Commencement

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 are required for admission to the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center for the Commencement ceremony.

Each graduate is eligible to reserve a maximum of five (5) guest ceremony tickets. All graduates must complete their Tassel graduate registration by April 1, even if they do not intend to participate in the ceremony. Tassel is the designated platform for graduate registration, where students can confirm their participation in the ceremony and reserve their ceremony guest tickets.

The determination and announcement regarding the availability of additional ceremony guest tickets will be made after the registration deadline of April 1, once all graduates have completed their registration.

Family and friends are also welcome to join and support the graduates during the Lux et Lex Walk for the Class of 2025.

Commencement main doors open to guests at 8:30 a.m. 

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.

A shuttle service will operate continuously beginning at 8 a.m. from the Thomas H. Armstrong Blvd. and W. Liberty Street lots on the day of the ceremony. 

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.

There are several hotels near campus, including our hotel and bed and breakfast partners that offer a special rate for F&M visitors. We recommend making reservations early as overnight accommodations tend to book up quickly.

Lancaster is also home to more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world.

Join the On-Campus Viewing Party

Attend the live broadcast viewing party of the ceremony at F&M's Ann & Richard Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. It’s a great option for guests needing flexibility and comfort and for those who will be on campus but do not have a ticket. Although no tickets are needed for the viewing party, we encourage you to arrive early; seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Stream the Ceremony Online

Want to celebrate from afar? Check out the livestream on the Commencement website and enjoy the ceremony from the comfort of your own space. The ceremony will begin streaming at 9:30 a.m.

You can view the Ceremony at your convenience after May 10 by watching the on-demand recording. The recording will be available on the Commencement website starting Wednesday, May 14. Feel free to watch or rewatch any parts of the ceremony that you enjoy anytime.