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Graduation

Students must apply to graduate from Lee University. Upon receipt of the Graduation Application, the student's academic and non-academic file will be reviewed to ensure completion of all requirements. The Graduation Application is in Portico Self Service and Graduation Overview. Students can find additional graduation information in Portico under University Services and the University Catalog.

Are you interested in ordering graduation announcements, graduation rings, or jewelry? Jostens is Lee University’s official graduation affiliate. Go to www.jostens.com to view the graduation items that they offer.

The number of guest tickets each graduate receives is determined after the Official Candidate List is released. Students will receive an email from the Graduation Office approximately four weeks prior to Graduation Weekend, with the number of guest tickets they will receive. If necessary, there will be a secondary venue available for guests who do not receive a ticket. The ceremonies will be live-streamed in the secondary venue. Guest tickets will be given to the graduating students during graduation rehearsal.

The following resources are available for all guests with disabilities:

Handicap Parking:
Lots will be located close to each venue. Campus Security will be available to help direct guests to these lots.

Accessible Seating:
Accommodations are available at all ceremonies. Guest seating will pause 15 minutes before the start of each ceremony to accommodate the processional. Guests should plan to find seats thirty minutes before the start of each ceremony.

For your convenience, listed below are various medical centers that offer rental opportunities of medical equipment. 

Medical Center Compounding Pharmacy and Health Center
2401 North Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN (423) 476-5548

Bradley Medical Equipment
1800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN (423) 472-4300

Cherokee Pharmacy of Cleveland
1690 25th Street NW, Cleveland, TN (423) 559-3000

Lee University provides childcare at the Early Learning Center (ELC) for children six weeks old up to four years of age. The Early Learning Center is located next to the School of Nursing and School of Business. Childcare will open 30 minutes before the start of student line-up and doors opening for guest seating. To reserve childcare space for the Winter 2023 graduation ceremonies, please complete the Graduation Childcare Form.

Photography

Lee University Photography provides official graduation photography services. Portraits are taken of all graduates on stage as they receive their diploma. Cap and Gown Portraits are also available after the Commencement Ceremony.

Photos may be viewed at www.leeuphotos.smugmug.com. For more information, please contact the Office of Publications by phone at (423) 614-8627 or email publications@leeuniversity.edu.

Videos

Videos of the graduation ceremonies may be accessed through the following resources:

• For 2015-present Graduation Ceremonies:
  • Live Stream: live video stream of the upcoming ceremonies may be viewed on: leeu.live.
  • Vimeo: Videos of the Commissioning, Commencement and Hooding ceremonies may be imbedded or downloaded off of Vimeo via Lee University’s page, vimeo.com/leeuniversity. See your graduation program for the release date.
• For 2013-2014 Graduation Ceremonies:
  • YouTube: Videos of the Commissioning, Commencement and Hooding ceremonies may be imbedded or downloaded off of YouTube via the following link: youtube.com/user/leeuniversity/playlists
• For 2009-2012 Graduation Ceremonies:
  • iTunes: Videos of the Commissioning and Commencement ceremonies may be downloaded free of charge from iTunes. Search “Lee University Graduation,” and select any of the ceremonies you wish to download.

The Commissioning Ceremony on Friday and the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday are two distinct events. The students and faculty march wearing regalia for both ceremonies, but the content and purpose of each ceremony is different.

The Commissioning Ceremony is a special time for students and their families. Student speakers (undergraduate and graduate) will share their Lee University stories. Also, each graduate will cross the stage to receive a personalized Bible - a gift from Lee University. After the ceremony, which lasts approximately 1 and 1/2 hours, a reception (no cost and non-ticketed) is provided for graduates and their guests.

The Commencement Ceremony on Saturday morning is the official conferral of degrees and recognition of academic achievement. Each graduate will cross the stage and be congratulated by the President as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs recognizes each student by name.

The Hooding Ceremony is specifically for students completing their master’s, educational specialist, or doctoral degrees and their guests. Graduating students will speak, and each student will cross the stage to be hooded by their Graduate Program Director and Academic Dean. Immediately following the hooding ceremony, there is a brief reception for students to visit with faculty and guests before leaving for the Commissioning Ceremony.