Graduation

Congratulations Graduate

Lamar State College Port Arthur hosts three graduation events each year, with official ceremonies in May and December.

Deadlines and Important Dates

Date Event
September 11 Fall 2026 Graduation Application submission begins.
November 1 Last day to apply, pay diploma, cap and gown, and diploma mailing fees.
November 8 Last day to order your cap and gown online.
December 3 Graduation Orientation at 6pm, Performing Arts Center Theatre (Check-in starts at 5pm)
December 11 Official Graduation Date – Commencement Ceremony begins at 5:30pm.
January 11 First day to pick up diplomas and official transcripts from Records Office.

Contact

Shakenia Smith
Graduation Coordinator
409-984-6525
graduation@lamarpa.edu

Graduation Instructions

  1. Apply for graduation. To apply: Use the Online Graduation Application Form

    If you are graduating with multiple certificates or degrees, you must submit a separate application for each.

    Missed Deadlines: If you do not meet the deadline, you must reapply for the following semester's graduation and pay the diploma fee(s) again.

    Ceremony Participation: You must select "Yes" (Walking) or "No" (Not Walking) on your application. Do not choose "Undecided"—selecting "Undecided" automatically defaults your status to Not Walking.

  2. Graduation Approval Requirement. To graduate, all candidates must submit their Degree Works audit to their Department Chair for approval. If you are unsure who to contact, click the Major Search links in the bulleted list below to find your major:

    Allied Health Department
    Contact: Dr. Mandee Tucker
    Phone: 409-984-6366
    Email: wolfed@lamarpa.edu
    Major Search link: Allied Health

    Business and Industrial Technology
    Contact: Mrs. Christina Lawson
    Phone: 409-984-6418
    Email: bait@lamarpa.edu
    Major Search link:  Business and Industry

    Creative Arts and Service Professions
    Contact: Dr. Blas Canedo Gonzales
    Phone: 409-984-6552
    Email: lguevara@lamarpa.edu
    Major Search link: Public Service and Creative Arts and Service Professions

    General Education and Developmental Studies
    Contact: Dr. Steven Zani
    Phone: 409-984-6330
    Email: bushbk@lamarpa.edu
    Major Search link: STEM

    Dual Credit Programs (For High School Students Only)
    Contact: Mr. Bruce Hodge
    Phone: 409-984-6102
    Email: dualcredit@lamarpa.edu

  3. Pay the Diploma Fee. Graduation candidates must pay a $15 diploma fee for each degree or certificate earned.

    How to Pay: You can pay in person, by telephone, or online through the Pay Your Bill tile in your MyLSCPA account. For assistance, contact the Business Office at 409-984-6126.

    Mailing Option: If you want your diploma mailed to you, you must pay an additional $11.00 mailing fee through the Business Office by the application deadline.

    High School Students: Dual credit students are exempt from paying the diploma fee.
  4. Cap and Gown. All graduation candidates must wear a flat black cap, gown, and tassel purchased online or in person through Barnes & Noble.

    Online Orders: Purchase at https://oakhallcg.com/pages/lscpa. You must order online by November 8, 2026, to receive your items in time for commencement.

    In-Person Purchases: A limited stock is available at Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Lamar University.

    Regalia Policy: ONLY APPROVED STOLES AND CORDS ARE PERMITTED. Please review the full details in the Commencement Regalia Guidelines.
  5. Financial Obligations.Graduation candidates must clear all outstanding debts before graduating. Please contact the following offices to check your balance and resolve any holds:

    Business Office: 409-984-6126 (for tuition and fee balances)

    Library: 409-984-6218 (for missing books or library fines)

    Financial Aid: 409-984-6204 (for exit counseling or aid-related holds)
  6. Transfer Coursework. If you are currently attending or have previously attended another college, you must email a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) to graduation@lamarpa.edu as soon as you apply for graduation.

    Final Requirement: You must submit official transcripts with final grades as soon as those grades are officially posted by your previous institution.

    Important Note: Your diploma will not be released until all final, official transfer transcripts are received.
  7. Graduation Orientation. All graduation candidates participating in May and December graduation ceremonies are required to attend the graduation orientation.

    Can't attend? Email the graduation coordinator immediately at graduation@lamarpa.edu using your official LSCPA student email address.
  8. Check your email regularly.All graduation communications will be sent to your official LSCPA email address.

    Required Survey: As part of the graduation application process, a mandatory survey will be emailed to you after the application deadline.

    Important Note: Your diploma will not be released until this survey is completed.