Information updated: 04/27/2026
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 is 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
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).
Only those candidates who have applied for an Associate degree or higher are eligible to graduate with Institutional Honors. This excludes candidates graduating with a Certificate or an Occupational Skills Award (OSA).
Graduation Pictures
Fall 2025 Graduation Pictures are now available!
Here's how to access them:
NLITE Media Photography
https://nlitemedia.pixieset.com/lcgraduationceremonydecember2025
- Step 1: Input your personal email address.
- Step 2: Look for your first photo and click on the shopping cart on the top right hand corner.
- Step 3: Select if you want to purchase/download that picture individually, or in a package.
- Step 4: If you select a package, you will need to select additional photos and add them as Prints and as Digital Downloads.
- Step 5: To checkout, select the method of payment and proceed with payment - please add your full name on the 'Add a Note' section during checkout.
***NOTE: The Picture Gallery will expire on date to be announced, so please complete your orders before then to take advantage of lower prices! After the expiry date, the gallery will still be available but at a higher price!
All photo edits will be done upon purchase.
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.
- Students are encouraged to leave personal belongings, such as purses, at home. No storage for personal belongings is available and students must carry what they bring with them during the ceremony and at all times.
- Wear comfortable shoes! Students will be standing for a prolonged period of time during the line up and will walk the arena rink to find their seats.
- 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 to the back.
- Tassels are worn over the right temple.
- Students are expected to remain in their seat during the entire duration of the ceremony. For safety purposes, no early exit or departures are allowed, unless approved.
- Ceremony duration is based on the number of graduates - we strive to keep our ceremonies at or below the two hour mark.
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 Sames Auto Arena is free and does not require an entry ticket. Seating is on a first come-first serve basis, the bag policy and allowed items for the venue 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 all final grades are received and final GPA is calculated for all graduating candidates. Academic institutional honor cords may be picked up as early as Wednesday, May 6, 2026, should all processes be complete. You will receive an email from the Office of the Registrars to your offical student email account, notifying the cord pick up date and time. 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.
How do I earn my community service cord(s)?
Students are encouraged to actively participate in community service opportunities during their student journey! In order for the community service hours to be properly accounted for, they must be submitted to the Office of Student Life (https://www.laredo.edu/student-life/Campus%20Life/community-service/community-service-login.html). Fifty (50) community service hours earn you a silver cord to wear during your commencement ceremony. Students are allowed to earn a maximum of two cords (100 community service hours), but are encourage to continue volunteering!
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, May 6, 2026. 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.