Preparing for Commencement
Warmest wishes and congratulations to the Class of 2024! We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduates.
What to Expect
Commencement Safety Precautions
As we prepare to celebrate our 152nd Commencement on Saturday, May 18 we want to assure our graduates, their family members and friends, and our campus community that a wide range of safety and security protocols will be in place at the Sports Arena.
We ask that graduates, family members, and all other attending or participating in any of our three ceremonies plan accordingly and expect that gaining entrance to the Sports Arena may take a few extra minutes as you pass through our security checkpoints. Additionally, to speed up our screening process, please refrain from bringing any bags-large or small-to Commencement. There will be signage directing marchers and volunteers into the Sports Arena.
Arrival Time
9:00 a.m.
School of the Professions
- Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
- Report to the Ice Arena no later than 8:30 a.m.
- See Sports Complex map.
Guests
- Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
- Guest tickets required for all entrants.
1:00 p.m.
School of Arts and Sciences
- Doors open at 12:00 noon.
- Report to the Ice Arena no later than 12:30 p.m.
- See Sports Complex map.
Guests
- Doors open at 12:00 noon.
- Guest tickets required for all entrants.
5:00 p.m.
School of Education including Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies
- Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
- Report to the Ice Arena no later than 4:30 p.m.
- See Sports Complex map.
Guests
- Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
- Guest tickets required for all entrants.
Lineup by Academic Department
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Advanced Graduate Certificates
Check-in Table
Your name card: As you enter the lineup area in the Ice Arena you will receive a name card. Write your name as it should be pronounced and keep the card with you. Graduates should lineup with their academic department (Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates).
Crossing the stage: When it is time for you to walk across the stage, you will hand your name card to the faculty member who will announce you. If you wish to sit with a friend in your academic department, lineup directly behind or in front of that person. Academic department signs will be posted, and volunteer ushers will assist you.
Personal belongings: Leave your personal belongings with your family except for your name card which you will bring with you in the Sports Arena. If you wish to bring your cell phone, please be sure to set the ringer to silent and tuck it in your pocket under your robe. Graduates are not allowed to bring babies, children, guests, except certified service animals. A commencement program will be placed on your chair in the Sports Arena.
Carrying Your Hood or Stole
Master’s Candidates Only
Master’s degree candidates: You will wear your cap and gown and drape your hood over your arm. Wear the mortarboard square on your head, parallel to the ceiling. The tassel should be on the left front side signifying you hold a bachelor’s degree. You will march in carrying your master’s hood over your right forearm. The velvet trim will be closest to your hand with the narrowest (triangular) section of the hood to the outside. This will ensure that when you extend your arm during hooding, the hooder will grasp the section of the hood that goes over your head.
C.A.S. candidates: You will wear your cap, gown, and appropriate master’s hood and drape your stole over your arm.
Graduate certificate candidates: You will wear your bachelors’ gown if you have not yet earned a master’s degree. If you have already earned a master’s degree or are receiving one concurrently with your graduate certificate, you will wear your master’s gown. Carry your cord over your arm.
Wear the mortarboard square on your head, parallel to the ceiling. The tassel should be on the left front side, signifying you hold a bachelor’s degree. You will march in carrying your stole over your right forearm with the velvet trim closest to your hand.
Processional
Processional into Arena
It is important that you follow the directions of the school marshals.
- Stay with your group (in your academic department) as you enter the Ice Arena, Bachelor’s students first, then Master’s students.
- Closely follow the directions of the marshals.
- Do not skip seats as you are directed into the rows.
Once directed to your seat, remain standing for the national anthem. Male candidates, please remove your caps during the national anthem. The convener will direct everyone when to be seated.
Processional Across Stage
During the ceremony, the school marshals will direct graduates to the stage. Have your name card ready.
Bachelor’s degree candidates: Upon entering the stage, a professional photographer will take a formal photo of you individually. You should hand the reader your name card. He or she will announce you as you cross the stage where you will be congratulated by the President and dignitaries. Exit the stage and proceed back to your seat.
Master’s degree. C.A.S., Graduate Certificate candidates: Upon entering the stage, a professional photographer will take a formal photo of you individually. You should hand the reader your name card. He or she will announce you as you cross the stage. Hand your hood or stole to the faculty member assisting with the hooding and vesting. Proceed to the area in front of the hooders/vesters to be hooded/vested and face the audience. The faculty members will place the hood over your cap and head or drape your stole or cord around your shoulders. Once hooded/vested, proceed across the stage to be congratulated by the President and dignitaries. Exit the stage and proceed back to your seat.
After you have crossed the stage and/or have been hooded graduates must return to your seats. You should not leave the Sports Arena.
Recessional & Reception
- At the close of the ceremony, you will remain standing at your seats, leaving the aisles clear until the Platform Party and faculty have recessed.
- Follow the directions of the school marshals to exit.
- Make a plan with your family where to meet outside of the Sports Arena. *
*All graduates, their families and guests, faculty and staff are invited to attend the reception located on the first floor, Campbell Student Union. This is a wonderful opportunity for graduates to introduce their families to their professors and mentors.
Congratulations Graduates!
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