Graduation
Guidelines for graduates
Louisiana Tech University does not hold rehearsals for commencement ceremonies. Here is some information for our graduates. If you have specific questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at Graduation@LATech.edu.
Show up wearing
You should be wearing your cap and gown. Men should wear a shirt and tie, with dark trousers underneath the gown. Women should wear a dress or pants suit with a blouse that has a collar that does not extend above the neckline of the gown. All undergraduate degree candidate tassels are worn on the right side of the cap. Don’t forget your tassel! At the appropriate time during the ceremony, the President will tell you to “…transfer your tassel from the right to the left side of your cap (mortarboard) indicating your status as a degree recipient…”. Candidates for the master’s degree will wear the appropriate hood for their academic discipline. Doctoral candidates will not wear their hood, as they will participate in a “doctoral hooding” ceremony on stage.
Note: Only those items approved for wear with the official university cap and gown (e.g. approved academic honor cords, stoles, shawls, or medals/pins) will be allowed in the processional and commencement exercise. Please, do not decorate your mortarboard. Your Dean will ask you to remove the decorations or replace the mortarboard before you will be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Tickets for guests
Tickets will not be required for the Commencement Ceremony.
What happens in the assembly areas
A university staff member or marshal will assign your position in the processional line-up (alphabetically within each degree type in each college) to assure proper order for the conferring of degrees onstage. Staff members will be present to assist with last-minute cap and gown adjustments or problems. Representatives from the Bookstore will also be available for assistance. Please don’t leave the assembly area once you are placed in your assigned area.
The procession of candidates
The two lines will be led into the arena to the graduate seating area. You will be directed to the proper seating by University Marshals. As you move into your aisle, be sure that no seats are left empty. Follow the Marshal’s directions in all cases. There is a seat for everyone.
If you need special accommodations, please make appropriate arrangements with Testing and Disability Services. TDS@latech.edu or 318.257.2969.
During the ceremony
The following are important points to remember during the ceremony:
- Men: remove mortarboards during the Invocation, singing of the National Anthem, singing of the Alma Mater, and the Benediction.
- Wait on the top stair of the stage until your name is called before stepping forward to receive your diploma cover.
- After crossing the stage, you will receive your Commemorative Medallion from your Dean at the top of the exit stairs.
- Staff members will then direct you backstage for an additional photograph.
- Staff members will next direct you to a table to collect your diploma packets, which will include photographer info, diploma(s), 3 programs, and any additional awards acquired.
- Return to the seating area and remain standing until your Dean directs your college to be seated.
- After the program, you will leave the seating area as directed by the Marshals.
After the ceremony
Immediately following the recessional, follow staff directions. You will be directed to an exit taking you upstairs to the exterior of the Thomas Assembly Center where you can join family, guests, and friends. Please do not reenter the Thomas Assembly Center.
General information
There are no storage areas for personal items such as purses or cameras, so plan accordingly. Do not bring these items with you!
Guests will not be allowed on the playing floor level before, during, or after the commencement ceremony. A professional photographer will take pictures as you receive your diploma cover and after you exit the stage. Your commencement package will contain instructions to contact the photographer via their website to view proofs and instructions for purchasing commencement photos.
Note: Official, degree-posted transcripts are available beginning the first working day following commencement. To order your official Louisiana Tech University transcript, you may order your transcript online. Any personal debts to the University must be cleared before an official transcript can be released.