Auxiliary Program Graduations and/or Student Recognition Events are wonderful opportunities
for LCC programs to celebrate the accomplishments of students within their programs
outside of the college's main Commencement Ceremony. Graduation is the culmination
of our work here at LCC and the planning and execution of events of this type must
match the level of achievement in presentation. Graduations also denote an academic
achievement such as completing a degree or certification. Non-academic achievements
are also cause for celebration through a Student Recognition event or small gathering,
not an Auxiliary Program Graduation. It is important to understand when an Auxiliary
Program Graduation is necessary and appropriate compared to a Student Recognition
Event or small gathering.
Currently, several Auxiliary Program Graduations take place each year in addition to the college-wide Student Recognition Celebration. These are significant, high-level events with family, friends, Trustees and community members in attendance, and it is imperative that these events meet the Star Standard for events in all elements associated with their production and presentation. It is also important to note that not all programs need, nor are they eligible for, an Auxiliary Program Graduation.
What is an Auxiliary Program Graduation?
An Auxiliary Program Graduation is a special ceremony apart from LCC’s Main Commencement Ceremony for students who have completed certificates or degrees in an accredited, cohorted program. These graduations include speakers, guests from the community, and the presentation of their certificate, pin, or other token to symbolize the achievement.
Criteria for Holding an Auxiliary Program Graduation
- Programs must be cohort-driven
- ELT member support and approval with allocated budget for minimally required food and beverage
- 12 or more students in graduating class
- National, Regional or State Accrediting or Licensing Body tied to program completion
- Certificate (from National/Regional/State accrediting or licensing body or designed by LCC Marketing), pins, cords/stoles or other token presented to graduating students
Requesting an Auxiliary Program Graduation
Prior to selecting a date, time or location for your event, you must reach out to Conference Services to confirm availability and to discuss an appropriate location, in addition to ensuring that your program meets the criteria for holding an Auxiliary Program Graduation. If your event does not meet the criteria, there are other options to recognize students within your program (see Other Recognition Options below).
- Contact your Conference Services Coordinator by phone or email to discuss your potential
event.
- Be prepared to provide criteria information, proposed date, time, location, number of people graduating, number of people attending and the event description/overview.
- If approved, work with Conference Services using the LCC Events Standards of Presentation to coordinate your event.
- If not approved, you will not be permitted to hold your event on campus in any capacity.
Deadlines to Request Auxiliary Program Graduations or Student Recognition Events
Conference Services will begin to reach out and schedule the recurring program graduations beginning the week after spring and fall graduations, respectively, to book them for the next semester.
Spring (May) Graduations or Student Recognition Events: requests must be received by Conference Services by the last Friday before Winter Break each year.
Fall (December) Graduations or Student Recognition Events: requests must be received by Conference Services by August 1 of each year.
Exceptions: There are times when exceptions may be necessary. If you have missed the deadline to submit your Auxiliary Program Graduation or Student Recognition Event request, please fill out the Dynamic Form to request an exception. This will go to your ELT member and the Senior Vice President of Business Operations for approval.
PLEASE NOTE: Auxiliary Program Graduations or Student Recognition Events requested less than 30 days prior to the proposed event date will NOT be approved, regardless of exception. This is to ensure that we allow an appropriate amount of time to plan and execute a Star Standard event.
Standards for Auxiliary Program Graduations
Beginning in Fall 2023, all approved Auxiliary Program Graduations will take place in an event space on-campus to ensure that the proper set-up and events Star Standards are being followed as it relates to AV, media, technology, set-up, food and beverage, marketing, digital and printed signage and overall presentation to our students and community. Events may take place off-campus if capacity is an issue.
Available Event Locations for spring and fall Auxiliary Program Graduations beginning Fall 2023:
- Michigan Room and Grand River Room
- Dart Auditorium (subject to performing arts scheduling)
- Gannon Gymnasium (subject to athletics scheduling)
- Mason Jewett Airport – Aviation Technology Only
- LCC West Campus – Police, Fire, Corrections
During graduation season, these spaces will be offline and set-up specifically for graduation and recognition events. Limited modifications to the spaces can be made to better suit your event needs but these are the dedicated spaces these events will take place in beginning Fall 2023.
Other Recognition Options
Cords and Stoles are an excellent way to recognize your students and signify their accomplishments at Commencement. If your program does not meet the criteria for an Auxiliary Program Graduation, cords and/or stoles can be ordered and purchased by departments and given to students to wear.
- Requests for new department or program cords or stoles require approval from the area's respective Executive Leadership Team member. Departments or programs providing cords or stoles to students must also notify the Registrar's Office to ensure that there is no duplication among programs.
Another way to celebrate your students is through receptions and/or small gatherings. This allows people to come together and acknowledge student accomplishments but does not rise to the level of a ‘graduation.’ To pursue offering a reception to celebrate your students, reach out to your Conference Services Coordinator and follow the standard College events process. Receptions celebrating student completion accomplishments must provide some form of refreshments.
Reception Guidance
Receptions should be flowing and provide an open-house feel and atmosphere. This is a celebration opportunity for students and their supporters to come together. Receptions may include a welcome and brief remarks, but should not include keynote speakers or presentation of certificates, etc. Conference Services must be involved in any celebrations to recognize student completion.
Current APPROVED Auxiliary Program Graduations and Student Recognition Events
- Aviation
- Nurse Pinning
- Fire Academy Graduation
- Police Academy Graduation
- Dental Hygiene
- Massage Therapy
- ERESA
- Corrections
- EMS
- Student Recognition Celebration
Programs hoping to hold Auxiliary Program Graduations or Student Recognition Events must ensure they meet the Criteria for Holding an Auxiliary Program Graduation section before reaching out to Conference Services to book a graduation.
Questions
Kelly Hekler, Conference Services Manager
heklerk@lcc.edu
Layne Ingram, Chief of Staff – President’s Office
ingrama5@lcc.edu