Applying for Graduation

• Graduation is the process where we verify that you have met all conditions to receive a degree or certificate.  You must tell us you are completing your requirements by applying for graduation through MyGator.  This application is mandatory whether you are planning on attending the commencement ceremony or not.
• Commencement is the ceremony held at the end of each semester.  Students often confuse "Graduation" with the "Commencement Ceremony".
• The application for graduation is mandatory and opens within the first week of the semester you are eligible to graduate in.  It is extremely important that you apply with enough time for us to review your record.  Applying late could could result in delay of your graduation date if you are found to be missing requirements, or your name will not printed in the commencement program.  

Students who are eligible to apply for graduation will be notified by email through @my.lsco.edu.  The email will provide you with the steps to apply for graduation.  If you believe you are eligible for graduation but have not received an email to apply, please contact graduation@lsco.edu.  The graduation clerk will review your record to determine eligibility, and if eligible get approval from the Program Director.  

Applications for graduation will open the first week of the semester.  Please refer to the Academic Calendar for dates.  Here are the steps to apply.  

1. Log into MyGator
2. Click on Gator Self Service
3. Select Student
4. Select Student Records
5. Select Apply to Graduate
6. Select YES or NO "Are you attending the ceremony"
7. Verify or provide us with the mailing address where you would like your diploma mailed.
8. Verify your diploma name.  Only your middle name can be adjusted on the application(s).
9. Complete an online application for each curriculum award available.Students earning more than one certificate or degree must complete the steps above for each degree and certificate you qualify for.  This will require you to complete an online application for each curriculum award available.  If one of your curriculum awards is not available, please email graduation@lsco.edu.

Once you have completed the Online Graduation Application you will receive additional information regarding Graduation via your @my.lsco.edu email or text messages. 

Review your degree plan through Degree Works.  Verify that all information is correct.  Once eligible you will see a "Graduation Application" block.  This block will be updated throughout the semester by the Graduation Clerk.  

Examples of statuses you may see on the "Graduation Application" block:

• You are eligible to apply for graduation.
• Your graduation application has been submitted, pending review.
• Your audit is under review by the Graduation Clerk.
• Audit Review Verified - Pending grades.
• Final Audit Review completed, degree/certificate pending.
• Transcript needed to complete review.
• Your GPA is below the required GPA to graduate.
• Your graduation requirements for the term were not met.  You will need to apply next term.

If you have questions at any time about your audit, email graduation@lsco.edu.

Cap and Gowns can be purchased at the Lamar University Bookstore, 4405 Jimmy Simmons Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705.

To purchase your cap and gown online please click the link below: (DEADLINE 4/6/2025)

https://lsco.shopoakhalli.com/ 

Dual Credit and Early College High School students will wear their high school cap and gown. 

Graduation photos are available for purchase by contacting Print Services at 409-882-3359, or email PrintServices@lsco.edu.

After you have successfully completed all courses and are cleared for graduation your degree will be conferred at the end of the term. Diplomas will be mailed approximately two weeks after the ceremony. Please remember that participation in the commencement ceremony does not constitute official graduation from LSCO; your degree must be conferred before you are considered a graduate of Lamar State College Orange. Students who have not been cleared financially with the Cashier’s Office will not receive a diploma until all financial obligations have been cleared.

It’s YOUR time to celebrate and showcase the completion of your diploma!

In order to participate in the graduate ceremony, you must apply for graduation. The Office of Student Services is responsible for determining the number of graduates at each commencement to ensure ample seating for graduates’ guests.

Why Attend Commencement?

• Name, Degree and Honors (if applicable) will be announced during ceremony (see honors policy)
• Celebrate the completion of your hard work and dedication with family and friends
• Photographs preserving the moment and memory will be taken and available for purchase

Not Attending Commencement Ceremony

Even if you do not plan to attend the graduation ceremony, you must complete the Graduation Checklist and apply for graduation to receive your diploma. Graduates not attending the ceremony will receive their diploma in the mail approximately two weeks after the ceremony. 

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), if you withhold any of the following information your name will not be printed in the commencement program:

• Your name
• Program of Study (college, major, or campus)
• Degrees
• Honors and awards received

If you completed a confidentiality hold form at any time while you are a student here at LSCO, you will receive an email from the Graduation Clerk requesting that you release the hold prior to graduating.  You must complete the form and email it back to the graduation clerk one week prior to the commencement ceremony to have your directory information shown in the commencement program or a part of any published list.  

If you elect to withhold your name from directory information you must complete the form one week prior to the commencement ceremony to have information withheld from the program.