Commencement
2024 Midyear Completion Recognition & Reception
Franklin & Marshall College recognizes and celebrates students who complete their academic requirements mid-year. In honor of this achievement, the College will host the Midyear Completion Recognition on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. in the Ann and Richard Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. This annual recognition does not replace the formal commencement ceremony in May, but offers a special celebration for the mid-year graduates.
A casual reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the program in the Roschel Center for Performing Arts, Kreisel Lobby for students and their guests.
Graduates
Students who are on track to complete their graduation requirements this fall or winter are eligible to participate in the recognition ceremony. For inquiries regarding eligibility, please reach out to the Registrar's Office at registrar@fandm.edu or (717) 358-4168. Invited students are required to confirm their attendance by Monday, December 3 on Ampersand.
Diplomas
The Midyear Completion Recognition is a separate non-academic event and does not replace the annual Commencement Ceremony in May. Degrees will be officially awarded to midyear students on January 31st, and diplomas will be sent through mail to eligible graduates. To ensure correct delivery, students are advised to confirm their mailing addresses and degree completion with the Registrar's Office at registrar@fandm.edu.
All midyear students are encouraged to attend the 2025 Commencement Ceremony in May and can register for participation by completing the MarchingOrder graduate registration in March.
Family & Friends
The campus community is welcome to attend. While tickets are not needed, seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
238th Commencement
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Schnader Field House, Alumni Sports & Fitness Center
A celebration of the Class of 2025 and honorary citations.
Details about the Commencement ceremony will be shared here as they become available.
Contact commencement@fandm.edu for questions or additional information.
Schedule
Friday, May 9
10 a.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Ceremony
3 p.m. | Rehearsal for Graduating Seniors
All graduates participating in the in-person Commencement ceremony must attend the graduate rehearsal.
4 p.m. | Lux et Lex Walk
Graduating seniors walk the campus and pass under the Lux et Lex archway to signify
the beginning of alumni careers. Hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Family and friends are welcome to join and support the graduates during the Lux et
Lex Walk for the Class of 2025.
Saturday, May 10
8:30 a.m. | Ceremony Doors Open
9:00 a.m. | Graduate Check-in and Line-up
All graduates are to report to the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center at 9 a.m. for line-up.
10 a.m. | 238th Commencement for the Class of 2025
The 238th Commencement ceremony begins promptly at 10 a.m. in the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.
Tickets
Graduates can receive up to 5 guest tickets through the MarchingOrder graduation registration online portal. All guests aged three years and older should possess a ticket to enter, exit and re-enter the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center for the Commencement ceremony.
Graduates will receive information about their MarchingOrder account in March. Tickets are electronic (e-tickets) and are distributed to graduates via MarchingOrder in April.
Family and friends are also welcome to join and support the graduates during the Lux et Lex Walk for the Class of 2025.
Seating
Guest seating for the ceremony is general admission and set at ground level with plastic folding chairs. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Guests are required to remain in their seats throughout the program and are not allowed to gather along the fence areas.
The ceremony will commence promptly at 10 a.m. with an academic processional. There will be a seating hold during the academic processional at the beginning and end of the ceremony. The event is expected to last approximately two and a half hours.
Please refrain from bringing large posters, balloons, horns, or other large celebratory items into the seating areas. Food and beverages are not permitted.
Accessible Seating Accommodations
Attendees requiring extra assistance should plan ahead and arrive when doors open at 8:30 a.m. If additional support or comfort is desired, guests are welcome to bring a padded stadium seat.
Please note that wheelchairs are not provided by the College, so attendees needing assistance should bring their own. Aisles must be kept clear during the ceremony, and any walking aids should be stored safely away from seating areas. Ushers are on hand to offer support as needed.
Parking
Limited accessible parking spaces are available in Alumni Sports & Fitness Center's West Lot K. Accessible parking spaces are first-come, first-served for guests with state-issued accessible parking placards. A designated drop-off location near the entry doors is available. Please see a parking attendant for additional assistance.
Dining and Staying in Lancaster
Lancaster is also home to more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world.
Virtual and On-Demand Access
An indoor viewing of the virtual Commencement live stream is also available at the Ann & Richard Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. Tickets are not required. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
The virtual live broadcast of the ceremony will begin 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony on the F&M Commencement website.
An honorary degree is F&M’s highest honor presented to those who represent the F&M
mission through qualities of intellect, creativity, and character. One such individual
is chosen annually to serve as the commencement speaker.Honorary Degree & Commencement Speaker