throughout the stadium and under the graduates’ chairs. The ceremony typically runs from 10:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. so don’t skip breakfast. For your convenience, concession stands will also be open.
Will there be photographs available of students after the ceremony?
A photographer from Chappell Graduation Images will be at the ceremony to take a candid photo of each student during their moment of recognition. Within 5 to 7 days of the ceremony, each student will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo. You may order online at www.gradimages.com or call (800) 424-3686. Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony
How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony should last until approximately 12:45 p.m. There is a reception for all graduates and their families immediately following the ceremony under the tents adjacent to the front gates. For those making dinner reservations after the ceremony, allow yourself enough travel time and anticipate traffic delays.
What other events are going on Commencement weekend?
At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2012 a Pre-Baccalaureate champagne reception will be held for seniors and the parents of seniors who have donated to their class gift. The event will be hosted under the tent next to the STEPS building. A check presentation to the Board of Trustees will take place. The reception lasts approximately one hour. For additional information please contact Lauren Dow at 610.758.3027 or lauren.dow@lehigh.edu.
How can I purchase graduation announcements?
Pre-printed and personalized announcements are available through the Lehigh University Bookstore. To order or to find out more about the different graduation announcement options, please contact the bookstore at (610) 758-3375 or shm0@lehigh.edu
Are there places to stay in the area?
For assistance with making hotel reservations, you may contact Lehigh’s official travel agency, Travel Leaders at (866) 502-1924.
Or check out the university's Local Activities & Resources for a complete listing of accommodations, regional information and highlights to make the most of your visit to Lehigh University.
How is the Commencement Speaker selected?
The Commencement Speaker Nominations Committee, representing undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff, receives nominations from the campus community and alumni and then reviews the submissions in order to provide a list of recommended speakers to the president, who makes the final decision.
How do I order roses for my graduate?
College graduation is an achievement worthy of a special celebration. Honor your graduate's commencement with a beautiful bouquet of roses. They are available in dozens and half dozens, presented to you gift boxed, along with a gift card with your personal message. All proceeds benefit the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, a non-profit United Way agency. Click here to order online, or here to print an order form.
Will the ceremony be videotaped?
This Commencement event is being recorded and will be streamed online the day of the event. Your attendance at Commencement will indicate your consent for streaming and the appearance of your image in any footage, including the use of the recording for future purposes. The ceremony is being recorded for web streaming purposes only and is not commercially available.
Still need help?
E-mail University Events at
stb9@lehigh.edu or call (610) 758-3898.