Congratulations! You are near the completion of your studies and are eligiblefor graduation from Manchester University in 2013.

Special Events for Seniors

• BACCALAUREATE, Sunday, May 19, 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 19, 2:30 p.m. in the Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC).
  Graduates should meet at 1:45 p.m. in Cordier 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.

TICKETS

• 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 attached to your cap and gown and can be picked up in the Campus Store when available in the Union.
• 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 Karen Brace at ext. 5050 or KKBrace@manchester.edu.

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 Karen Brace at ext. 5050 or KKBrace@manchester.edu.

LUNCH OPTIONS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 19
A special graduation day luncheon will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Union Haist Commons. The menu is all-you-care-to-eat. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling Diana Stephan at 260-982-5289. Please note that graduating seniors are entitled to a complimentary graduation day lunch at the Haist Commons.

Luncheon prices are (tax included):

• $12 for adults,
• $8 for senior citizens (55 and over)
• $6 for children (12 and under)

Additional Dining Options Available:

Sandwiches and snacks will also be available at the Oaks Snack Bar, Union Building from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A made to order sandwich, chips, fruit, and a fountain drink for $6.50 (plus tax) will be available available.

HOUSING
If parents or guests coming to Commencement need motel accommodations, please see the Manchester University website 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. It is also advisable to take your gown out of the packaging and hang it up a few days before Commencement to release it of wrinkles. 

GRADUATION PLEDGE ALLIANCE

Manchester University has a long history of supporting the graduation pledge, a voluntary affirmation of the signers’ commitment to consider the environmental and social impact of whatever work they choose to pursue. Each year, 50-60% of the graduating class signs the pledge and wears a green ribbon in recognition of that commitment.

We invite you to consider signing the graduation pledge yourself. This year, unlike previous years, you can sign the pledge online. We ask that you sign the pledge before May 17 to ensure we have enough ribbons for all signers. The pledge reads:

“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

Click here to take the Pledge now!

GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY

Each student will be photographed as his/her diploma is presented by the president of the University. 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 for a cost of $10 each and can be purchased online via the website.

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 University 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 ideas
• job listings
• successful practices on the job

DIPLOMA RELEASE

Be sure to complete or make arrangements for the completion of all requirements, duties, and the payment of all outstanding bills with Student Financial Services before Commencement. Graduates who have not completed their academic work by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17, or who have not submitted the signed diploma release, will receive only a diploma cover on Sunday. The diploma will be sent after requirements have been completed. If you have questions about the completion of academic requirements, please contact 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!