Commencement

Lake Superior State University Will Hold The Annual Commencement Ceremony On Saturday, May 3, 2025.

This ceremony will recognize all fall 2024 graduates, winter 2024-25 graduates, spring 2025 candidates for graduation, and summer 2025 candidates for graduation.

Overview
  • The ceremony will be held May 3, 2025, in the Taffy Abel Arena.
  • Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person and no ticket is required to attend, seats are available on a first come first serve basis.
  • The ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. A link to the livestream will be available closer to the event date.
Safety and Security
  • To ensure everyone’s safety at Commencement, we will require that everyone go through a security checkpoint. Bags, purses, and other belongings of any size will be checked and you may be searched. If you elect not to consent to such searches, you will be denied entry to the event.
  • In addition, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the premises, including but not limited to
    alcohol; drugs; controlled substances; weapons; bags larger than 8.5 x 11 inches; coolers of any size;
    inflatable items such as beach balls, balloons, etc.; laser pointers; noise makers; banners; tobacco
    products; aerosol cans or spray cans; and projectiles or other potentially dangerous items.
Candidates for Graduation Coming Soon!

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Items to be ordered:

For more information, call the LSSU Bookstore at (906) 635-2645.

Commencement Practice will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Student Activity Center (SAC).

  • Practice is approximately 1 hour.
  • Assembly
    • Candidates for graduation assemble in the Student Activity Center (SAC).
    • Cap, Gown and Attire – The wearing of the cap is an essential part of the academic ceremony. Men should remove caps during the national anthems. Women wear their caps throughout the ceremony. The tassel should be worn right front prior to
      the conferral of degrees. At the time of conferral of degrees, the tassel will be moved to the left front side.
  • Order of Procession
    • Graduates will lead the academic procession, entering the arena first followed by faculty and the platform party.
  • Recessional
    • At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Honor Drummers will begin playing at which point the recessional will start, taking place in the following order:
      1. Platform Party
      2. Faculty
      3. Graduates

Will I be listed in the Commencement program?

  • To ensure your name is listed in the program, the Registrar’s Office should have received your Graduation Application prior to the start of spring semester. Please log on to My Degree Plan to verify your graduation application has been received.
    Make sure to watch your email for information from the Registrar’s Office regarding announcements.

How many guests may I bring?

  • There is no limit on the number of guests you can invite to commencement. Accessible seating (ADA) will be available on the second level between sections J and K.

Where do I purchase my cap and gown?

When is Commencement Practice?

  • Commencement Practice will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, May 2, 2025 in the Student Activity Center (SAC).

What time should I arrive for Commencement?

  • Please arrive between 10:00-10:30 am on Saturday, May 3, 2025 and meet in the Student Activity Center (SAC). Commencement begins promptly at 11:00 am.

Is a professional photographer available?

  • Personal photography will also be allowed during the ceremony. Those wishing to take photos should wait until you are in line to approach the stage before coming forward to take your picture.
  • GradImages is the professional photographers of Lake Superior State University
    Commencement graduates. An individual picture of you receiving your diploma and a
    “celebration” photo as you depart the stage will be taken and may be purchased directly from
    GradImanges.
  • GradImages will send communication to your LSSU email regarding your photos. Photo proofs
    will be sent out about 5-7 days after the ceremony by GradImages. For questions regarding your
    photos, please contact GradImages.
  • LSSU photographers will also be on sight for fun interactive photos while you are checking-in or
    lining up.

What Commencement accessories can be worn?

  • Cords – Students may wear as many cords as have been awarded – no limit.
  • Medallions – Medallions will only be worn by students earning Summa Cum Laude.
  • Stoles – Students may wear a single stole.

For more information, call the Registrar’s Office at (906) 635-2682 or email [email protected]

From United States:

Sault Ste. Marie is conveniently located at the northernmost end of I-75; travel on I-75 to exit 394 (the last before Canadian toll bridge), the Easterday Avenue exit. After exiting, turn right on Easterday Avenue and continue to the first stoplight; turning left at this light will take you through LSSU’s main entrance and to visitor parking. Turn left at the stop sign for Lot K (next to Cisler Center) and Lot E (behind Cisler Center).

From Canada:

Cross the International Bridge and immediately after the toll booths exit to your right. At the stop sign, turn left onto Eureka Street. When you reach the intersection, turn left onto the overpass and continue on this road (Easterday Avenue) until you reach the first stoplight; turning left at this light will take you through LSSU’s main entrance and to visitor parking.

Area Hotels/Motels/Dining Guide

Commencement Ceremony Location

Commencement is held in the Taffy Abel Arena.

For more information, call the Provost Office at (906) 635-2211 or email [email protected]

A reception for the Distinguished Teacher recipient will be held in Considine Hall immediately following Commencement.