Washington, D.C. Graduation
Graduation and Commencement Details
This commencement ceremony serves students who have completed academic requirements by the Dec or May graduation cycles. Here, you’ll find all the information you’ll need to prepare for your commencement ceremony. Share this link with your family and loved ones who may have questions about where to go and what time the festivities begin.
If you have any questions about which ceremony location or date to attend, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Commencement Service Held:
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Greater Saint John Cathedral, Upper Marlboro, MD
Get Directions
Commencement Speaker: Karen P. McNair, Dean of Calvary Bible Institute
Did You Apply for Graduation?
If you are planning on graduating in May, you must submit the Graduation Application by the deadline.
January 15
Have You Ordered Your Graduation Regalia?
Any one planning on participating in the May Commencement Ceremony must order your regalia by the deadline.
March 25
Quick Links
These are the media services available for streaming on graduation day and the video/photos will be uploaded a few working days after the event.
Ceremony Live-stream Link
Commencement Video Uploaded
Graduation Photos to Download
Graduation Events
Graduates, please take note of these details for the events of graduation.
- 8 a.m. Arrive/Check in
Graduates should arrive in proper attire (no jeans) and with regalia. We recommend that you wear light clothing, a suit jacket is NOT recommended with the gown, since it will be warm. - 8:15 a.m. MANDATORY Rehearsal for all graduates
Guests are encouraged to wait outside during rehearsal. - 9:30 a.m. Doors open to guests
There are no limits on the number of guests you may bring. Seating is first come, first serve. During this time, graduates will have the opportunity to use the restroom and freshen up prior to the processional. - 10 a.m. Commencement Ceremony
CHECKLIST – Am I ready for the Commencement Ceremony?
Before Ceremony Date – Have I…
- Confirmed my participation in the ceremony, degree and regalia details via email?
- Picked up my regalia [cap and gown]? (usually one week prior to ceremony)
- Tried on gown for sizing and steamed it?
- Packed dress clothes for the ceremony?
- Packed Bible to carry with me in the ceremony?
- Returned all books to the library?
- Taken care of holds on campus, e.g. chapel fines, library fines, tuition payment, etc.?
If you have any questions about graduation or holds, please email graduationreg@lbc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tickets required for the commencement ceremony guests?
Tickets are not required and there is no limit on number of guests.
COVID Restrictions
- Currently, masks are encouraged, but not required.
- There will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the church to utilize.
When and where do I pick up my cap and gown?
Regalia will be distributed to you prior to the ceremony; more details will be communicated as we get closer to May.
What time is rehearsal?
The mandatory rehearsal is at 8:30 a.m.
Am I required to attend rehearsal?
Yes. The rehearsal is required.
What time is the ceremony?
10 a.m.
What should I wear to the ceremony?
Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse, and men should wear a dress shirt and tie. It is a formal occasion, so no sandals or flip-flops.
We recommend that you wear light clothing, a suit jacket is NOT recommended with the gown, since it will be warm.
What is the GPA requirement for honors? When do I receive the honors?
Honors stoles will be given out at the awards event. The GPA range is: 3.50-3.74 for Cum Laude (red stole), 3.75-3.89 for Magna Cum Laude (white stole) or 3.90-4.00 for Summa Cum Laude (gold stole).
Will I keep my cap and gown? What do I need to return?
The regalia is yours to keep. When you pick up your packet of regalia, it should include your robe, your cap, a tassel with the graduation year, and where appropriate, the hood that marks your study area and degree level. Hoods are given for bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees.
Holds prevent me from receiving my actual diploma - How do I take care of a hold?
If you owe a fine at the library, if you have an academic requirement still to meet, or if you have a financial obligation related to tuition or fees, a hold is placed on your account. Holds prevent your diploma and transcripts from being released. To find out about any holds or to otherwise address them, please contact the Solution Center at 717.560.8254 or by email. The Solution Center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday.
When will I get my diploma?
If you have no holds on your account, diplomas will be sent to you electronically on the day of graduation and then a hard copy will be mailed to you within a couple of weeks of the ceremony.
Which ceremony should I attend? Where? When?
The graduation cycles for all locations occur every December, Spring/May, and August.
WHERE – You would attend the ceremony that takes place at the hub for your studies. For example, if you were an Online Accelerated student, your “hub” is Lancaster, PA. If you are a graduate level student who lives in Philadelphia, you would actually attend the Lancaster, PA ceremony because the ceremony in Philadelphia is for undergraduate degrees. If you took all of your studies through the Washington, D.C. location, you would attend the Washington, D.C. ceremony. If you have any questions about which ceremony location or date to attend, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
WHEN – Typically, you would attend the ceremony that coincides with or follows your actual academic completion date, i.e. after your last academic requirements are met. In some cases, if completion is imminent, students may walk in the preceding ceremony and receive their diploma by mail once all is complete. Here is an outline:
- Lancaster – May graduates walk in May. August and December grads walk in December.
- Washington, D.C. – May graduates walk in May. August graduates may walk in preceding or following May ceremony. December graduates would walk in following May ceremony.
- Philadelphia – June graduates walk in June. August graduates may walk in preceding or following May ceremony. December graduates would walk in following June ceremony.
If you have any questions about which ceremony location or date to attend, please contact the Registrar’s Office.