As you approach Commencement Day, we want to share some information that will help you know what to expect. Because there is no rehearsal for Commencement, we hope the following information will be helpful. If you have questions after having read these instructions, please call the Office of Academic Affairs at ext. 5051.

ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT IS REQUIRED unless you have requested in writing to graduate in absentia and have been granted permission in writing by the vice president for academic affairs prior to Commencement.

Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs if you have a name that is difficult or distinctive. The vice president wants to pronounce your name correctly, so please call OAA (x5051) to tell us the correct pronunciation.

Commencement Ceremony 

Graduates will be seated in front of Cordier Auditorium prior to the start of the ceremony. During the Commencement ceremony, men remove caps only during the invocation, the singing of the University song, and the benediction. Women may keep their caps on through the service or remove them during the invocation, University song, and benediction.

Groups will come to the platform to be congratulated by and be photographed with Pres Dave. Dr. Celia Cook-Huffman, vice president for academic affairs will give graduates instructions from the platform.

A. Bachelor's Degree Candidates Graduating from the Honors Program

1. Those graduates who have completed the honors program will stand and be recognized upon instructions from the vice president of academic affairs.

B. Bachelor of Science Candidates

1. Candidates will rise when the vice president of academic affairs says, "Will the candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science please rise?"

2. Because of the large number of candidates for the B.S. degree, they will come to the platform row by row. An usher will call graduates up to the platform.  

C. Bachelor of Arts Candidates

1. Candidates will rise when the vice president of academic affairs says, "Will the candidates for the degree Bachelor of Arts please rise?" 

2. Candidates will be called to the platform by an usher. 

Candidates Please Note:

A. The first candidate to receive a degree should be standing on the top step (the stage) before his or her name is read and should move forward only if the name read is hers or his. As soon as that candidate moves forward, the next candidate should take his or her place at the edge of the stage and others behind move up one step.