Graduate College Graduation FAQ's
December 2009 Commencement
Required Forms
If you are graduating with multiple degrees in a single term, you must complete a separate Application for Degree form and pay a $25.00 non-refundable fee for each degree. You must legibly complete and return the purple Commencement Attendance form and the white Graduate Statistical Information form you received in the mail. You must return the two forms to the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building, no later than Friday, December 4th, 2009, to advise us of your plans. Return the forms whether or not you are participating in commencement. If you are graduating with two degrees, please list on your purple Commencement Attendance form which degree candidates you wish to be seated with for the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement is Friday, December 18th, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. in the Bob Devaney Sports Center. This is the only Commencement ceremony for graduate and professional degree recipients, and your family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Tickets are not required for the ceremony. Please note: The Graduate and Professional Commencement on Friday, December 18th is the only graduation ceremony for graduate and professional students. You will NOT be included in the general University Commencement on Saturday, December 19th. Commencement participation is not required in order to graduate. The processional begins promptly at 2:45 p.m., and you must be in your regalia and in line before that time. Late arrivals will be placed in line by the Marshals. The ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. and will conclude by 5:00 p.m. Students who participate in the ceremony are expected to remain for the entire event. You will not be allowed to receive your diploma and depart before the recessional.
Admission to Commencement
Your family and friends are cordially invited to attend and may sit any place other than the reserved seats on the arena floor. Your guests should be seated in the Bob Devaney Sports Center by 2:45 p.m. There is plenty of available seating so no tickets are required for this event. Any guest with disabilities or who uses a wheelchair, accompanied by one person, may sit in a designated area on the main floor or in section B-11. Aisle seats are available for guests who are ambulatory restricted. Please direct your guests with disabilities to see an usher for seating assistance.
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Parking
Parking for the ceremony is available in the State Fair grounds and the Sports Center lots without charge. All entrances to the Fairgrounds will be open; please use the 27th Street gate when arriving and departing. Please be aware that the 17th Street railroad crossing near the Devaney Center is permanently closed. Please allow plenty of time to park and arrive at the staging area.
Academic Regalia
All participants are required to wear academic caps and gowns at Commencement. To participate in the Graduate and Professional Commencement, you must be at the Bob Devaney Sports Center no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 18th with your academic attire, including an Othmer, Presidential or Fling Fellowship Medallion if you have received one. Your tassel should remain on the right side of your mortar board cap until all degrees have been conferred, at which time the Chancellor will direct all graduates to shift the tassel from the right side to the left side of their caps. You may order caps, gowns, hoods and graduation announcements in person or by mail from the University Bookstore, City Campus Union. Direct your questions about ordering and picking up regalia to the Bookstore (472-7300).
Specific Instructions
There will be security personnel in the staging room to allow for personal items to be left there. The 2:00 p.m. check-in time will allow for you to put on your regalia, receive instructions and prepare to process. The processional begins promptly at 2:45 p.m. and you must be in your gown and in line before that time. Specific instructions will be given by red-gowned Faculty Marshals before the processional begins. Please pay attention to these instructions so the Commencement will proceed smoothly. Follow the Marshals' instructions throughout the processional, ceremony, and recessional.
Diplomas
Each candidate whom participates in the Commencement will be hooded and receive their diploma on the stage. All candidates will proceed to the stage alphabetically by degree from their seats, as directed by the Faculty Marshals. A professional photographer will take your picture as you are hooded and then handed your diploma. All financial obligations to the University must be satisfied before your diploma will be released. If you are uncertain about this matter, check with the Office of student Accounts, 124 Canfield Administration Building (472-2887). Candidates whom choose not to participate in Commencement may recieve their diploma as follows:
1. Pick it up at the Bob Devaney Sports Center (Diploma Room, northeast corner lower level) between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19th. You must present a photo ID to claim your diploma.
2. By mail as requested on the enclosed purple form. Submit the Graduate Statistical Form with your request. Diplomas will be mailed the Monday following Commencement.
3. Pick it up at the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building, beginning the Monday following Commencement.
Graduates With Disabilities
Graduates with disabilities are entirely welcome to participate in the Friday ceremony and should notify us several days before Commencement to allow time to establish reasonable accomodations. Please report any special needs to Dr. Roger Mandigo, Head Marshal, at 472-6456. He will advise you regarding procedures to be followed. Also please note your need for accomodations on your purple Commencement Attendance form.
Change in Plans
Please call the Graduation Services Office at 472-3636 as soon as you determine you are unable to complete your requirements for graduation for this semester, or if you change your mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.
