Information updated: 07/23/2025
Commencement Regalia
Commencement regalia (cap, gown, and tassel packages) are available for purchase at the Office of Enrollment Management at the Lerma-Peña building, room 131, at the Ft. McIntosh Campus.
Please note, students participating in the Commencement ceremony must purchase their own college approved commencement regalia at the Laredo College Enrollment Management Office. Regalias are purchased based on approximate graduate height. All sales are final and exchanges may only occur if inventory available the Thursday, before the commencement ceremony.
Cost: $42.00
Official College Stole
Official College Stoles are now available for purchase at the Laredo College Enrollment Management Office, Lerma Pena building, room 131.
Cost: $30.00
No commencement regalia will be sold the day of the ceremony.
Dual Enrollment High School students and candidates for graduation are highly encouraged to wear their High School commencement regalia for recognition and distinction. Any questions regarding commencement regalia for Dual Enrollment students must be directed to the High School administrator.
Institutional Honors
Only those candidates who have applied for a degree are eligible to graduate with Institutional Honors. This excludes candidates graduating with a certificate. Graduates will be granted institutional honors respective to their cumulative GPA excluding non-developmental courses. The criteria is as follows:
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA of at least 3.8 to 4.0 (Two white cords).
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA of at least 3.5 but less than 3.7 (Two gold cords).
- Cum Laude: GPA of at least 3.2 but less than 3.4 (One gold cord).
Graduation Pictures
Summer 2025 Graduation Pictures are now available!
Here's how to access them:
NLITE Media Photography
https://nlitemedia.pixieset.com/lcsummergraduation2025/- Step 1: Look for your first photo and click on it to the click 'Buy Photo' on the top right hand corner.
- Step 2: Choose what you want to purchase from the options in each tab.
- Step 3: Follow instructions upon your selection.
- Step 4: Proceed to checkout and complete purchase. Make sure to include your cell phone number, personal email and shipping address (if requesting shipping) upon chekout.
***NOTE: The Picture Gallery will expire on Monday, September 1, 2025, so please complete your orders before then! After the expiry date the gallery will still be available but at a higher pricing. Please order your prints before the expiry date to get your photos at the lowest cost.
All photo edits will be done upon purchase.
Pictures can be picked up at 8801 McPherson Road or shipped to your preferred address for an additional cost.
All photography services are provided by NLITE Media Photography and Laredo College is not responsible for the content/transactions. For any questions, please contact NLITE Media Photography at 956-286-7784 from Monday through Thursday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Information & Guidelines for Students
- Tickets for guest entry are not required.
- Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reserving seats is not permitted.
- Students will line up an hour before the ceremony begins and must arrive to the venue fully dressed in their cap and gown. There are no dressing rooms available to change or storage for personal belongings available. Wear comfortable shoes!
- The gown can be lightly pressed with a warm iron/steamer. Do not iron directly!
- Caps should be worn level on the head with the long point at the back.
- Tassels are worn over the right temple.
SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO WEAR UNDER THE GOWNS:
- Graduates should wear simple, lightweight casual outfits, comfortable shoes, button-up shirts with a tie, dress slacks, and business professional attire.
- For the Fall ceremony at the Sames Auto Arena, the ice rink may be available below the floor, thus making the temperature of the venue colder than usual, plan accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Commencement Ceremony be recorded?
Yes, the ceremony will be recorded and live-streamed.
Where will the Commencement Ceremony be live-streamed?
Expect the streaming link soon under Information for Guests!
Will my family/friends need a ticket to enter?
NO! Admissions to the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Theater is free and does not require an entry ticket. Seating is on a first come-first serve basis, bag policy and allowed items can be found under Information for Guests.
Will I receive my diploma the day of the ceremony?
No, your diploma will be ready for pickup two weeks after the ceremony.
Will I receive my graduation pictures the day of the ceremony?
No, your graduation pictures will be ready for you to order two weeks after the ceremony.
When can I pick up my honors cord?
The honors cords are available once final GPA is calculated for academic institutional honors on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. You may pick up your cords at the Office of the Registrar, located at the Ft. McIntosh Campus in the Lerma Peña building, room 116.
When can I pick up my community service cord?
The community service cords may be picked up at the Office of Student Life at the Ft. McIntosh Campus in the Kazen Student Center building, room 212 two weeks before the graduation ceremony. Deadline to submit all community service hours for cord consideration is Wednesday August 6, 2025. For additional questions, visit the Community Service Program website.
Can I wear additional recognitions for the Commencement Ceremony?
The Commencement Ceremony is designed as a celebration for the accomplishments of our graduating students. We encourage you to avoid displaying profane or offensive language out of respect to your fellow graduates, friends and family.
What is the difference between academic and institutional honors?
Academic honors are based on your calculated GPA, while institutional honors are based on special recognition programs for graduating students.