Lake Superior State University will hold the Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

This ceremony will recognize all fall 2023 graduates, winter 2023-24 graduates, spring 2024 candidates for graduation, and summer 2024 candidates for graduation.

Overview

• The ceremony will be held May 4, 2024, at 11 AM in the Taffy Abel Arena.

• Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person and no ticket is required to attend. The ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. A link to the livestream will be available closer to the event date.

• Please find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for further Commencement information.

Countdown to Commencement

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Cap and Gown Information

Items to be ordered:

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

Commencement Practice

Commencement Practice will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

  • Practice is approximately 1 hour.

Instructions For Procedure And Procession

  • Assembly
    • Candidates for graduation assemble in the Norris Center Bud Cooper Gymnasium at 10:30 am.
    • 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 stage 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024 in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

What time should I arrive for Commencement?

  • Please arrive between 10:00-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 and meet in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium. Commencement begins promptly at 11:00 a.m.

Is a professional photographer available?

  • An individual picture of you receiving your diploma and a “celebration” photo as you depart the stage will be taken by a professional photographer and may be purchased from them directly, if desired. 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.

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

Driving Directions

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.

Commencement Ceremony Location

Commencement is held in the Taffy Abel Arena.

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

Distinguished Teacher Reception

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

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, and coolers of any size.