Stay in the know! Check this website and your emails frequently for new and updated information.

Graduate Registration

Look for a Graduate Registration email in March to create a MarchingOrder login. The registration will allow you to confirm items such as how your name appears in the Commencement program, your major(s)/minor(s), and provide a phonetic spelling or even record a name pronunciation. 

All graduates must confirm their participation in the May 13 Commencement by completing the MarchingOrder Commencement Registration. 

Commencement Tickets

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

Each graduate may request up to five electronic guest tickets through the online Graduate Registration, MarchingOrder.  Graduating seniors will receive an email with information in March to obtain their tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket to enter. 

A limited number of extra tickets may be requested through the Graduate Registration. Information about extra tickets will be announced in April. Sorry, there is no ticket waitlist. 

Graduate Regalia

Pre-order and pay later deadline is March 10.
Graduates must purchase a cap and gown for the Commencement Ceremony.  Cost is $42.98 plus tax and additonal fees. Purchase your cap and gown after March 10 at the F&M College Store.  

Diplomas

Graduates will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. Graduates will be directed to the F&M Diploma pick-up location following the Commencement Ceremony. Please contact the Registrar's Office for questions about diplomas. 

International Graduates (F-1)

Visit the F&M International Graduate intranet site (Google) for more information about various grad resources such as post graduation, applying for work authorization,  changing your immigration status, and more.  

Commencement Seating

Commencement main doors to the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center open to guests at 8:30 a.m. 

Seating is first come, first serve, and seating may not be reserved. Tickets are electronic and individually numbered but not associated with any seating assignment. 

Graduates will be seated by alphabetical order with their College House. College Houses will be announced in the following order: Weis, Roschel, Brooks, Ware, Bonchek. 

Virtual and On-Demand Access

A virtual live broadcast will be available online here. An on-demand recording of the ceremony will also be available beginning May 24, 2023. 

A virtual live broadcast is available at the Ann & Richard Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. No ticket is required to enter the auditorium. 

Overnight Accommodations

Graduates are permitted to remain in their on-campus residences through Commencement. All students must check out from their on-campus residences by 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 14. Graduates living in off-campus residences may follow their lease arrangements. 

If making reservations for lunch following the ceremony, we recommend making your reservation for 1:30 p.m. or after to allow time to enjoy the post-commencement reception with faculty. Visit Staying and Dining in Lancaster for more information.

Graduate Photos

A professional photographer will take a photo of you receiving your diploma from President Altmann on stage and a candid photo off stage. These photos are available for purchase following the ceremony. An email will be sent to your F&M email account the week after Commencement. 

Graduation professional headshots are also available at the F&M Grad Fair, Wednesday, March 29. Schedule your photo session by visiting the Grad Fair website.

Don’t forget the great F&M photo locations around campus such as the Old Main Building or the Lex et Lux archway. 

Graduate Parking

Graduates are recommended to park in their already designated parking areas. Due to additional friends and family visiting on Commencement Saturday, graduates are not to drive or park at the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center. Visit the Commencement Parking Information for more details. 

Graduate Eligibility

Graduate eligibility and graduate honors may be reviewed by visiting F&M Academics & Registrar.  Degrees are conferred three times each year: at the annual Commencement ceremony following the spring semester, at the end of August, and at the end of January.  Seniors who are close to completion of graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester may apply with the Registrar’s Office to participate in the Commencement ceremony.