Commencement General Information
Saturday May 10, 2008
Farrell Stadium
Academic Procession starts at 9:35 a.m.
Guests should allow ample time to park and get to your seats by 9:35 a.m.
Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
Additional information about assembly and procession procedures for graduates and faculty are available on our Commencement links for Students or Faculty.
Students: flat soled shoes must be worn when processing for commencement in order to protect the field. Please adhere to this policy or you will be required to wear alternative footwear.
REHEARSAL
A Commencement rehearsal for all graduates will be held on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m., in Hollinger Field House. A reception, hosted by the Alumni Association, will follow the rehearsal in Ehinger Gymnasium.
CAPS, GOWNS, & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Caps, gowns, and announcements will be distributed in the SSI Bookstore from approximately April 28 through May 9*. Hours are:
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.;
Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.*;
Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
* The last day for distribution of caps & gowns will be Friday, May 9 at 12:00 pm. (Immediately after graduation rehearsal.).
There are no charges for these items as they are covered by the graduation fee. No items will be mailed. You will need to present a picture ID card to obtain these items. Someone else may pick up commencement materials for you with your written authorization and your picture ID card.
Each graduate is entitled to ten standard announcements. Personalized announcements are available for purchase at the SSI Bookstore. You can see samples at the bookstore.
DIPLOMAS
During the ceremony, diploma covers only will be distributed. The Registrar will mail diplomas to all graduates who have completed the requirements for their degrees. They will be mailed from the Registrar's Office following posting of grades and verification of graduation requirements. Please allow 60 days.
If there are any outstanding issues that will prevent you from graduating, the Registrar's Office will notify you by mail.
ALCOHOL POLICY
In accordance with University policy, alcoholic beverages are forbidden on University property. In addition, if any student is deemed to have consumed alcohol, or an illegal, controlled substance prior to the ceremony, that student will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE
Students and their guests are strongly encouraged to park in the Sharpless Street parking garage or the M Lot parking garage and take advantage of the shuttle service to the south campus stadium area. Please review the “Commencement Parking” directions/map on the Registrar’s webpage.
CELL PHONES
The use of cell phones and other similar devices during the ceremony cannot be allowed. Please turn off all cell phones when the academic procession starts. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
SEATING
Guests should be seated 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required.
Seats have been set aside for people with disabilities in need of special seating. Those requiring special seating should check in with an usher when they arrive. We request that only one or two additional guests sit in the seating area reserved for people with disabilities so that there will be sufficient room for those needing the special seating.
PHOTOGRAPHS
During the ceremony, guests may take photographs only from their seats. A professional photography studio will take pictures of each graduate as he or she receives the diploma cover. The studio will contact each participant directly within one month after the ceremony with an opportunity to purchase pictures. You are under no obligation to purchase anything.
REFRESHMENTS
Refreshments will be available before the ceremony for graduates, outside of the Sturzebecker building at South Campus in the staging area.
HONORS CORDS
Honors cords may be purchased in the bookstore by all undergraduate students earning graduation honors (3.25 or higher, based on the last graded semester before graduation). The charge for the cord is $5.
A list of those students who have earned University academic honors has been provided to the bookstore. Students on the list will be entitled to purchase an honors cord. You will need to present a picture ID card when purchasing your honors cord. Students may pick up an honors cord for another student on the list with written permission and an ID card from that student.
The undergraduate graduation list of students, including those with an honors designation, is available on the Registrar’s webpage in March.
In Case of Severe Weather
If there is severe weather, there will be two ceremonies held indoors in Hollinger Field House. Listen to one of the following radio stations: KYW, WCHE, or WCOJ to find out if the outdoor ceremony has been moved indoors. These radio stations have been asked to make the announcement by 7:00 a.m. You can also hear a recorded announcement by calling 610-436-1000.
You may check the commencement links for students or faculty for more information on the two indoor ceremonies in case of severe weather.
QUESTIONS
Additional information about assembly and procession procedures for graduates and faculty are available on our Commencement links for Students or Faculty.
Other questions and concerns about commencement, including honors designations, should be directed to the Registrar’s Office at 610-436-3541.
