Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate or mark the completion
of college work. Graduation is receiving the diploma
upon completion of all degree requirements. NOTE: Applying
for graduation does NOT indicate you plan to participate
in a commencement ceremony.
What time does the ceremony begin?
6 p.m. on Saturday May 10, 2008
What time should we get there?
Doors open at 5 p.m. Commencement begins at 6 p.m.
Where will commencement be held?
Illinois State University, Center for Performing Arts
Where is the Center for Performing Arts?
From Interstate 55 Exit 165 (Normal-Business 51). Go south
on Main Street. Turn left onto Beaufort Street. Turn on School Street and park in the parking garage. The Center for Performing Arts is across from the parking garage.
Where should we meet our student after the ceremony?
Make arrangements to meet in the Center for the Performing Arts lobby.
Where should we park?
Parking is available to guests and graduates in the parking garage to the
east of the Center for the Performing Arts.
What do I need to do to participate in Commencement?
All students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk
across the stage in their commencement ceremony must
register to participate by completing the Graduation
Information form at the Grad Fair on April 16, 2008. Forms are available
at the Advising Center.
In order to WALK in the ceremony, you must complete the
Graduation Information form. Graduation Information form - PDF 107 KB
Do I need to pay a fee for commencement participation?
No, there is no fee for participating in commencement.
In addition graduates are provided a keepsake cap and
gown.
Where do I return the Graduation Information form?
The Graduation Information form can be returned either
by mail or dropped off.
Mailing Address:
Lincoln College
Commencement
715 W. Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Drop-off Location:
Academic Building Front Desk
Can I participate in commencement even if I have not completed
my degree requirements?
Lincoln College - Normal students may participate in commencement
if they are within 7 credit hours of completing their degree.
When will I receive instructions about what to do the
day of the ceremony?
Students will receive final instructions with their cap
and gown.
Who sends out diplomas?
The Registrar in Normal, Illinois. Diplomas are mailed 10 to 12 weeks after the degree is
conferred.
Where do graduates pick up their caps and gowns?
At the Grad Fair in the Advising Center, April 16, 2008.
Is there a particular tassel color for each college?
No. Associate degree students wear purple tassels and Bachelor
degree students wear purple and white tassels.
Where would graduates obtain announcements?
LCN provides five graduation announcements free
of charge to graduating students. They can be picked
up at the Grad Fair, April 16, 2008.
Is there a limit on the amount of guests I can bring?
No, the Center for Performing Arts has adequate seating for families
and guests. Tickets are not required.
If a graduate or guest needs disability accommodations,
whom should they call?
Commencement Coordinator at (309) 268-4302. Lincoln College-Normal, in conjunction with Illinois State University, provides accessible entrances and seating for commencement.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony should last about 1 - 1 ½ hours.
Where do I get my honor cord?
Honor cords will be provided at the Honor Ceremony to
those students who are graduating with honors. For Associate
degree
students, "with honors" is defined by having a cumulative
grade point average between 3.50 and 4.0. For Bachelor
degree students, summa cum laude is classified as a 3.90
to 4.00 GPA. The GPA range for magna cum laude is 3.70
to 3.89. The cum laude range is 3.50 to 3.69.
Am I required to participate in Commencement to receive
my diploma?
No, diploma covers are presented during the Commencement
Ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to everyone who has met requirements
about 10-12 weeks later.
How do I get a diploma cover if I don't participate in
Commencement?
Contact the Registrar at (309) 268-4356.
What time should guests start to arrive for Commencement?
The doors open one hour before the ceremony begins.
What happens if the weather is bad the day of Commencement?
We suggest people listen to the local radio and television
stations for cancellation information. If there is a
cancellation due to inclement weather, the Commencement
Ceremony will not be rescheduled.
Questions?
Call (309) 268-4302 or e-mail szimmerman@lincolncollege.edu.
Updated 2/14/08