Dear Graduates,
We are excited to host you and your guests at the Commencement events in December. You have worked so hard for this moment, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate with you. Below are the details as we have them at this time. Changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Please let us know if you have any questions.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
COMMENCEMENT VS. GRADUATION – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Commencement and graduation are two different processes and sometimes the terms can be used interchangeably
Commencement is a ceremony, held twice annually at LCCW in June and December, that honors graduating students who can invite their friends and family to support and celebrate their accomplishments. Students may be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony prior to completing all of their graduation requirements.
Graduation is the process by which the student’s degree is conferred, following the completion of all academic and clinical requirements for the degree. Students can graduate at the end of every quarter. The Registrar’s Office evaluates student progress and verifies that all degree requirements have been completed before conferring the degree and ordering the diploma. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not award a degree.
Graduate Packet Pickup – Students will be notified via email approximately in week 6 or 7 of fall quarter. Packets include name cards, announcements & tickets.
Gown Pick Up – Students will be notified via email approximately in week 8 or 9 of fall quarter.
MANDATORY REHEARSAL
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Standard Process Assembly Hall
CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
Mix & Mingle with Faculty, Staff & Administration
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Drs. Sid & Nell Williams Courtyard
AWARDS DINNER
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Standard Process Assembly Hall
5:00 PM – SPAH doors open
5:30 PM – Dinner
6:00 PM – Program begins
Minimum of 3 tickets
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Friday, December 8, 2023
Time – 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Location: Standard Process Assembly Hall
2:30 – 3:30PM – Gowning in the gymnasium. Please be on time!
3:00PM – SPAH doors open
3:30PM – Start lining up
4:00PM – Commencement begins (90 minutes)
Minimum of 5 tickets
Ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends. The livestream link can be found on the Life West website on the day of commencement.
Things You Should Know
REHEARSAL: Commencement rehearsal is where you’ll be given instructions for Friday’s Commencement Ceremony and we’ll be able to answer any questions you may have.
TIC AWARDS: At rehearsal, you will be given awards to honor your guests who have supported you during your time in the program. You will be presenting these awards to your guests that same evening (at dinner). Additional TIC Awards may be requested at the rehearsal.
CO-PRESENTING: Graduates who have indicated a family member (DC) who will be co-presenting will receive additional instructions for the Commencement ceremony. Please email Mimi Swe at aswe@lifewest.edu the name, relationship & where they practice (city and state) no later than November 30, 2023.
GOWN-UP: Graduates will meet in the gymnasium to “gown up” by 2:30 pm.
SEATING: Commencement Ceremony guest seating with tickets begins at 3:00 pm and the Awards Dinner guest seating with tickets begins at 4:30 pm. Each event will be 90 minutes long.
OVERFLOW: The Overflow Room will be equipped with a live feed for guests with children and no tickets. It will be located in room 161.
GOWN RETURN: Students will return their gowns in the gymnasium immediately following the Commencement Ceremony on Friday.
Contact Mimi Swe at Mimi Swe if you have any questions.