Lehigh University:

     

Each year, Lehigh University hosts a Commencement weekend in May for undergraduate and graduate students.  Family and friends are encouraged to share in this celebration, which marks the culmination of their student's Lehigh academic career.

140th Spring Commencement Weekend
Sunday, May 18, and Monday, May 19, 2008

Click here to read about the commencement speaker, William J. Amelio '79.

Student assembly and processional instructions

Schedule of Events

Sunday, May 18

Doctoral Degree Candidate Hooding Ceremony
All doctoral candidates who have completed their requirements by April 30th may participate in this ceremony. The 2:00 p.m. ceremony will be held in Baker Hall, located in the Zoellner Arts Center. Candidates are welcome to invite friends and family members. No tickets are required.

Candidates are requested to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. and check-in at the University Events table. Due to the processional format late arrivals cannot be accommodated. A reception will be held in the Butz Lobby immediately following the Hooding Ceremony. Candidates will receive a special letter of invitation.

Baccalaureate Service

The speaker for the service will be Tenzin Robert Thurman.

At 4:00 p.m., a Baccalaureate Service will be held at Packer Church. The Baccalaureate Service is non-denominational.  Students do not need to dress in academic regalia and no tickets are required. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour.

Monday, May 19

General Information
Guests should plan to arrive and be seated no later than 9:30 a.m. to prevent traffic delays. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

General parking is available on Goodman Campus in the lots adjacent to Stabler Arena. Parking attendants will direct cars to parking areas that are located approximately 300 yards from the stadium.

Individuals who require special parking or seating due to a disability can be accommodated. Additionally, shuttle service is available from the Stabler Arena handicapped parking area to the stadium. For information regarding handicapped parking, seating or the shuttle service, please contact the Office of University Events at (610) 758-3898 or stb9@lehigh.edu.

Students from Lehigh’s four colleges will receive their diplomas at this ceremony. For the benefit of all graduates and their families, please demonstrate courtesy by remaining in your seat for the entire ceremony. NOTE: Access to the stadium field will not be permitted during the ceremony. Cell phones should be turned off during the ceremony. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted in Goodman Stadium.

Immediately following the ceremony, all graduates and their guests are invited to attend a Graduates’ Reception. The reception tents (for each college) will be located on the south side of Goodman Stadium.

Roses
The roses can be picked up before the ceremony (8:45am - 10:00am) at Goodman Stadium, while helping local victims of crime. All proceeds benefit the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, a non-profit agency providing healing and hope to victims of violence. Click here to order online, print the order form here or call the Crime Victims Council at (610) 437-6610.

Photographs
Chappell Studios is the official photographer for Lehigh University’s Commencement Ceremony. Chappell photographers will take pictures of each student as he/she receives a congratulatory handshake on the stage. Proofs and order forms will be mailed to the permanent residence of the student. Please direct any questions regarding Commencement photographs to Chappell Studio at 1-800-247-3435. View their website at www.chappell.com.

Severe Weather Plan
Graduation will be held outdoors rain or shine in Goodman Stadium. Guests may want to bring sunglasses, hats, ponchos, raingear, stadium cushions, and comfortable shoes.

In the event of extreme weather conditions that threaten personal safety (such as a severe thunderstorm, lightning, or tornado), two abbreviated indoor ceremonies will be conducted in Stabler Arena as follows:

10:00 a.m. College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education

2:00 p.m.   P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science and College of Business and Economics

Degrees will be conferred en masse. Diplomas will be distributed in the Rauch Field House after the ceremony.

No tickets will be required.

The decision to move the ceremony will be determined by President Alice Gast, Senior Class President and the University Marshal. The decision will be made by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.

For weather information, call the University Hotline (610) 758-NEWS or visit www.lehigh.edu.

Commencement Requirements
1.Submit an application for a degree to the registrar’s Office on or before the due date.
2. Register for enough credit-hours to graduate
3. Settle due accounts with the bursar’s Office (bring picture ID) on or before the due dates.