January 22, 2026

Senior Corner 2026: To-dos, events and number of days until Commencement

A senior in cap and gown walks forward with diploma in hand as she returns to her seat during the outdoor ceremony.Countdown to Commencement

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” — Malala Yousafzai

Days until Commencement: (16 as of May 7)

Commencement Details: Commencement for Class of 2026 will be Sat., May 23. DETAILS

Hand-me-down regalia program

In the past, Student Government has a run a hand-me-down regalia program with donated caps, gowns, and hoods to provide seniors with regalia free of charge. If you would like to help continue running this program, please donate your regalia by dropping them into the Green Move Out bins around campus after Commencement!

Don’t forget to buy your yearbook before Commencement! Plus, ad purchase deadline is May 15

Don’t forget to buy your yearbook before Commencement! Plus, the deadline to purchase a senior recognition ad is Fri., May 15.

The Bicentennial yearbook will be the 146th volume of The Melange and one you don’t want to miss! Features, additional page counts, and a high-quality cover have been added at no additional cost to students. More than 350 copies have been sold to date. Yearbooks are a wonderful way to capture the memories of each year you spend here at Lafayette.

Yearbooks aren’t just for seniors! They include campus events, milestones, sports teams, clubs, fraternities and sororities, and more. They also make for a great gift, so feel free to share purchase links with family members, supporters, etc. MORE

Regalia ready for purchase at the College Store

Those who didn’t pre-order their regalia can now come and purchase it at the College Store. Gowns are sized by height, and you must choose a hood color by your degree: gold for Bachelor of Science and white for Bachelor of Arts. Regalia will be available in the College Store right up until Commencement.

Submit songs for Class of 2026 Senior Week playlist

One fun ritual during Lafayette’s Baccalaureate service is that the prelude and postlude music comes from a student-curated playlist. Members of the Class of 2026 are invited to submit songs for a Spotify playlist.

The playlist will be shared before the beginning of Senior Week and is a chance for the Class of 2026 to share songs that have been meaningful for their graduating class. MORE

Technology guide for graduating students

The technology guide for graduating students provides helpful information on how to prepare for leaving Lafayette as a student, including how to retain access to important email, contacts, and data. MORE

Join the 113 seniors who have already supported the Senior Class Gift!

All gifts contributed by seniors count toward the Senior Class Gift, which will be announced at Commencement. This is your chance, as a class, to leave your legacy at Lafayette. Every contribution, no matter the size, counts. 

Make a gift of any amount and receive a commemorative Class of 2026 pin to wear during Commencement and start your streak toward earning your named brick on the Quad!

Let’s show our school spirit and commitment to Lafayette by participating in this challenge. Together, we can make a difference!

Did someone say Commencement?

There are officially fewer than five weeks until you cross the stage to receive your diploma and join Lafayette’s 30,000+ strong alumni base.

Here are a few to-dos before then:

  • Support the Senior Class Gift to receive your Class of 2026 pin.
  • Making your gift today starts your streak towards earning your Fleck brick on the Quad.
  • Follow @lafayettealumni on Instagram to stay up to date with alumni news and events.

Every contribution, no matter the size, counts towards the Senior Class Gift total. Let’s show our school spirit and commitment to Lafayette by participating in this challenge. Together, we can make a difference!

Apply by April 10 for green cords

Apply now to get a green cord to wear at Commencement to represent your work in sustainability and the environment at Lafayette. Whether you’ve taken on a unique sustainability project, participated in a club, or interned with the Office of Sustainability and LaFarm, green cords showcase your accomplishments and contributions in supporting the College’s commitment to sustainability. Learn more and apply by April 10.

Order your graduation regalia

Graduating seniors, pre-order your graduation regalia by Thurs., March 12. Pre-orders can be picked up during the Grad Finale event at the College Store April 23-24. MORE

Here’s how to place your order once you click the provided link:

  • Choose “Gown Fit,” click inside the box, and enter height and weight. Then choose “Major/Curriculum,” click inside the box, choose your degree, and click “Continue.”
  • Click “Add to Cart.”
  • Enter your first and last name inside the boxes and click “Checkout.”
  • Click “Continue as Guest.”
  • Fill out all contact information and click “Continue.”
  • Review and click “Submit Order.”
  • If you do not receive a confirmation number or confirmation email, your order was not submitted.

Graduation checklist

Graduation checklists were sent out Jan. 8 and 9 to all current students who are listed as having an anticipated graduation date of May 23, 2026. Students should review these checklists with their advisers as soon as possible so that adjustments and/or additional classes can be processed before the end of the add/drop period to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met by the end of the spring semester. Any questions should be directed to students’ advisers, class deans, and/or the Registrar’s Office.

Commencement regalia support application

Graduating seniors who need assistance with obtaining graduation regalia can apply for support. Applications are due by Mon., March 9. You will be notified if Student Life is able to fulfill your request. If eligible, students will receive support in obtaining the cap, gown, and hood for the 2026 Commencement. After the completion of the 2026 Commencement, students must return the graduation regalia to the specified location. You are contributing to Lafayette’s zero-waste goals by decreasing the number of single-use gowns thrown away each year. Plus, your returned gown will help reduce the cost of regalia for future Pards. MORE

2026 Career Fair

Gateway Career Center will host the Spring 2026 Career Fair 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wed., March 4 in the Marlo Room, Farinon Student Center.

Meet with employers, including many alumni, as they share information about their organizations, internships, full-time job opportunities, and programs. Bring paper copies of your resume and dress your best! REGISTER

Need new business attire? Visit the Career Closet, located on the third floor of Hogg Hall, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Pepper Prize

Nominations of seniors for the 2026 George Wharton Pepper Prize will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Fri., Feb. 6. Submit a nomination.

Seniors who wish to apply for the 2026 George Wharton Pepper Prize can submit an application by 11:59 p.m. Fri., Feb. 20.

Seniors must register for cultural and identity-based celebrations

The Office of Intercultural Development (OID) is thrilled to celebrate the significant cultural impact graduating seniors have made on the Lafayette community. OID is excited to host multiple celebrations that honor graduates across various diasporas and identities. Each ceremony is tailored to honor specific cultures and identities. Sign up for the celebrations that align with your identity or spaces where you have contributed significantly. You are welcome to participate in multiple ceremonies. OID will provide the stoles for each celebration. You can be donned by a person of your choosing during the ceremony. REGISTER by 11:59 p.m. Tues., March 31.

Graduating seniors can apply for community-based learning and research award

Graduating seniors can apply for a $500 Honors Convocation award. The award is open to graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to the community through course projects, an honors thesis, EXCEL Scholar work, and/or some other form of academic community engagement.

Applications are especially welcome from students who have been actively engaged in the community in multiple ways and for a number of semesters. All applications will be evaluated by staff members from the Landis Center for Community Engagement. Applications are due no later than Feb. 15, 2026.

RSVP now for 100 Nights

Seniors are invited to celebrate 100 Nights with a champagne toast at 5 p.m. Wed., Feb. 11. Light refreshments will be served and you will hear from a few of your classmates. RSVP

Celebrated since 1982, this Lafayette tradition marks 100 nights until graduation for the Class of 2026! Celebrate the kickoff to your last semester.

*Spots are limited due to space constraints*

Seniors: Pick up your free coffee Feb. 12!

Did you support Lafayette during Bring the Roar? Grab a free coffee Feb. 12. Sean Scanlon, vice president of advancement, would like to buy seniors their drink of choice at Skillman’s Café as a thank-you for their participation in the Bring the Roar challenge. Join Scanlon, members of the Senior Class Gift Committee, and other classmates to welcome the spring semester! 10-11:30 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 12 • Skillman’s Café • MORE

Questions? Please contact Allyson Heard, assistant director of annual giving.