Information for Fall 2008 Graduation

TO:           DEGREE CANDIDATES,                 FALL COMMENCEMENT FROM:       Linda Roberts-Betsch, D.S.N.                 Vice President for Academic Affairs SUBJECT:  Graduation DATE:       October 1, 2008

This memorandum provides important information for students graduating at the conclusion of Fall Semester, 2008.

1. The Fall Commencement ceremony will be held in Memorial Hall Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

2. Due to a smaller number of students graduating in Fall Semester 2008, there is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite.
   
   
3. The group Commissioning Ceremony for new second lieutenants will be a part of the commencement ceremony.  A reception for new second lieutenants will be held in the Military Leadership Center Conference Room during the individual commissioning ceremonies held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prior to the commencement ceremony.

4. Any graduating student planning not to participate in the commencement ceremony should so indicate on the Application for Graduation.  Any graduating student not participating in commencement will be charged an additional $5.00 fee to cover the cost of mailing the diploma.  Should a student change his or her plans to participate, or not participate, in the commencement ceremony, the student must notify the Registrar’s Office no later than close of business Wednesday, November 19, 2008.  Failure to do so will result in an additional late fee.
   
   
5. Students who are participating in the ceremony and who need special accommodations (wheelchair, etc.) should notify the Registrar’s Office. 
   
   
6. Graduation announcements may be ordered in Print Services through Friday, December 5.  The price is $1 each, prepaid, and the minimum order is 10.  A sample of the announcement can be seen in Print Services.  For more information, phone 706/864-1631.
   
   
7. Caps, gowns, and hoods (graduate degree only) may be picked up at the bookstore in the Student Center December 8-12 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and December 13 (11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).  Honors hoods for baccalaureate degree candidates will not be available until the afternoon of December 12, after final grades are computed.  Phone 706/864-1635 for information on regalia.  To check on honor status, phone the Bookstore at 706/864-1635 on the afternoon of December 12.
   
   
8. Graduating students with names that might be mispronounced are asked to stop by the Registrar’s Office no later than December 9 to provide correct pronunciation.
   
   
9. Undergraduate honors students wear their hoods throughout the ceremony.  The mortarboard hat should be worn centered on the top of the head. 
   
   
10. Graduate students should not wear their hoods for the processional but should drape them neatly over the right arm as they enter the Memorial Hall arena.  Graduate students will be hooded individually on stage immediately prior to receiving their diplomas. 
    
    
11. Appropriate attire for graduating men includes a dress shirt with tie and dark shoes.  Women should wear dresses that do not show above the collar or below the hem of the gown.  Nothing should be attached to the outside of the gown except academic awards.
    
    
12. There will be no commencement rehearsal.  All graduates must report to Dunlap Hall (100 level)/Newton Oakes Center (000 and 100 levels) forty-five minutes prior to the scheduled time for their graduation ceremony.  Students will line up by degree-granting school according to signs posted in the lineup areas. 

NOTE: If you will be certified to teach at the secondary level, your major is in your disciplinary specialization and not in the School of Education.

13. Presentation of diplomas to undergraduate students:

1. Graduating students will be directed to the left of the stage by the ushers.
2. The first row of graduates will stand and move to the left stage as soon as the two ushers are in place at the steps.
3. Remaining rows will move to the stage when about eight candidates are in line at the steps.
4. Each candidate will mount the stage at the time his or her name is called.
5. Upon receipt of their diplomas, graduates leave the opposite stage steps and return to their original chairs and seat themselves.

14. Presentation of diplomas and hooding of graduate students:

1. Graduate students will be directed to the right of the stage by an usher.
2. Each candidate will mount the stage at the time his or her name is called.
3. Each student will be hooded by the dean of her/his school .
4. After being hooded, students will walk toward President Potter for the presentation of the diplomas, and exit by the stage left stairs.

15. The photographer will be off the stage to the right of President Potter.  Please pause when receiving the diploma, so a photograph can be taken.
    
    
16. Students who arrive late will be placed at the end of the graduation line.  Graduates are encouraged to avoid this possible embarrassment by arriving on time.  If you arrive in Dunlap Hall/Newton Oates Center after roll is taken for your degree, you MUST notify the faculty marshal for your school.  Failure to do so will result in your name not being called during the ceremony.
    
    
17. Students should check to be sure that cell phones and pagers are turned off during the ceremony.
    
    
18. All fees, fines, and other debts to the university must be paid at least three working days prior to commencement or the diploma will be withheld and transcripts will not be mailed. 

Congratulations upon reaching this graduation milestone.  If you have questions telephone
706/864-1602.