Hello fellow May 2026 graduates!
The countdown to graduation is quickly approaching, and we are all eager to reach this long-awaited milestone. Whether becoming a lawyer has always been your dream, whether this is your second career, or whether it took time to find your path, this is a moment we have all worked incredibly hard to achieve.
Recently, it has been confirmed that Lincoln Memorial University has decided that all commencement programs will be digital, accessible via QR codes, instead of providing printed programs. Students who wish to have a printed program as a keepsake will be required to purchase one at their own expense. While the university has stated that the final program file will be made available for printing, it will not fund the production of physical copies.
After speaking with many classmates, it is clear that this decision is deeply disappointing. Graduation programs may seem minor in function, but they hold lasting sentimental value. For decades, they have served as keepsakes for graduates, families, and loved ones—something tangible to remember this achievement years down the line. To the administration, it may be just paper; to us, it represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance.
Many of us chose the Duncan School of Law because of its emphasis on community and student-centered values. We were told this institution was different—that students are not just numbers, but individuals whose success truly matters. However, the dismissal of concerns surrounding this decision undermines that message.
Our student body includes individuals from underrepresented communities, first-generation college graduates, and students who have taken on significant financial burdens to pursue this profession. As we approach graduation, we are already facing bar application fees, graduation expenses, and ongoing living costs. Expecting students to pay additional money for something that has traditionally been provided as part of commencement places yet another burden on us.
Additionally, there are practical concerns. A QR-code-only program will inevitably lead to guests and attendees being on their phones throughout the ceremony. This detracts from the significance of the moment and creates unnecessary distractions during what should be a meaningful and respectful celebration.
To some, this change may appear insignificant. To us, it represents a failure to uphold even the most basic traditions associated with recognizing our hard work and accomplishments.
We respectfully request that LMU reconsider this decision and provide printed graduation programs for the May 2026 commencement ceremony.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 23, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2026
72 Comments
We paid way too much in tuition to sacrifice this printing. In addition not everyone is tech savvy enough to use a QR code. My 87 yr old mother in law who attended graduation last May would not be able to use the code nor read her screen. This is a horrible decision.
Please provide the graduating class and their loved ones with printed programs! It’s the least you can do after their years of hard work, dedication, and money spent to attend law school at LMU. Not to mention the $500 graduation fee…there must be budget for printed programs with that astronomical amount.
As soon as they make the final program file available to us, I'm spending all my remaining student print money on color copies from their machines. Compromise by providing one printed program per graduate at the ceremony, LMU! How frustrating.
The students/ future lawyers may not realize the importance of a paper copy but to the parents, grandparents, family and friends it’s a an opportunity to see their loved ones name in writing and the accomplishment they have achieved.
You only graduate once. I have my college program saved and would do the same with a law school graduation program. Law school is a lot of hard work and an expensive investment. Surely LMU can afford to print a paper program. The fact that this grievance has to be addressed in a Petition is disheartening.
Please do printed programs. These kids have worked so hard for this and our family has printed programs going back to our grandparents.
A printed program is a lifetime memory of extremely hard work that has been done to reach this step in life. This is important to both graduates and families ‼️ Please PRINT
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Hello fellow May 2026 graduates!
The countdown to graduation is quickly approaching, and we are all eager to reach this long-awaited milestone. Whether becoming a lawyer has always been your dream, whether this is your second career, or whether it took time to find your path, this is a moment we have all worked incredibly hard to achieve.
Recently, it has been confirmed that Lincoln Memorial University has decided that all commencement programs will be digital, accessible via QR codes, instead of providing printed programs. Students who wish to have a printed program as a keepsake will be required to purchase one at their own expense. While the university has stated that the final program file will be made available for printing, it will not fund the production of physical copies.
After speaking with many classmates, it is clear that this decision is deeply disappointing. Graduation programs may seem minor in function, but they hold lasting sentimental value. For decades, they have served as keepsakes for graduates, families, and loved ones—something tangible to remember this achievement years down the line. To the administration, it may be just paper; to us, it represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance.
Many of us chose the Duncan School of Law because of its emphasis on community and student-centered values. We were told this institution was different—that students are not just numbers, but individuals whose success truly matters. However, the dismissal of concerns surrounding this decision undermines that message.
Our student body includes individuals from underrepresented communities, first-generation college graduates, and students who have taken on significant financial burdens to pursue this profession. As we approach graduation, we are already facing bar application fees, graduation expenses, and ongoing living costs. Expecting students to pay additional money for something that has traditionally been provided as part of commencement places yet another burden on us.
Additionally, there are practical concerns. A QR-code-only program will inevitably lead to guests and attendees being on their phones throughout the ceremony. This detracts from the significance of the moment and creates unnecessary distractions during what should be a meaningful and respectful celebration.
To some, this change may appear insignificant. To us, it represents a failure to uphold even the most basic traditions associated with recognizing our hard work and accomplishments.
We respectfully request that LMU reconsider this decision and provide printed graduation programs for the May 2026 commencement ceremony.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 23, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2026
72 Comments
As a 2016 graduate, I support the Class of 2026 in requesting printed graduation programs instead of QR codes. Graduation is a meaningful milestone, and a physical program is an important keepsake that allows all guests to fully participate, regardless of technology access.
We paid way too much in tuition to sacrifice this printing. In addition not everyone is tech savvy enough to use a QR code. My 87 yr old mother in law who attended graduation last May would not be able to use the code nor read her screen. This is a horrible decision.
Please provide the graduating class and their loved ones with printed programs! It’s the least you can do after their years of hard work, dedication, and money spent to attend law school at LMU. Not to mention the $500 graduation fee…there must be budget for printed programs with that astronomical amount.
As soon as they make the final program file available to us, I'm spending all my remaining student print money on color copies from their machines. Compromise by providing one printed program per graduate at the ceremony, LMU! How frustrating.
The students/ future lawyers may not realize the importance of a paper copy but to the parents, grandparents, family and friends it’s a an opportunity to see their loved ones name in writing and the accomplishment they have achieved.
You only graduate once. I have my college program saved and would do the same with a law school graduation program. Law school is a lot of hard work and an expensive investment. Surely LMU can afford to print a paper program. The fact that this grievance has to be addressed in a Petition is disheartening.
Please do printed programs. These kids have worked so hard for this and our family has printed programs going back to our grandparents.
A printed program is a lifetime memory of extremely hard work that has been done to reach this step in life. This is important to both graduates and families ‼️ Please PRINT
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As a 2016 graduate, I support the Class of 2026 in requesting printed graduation programs instead of QR codes. Graduation is a meaningful milestone, and a physical program is an important keepsake that allows all guests to fully participate, regardless of technology access.