To: Graduating Seniors
From: Glenn R. Sharfman, Vice President

and Dean for Academic Affairs

Congratulations! You are near the completion of your studies and are eligible for graduation from Manchester College in 2009.

Special Events for Seniors

• BACCALAUREATE, Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. in Cordier Auditorium.
  Graduates should meet at 10:15 a.m. in Wampler Auditorium to put on caps and gowns and organize the processional march to Cordier.
• COMMENCEMENT, Sunday, May 24, 2:30 p.m. in the Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC).
  Graduates should meet at 1:45 p.m. in Wampler Auditorium to put on caps and gowns and arrange for the traditional processional march to the PERC. You will receive additional instructions for Commencement day in early May.
• ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT IS REQUIRED.
  We encourage you to participate in all of these special events. Commencement is required and allows you and others who have supported you to celebrate this important moment in your lives. Only those who have requested in writing and have been granted permission in advance by the vice president and dean for academic affairs before Commencement may be graduated in absentia.

• No tickets are needed for Baccalaureate.
• For Commencement, each graduate is entitled to five tickets in a reserved section for relatives or friends. Ticketed (reserved) seating is held only until 2:15 p.m. Unreserved seats are available for persons without tickets. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets will be available from the Business Office in the Administration Building (see Jenny Steele) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 11 through May 22.
• Facilities are handicapped-accessible for both Baccalaureate and Commencement. It is helpful for ushers to know in advance how much handicapped seating will be needed. If you will have guests who require special seating, please contact Terri Jones at ext. 5050 or tljones@manchester.edu
• Off-campus graduates may have their tickets mailed by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of the President, Manchester College, North Manchester, IN 46962, by May 11. On the day of Commencement, ticket information will be available in the Office of the President, A120, from 9:45-10:15 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

STUDENT SPEAKER
During the Commencement, the president of the Alumni Association welcomes the graduating class into the Alumni Association. A member of the graduating class then speaks. The student speaker is selected by a committee including the president, vice president and dean for academic affairs, dean for student development, and faculty representatives from each division. Students graduating summa or magna cum laude, those who have received prestigious academic awards, or are the recipient of the Student Leadership Award are among those eligible for selection. If you have any questions regarding this process, contact Terri Jones, ext. 5050 or tljones@manchester.edu

LUNCH FOR SUNDAY, MAY 24
A special graduation day luncheon will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College Union. The menu is all-you-care-to-eat. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling Diana Stephan at 260-982-5289.

Pre-pay with your reservation and avoid waiting in line on graduation day. Luncheon prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (55 and over), and $4 for children.

If you are unable to commit to reservations at this time, you can purchase the meal on graduation day but lines may be long.  Also, The Oaks snackbar will be open for food and beverage purchases.  Lastly, we encourage all faculty, staff, and public to make reservations and join our seniors on graduation day.

HOUSING
If parents or guests coming to Commencement need motel accommodations, please see this page for a list of local accommodations.

CAP AND GOWN
The Campus Store will communicate about ordering your cap and gown. Make sure you try on your cap and gown before the day of Commencement. When worn properly, the mortarboard cap should be level on top.

GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY:

• Each student will be photographed as his/her diploma is presented by the president of the College. Information will be sent to the student's home following Commencement. Each student will receive a free proof and the opportunity to purchase additional copies. There is no obligation to purchase these pictures.
• In addition, professional DVDs of Baccalaureate and Commencement will be prepared. Baccalaureate DVDs are $25 and Commencement DVDs are $30. If purchased together they are only $45. A $10 deposit is required at the time of ordering. Orders can be placed on the day of Commencement at the College Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the PERC from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Orders can also be placed by calling Jim Adams at 260-982-4827 and leaving a message with the best way to contact you. Other photography during the ceremony is discouraged.

The ALUMNI/AE OFFICE often receives the question of whether a graduate can be included in reunions of a class other than the one they are graduating with. The answer is yes. Please let the Alumni/ae Office know with which class you want to be listed, and they will be happy to include you in those mailings.

CAREER SERVICES
Manchester College is dedicated to the success of our graduates, and the Office of Career Services (OCS) is here to help! Alumni can utilize career services any time by appointment, phone or e-mail.

Services include:

• strategies for finding a job
• assistance with graduate school applications
• resume and cover letter reviews
• interviewing practice
• negotiating advice
• networking ideas
• job listings
• successful practices on the job

A variety of helpful information is available on our website. Family and friends seeking to support graduates in their job searches will find additional helpful advice here. Visit Career Services in the College Union, call 260-982-5242, or e-mail mcocareers@manchester.edu.

A WORD OF WARNING
Be sure to complete or make arrangements for the completion of all requirements, duties, and the payment of all outstanding bills at the Business Office before the day of Commencement. Graduates who have not completed their academic work by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22, will receive only a diploma cover on Sunday. The signed diploma will be sent after requirements have been completed. If you have questions about the completion of academic requirements, please discuss them with the registrar.

INSURANCE
Some family health insurance plans end coverage of adult children at the time of their college graduation. We advise you to examine your family plan NOW regarding coverage following graduation.

Best wishes as you approach this milestone!

Recorded Graduation Day broadcast available online Friday, June 12 >