Frequently Asked Questions

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Commencement FAQs

The ceremony is your celebration of academic success. As a college there are some things we need you and your guests to know so we have a safe and efficient event. Please use information below to assist in your planning efforts.

LWTech has two graduation ceremonies. The first ceremony is held by High School programs for high school enrolled students. The second ceremony is held for all graduates and is the only full ceremony offered by the college. The full, annual commencement ceremony is held in June and only June.

Sometimes events are unavoidable. If you have signed up to participate in the ceremony and then cannot attend the ceremony for whatever reason, you may attend the following year's ceremony. If you purchased a cap and gown package, communicate with the college bookstore to determine if it may be returned.

You do not need to contact the college to let them know you cannot attend the ceremony.

The college president will notify all college administrators to inform them of correct procedures to follow in case of an emergency resulting in ceremony cancellation.

LWTech is an drug- and alcohol-free college. No drugs or alcohol are allowed at this event. As with all college functions, the college's student conduct code will apply.

Unfortunately, no childcare is provided during the event. Please make arrangements for the care of your children, as they are not allowed in the dressing area. Additionally, strollers will not be allowed in the main hall. While convenient, they have are hazardous in the crowded hall.

Due to space restrictions and safety issues, strollers are not allowed in the main hall. Please make other arrangements for strollers.

There are no limits on the number of guests (friends and family of graduates) graduates may invite to the ceremony.

Only registered service animals are allowed in the Center. All animals must be on a leash and under the owner's control at all times while inside the facility. Non-service animals are not allowed in the Center. This is the Center's policy. For questions about service animals please contact the commencement planning committee.

Ceremony organizers cannot limit student's or guest's movement. However, leaving during the ceremony is often disruptive to other students and guests.

There is no restriction on what students may wear regarding regalia. However, all graduates are asked to wear the gown, hat, and tassel, and fully zip the gown.

No.

Currently, there are no lactation rooms available at the center.

No.

Sign language interpreters are scheduled to interpret throughout the event. If you need seating accommodation to effectively utilize interpreting services, please contact the Office of Student Life at (425) 739-8314.

Can I have a sign language interpreter with me at the event?

If you selected 'accommodation needed' on the registration form, the Office of Student Life will follow up with you about your request. All students may have an interpreter with them, if they need one. 

Contact Campus Public Safety. We ask that no valuables be left in dressing rooms during the ceremony as we cannot guarantee the safety of personal property.

If something is lost, it will be returned to the school and turned into lost and found in the Campus Public Safety office, East Building, E145.

Photography will be taking place at the commencement ceremony. By participating in the commencement ceremony you are agreeing to give Lake Washington Institute of Technology permission to photograph you and use the images for promotional purposes including, but not limited to, web, print, and social media.

The ceremony will be live streamed. An announcement to the college community will go out in June about the YouTube live and where to watch the ceremony. Please visit LWTech's social media sites to learn more.

Parking is available at the Meydenbauer Center and does cost money. If arriving late to attend the ceremony, parking will most likely be full. Other parking options are available in the area.

Transportation is not available to the Center. All graduates and guests must make their own arrangements to arrive at the Center.

We do not have the capacity to support a rehearsal. To learn more about the ceremony, visit the student information page.

The ceremony has four name readers. Each name reader confirms graduate name pronunciation before the graduate moves across the stage.

Yes.

Graduates will not receive the diploma at the ceremony. Instead, graduates will receive a diploma cover they may use when they receive their diploma. Graduates receive their diploma four to six weeks after their graduation date through the mail or by picking it up at the college. For questions about receiving your diploma please contact Enrollment Services via email.

No. This is due to issues with the fire alarm system.

The college asks guests to not bring noise makers. This is due to several issues that may impact small children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. 

No.

No. Graduates may chose to not shake the president's hand while moving across the stage. When moving to receive the diploma cover indicate to the president a handshake is not necessary.

No.

LWTech cares about graduate's privacy. Graduates are encouraged to consider the following so they are informed about whether or not they would like to participate in the ceremony:

  • Graduates will be shown on screen in a live feed that transmits to YouTube.
  • Graduate names will be read aloud as they move across the stage, which includes the academic program.
  • Following the ceremony, all graduate photos will be shared in an online, shared account to choose for printing.
  • College staff may take photos of individuals or the crowd and use them in marketing materials. If you find your photo in the College's marketing materials you may contact the marketing team to ask the photo be removed.
  • Graduate names will be posted to the online event program webpage and will include both the name and degree or certificate earned. This information will be available in this public format for several years.

You may alter your motarboard (graduation gown hat), but we ask that all decorations are lower than 1 inch. We ask that all messages are kept at a family friendly level.