Commencement Day Instructions
Assembly Instructions
The Commencement Ceremony
Assembly Instructions
There are no rehearsals for Commencement Ceremonies. On the day of commencement, arrive at the staging area (the playing field between Nettleton Stadium and University Stadium) by 8 a.m. sharp, dressed in your cap and gown. Only candidates are allowed in the staging area. Access to the staging area is from the north end of the University Stadium via College Avenue.
Students should look for large signs identifying the various college check-in stations. Staff members will be available near the staging area to give assistance. Go directly to your college table where you will be given a card with your name on it. (Please do not lose the card. You will present it to the reader on the platform during the ceremony.) Proceed to your lineup area near the table. Your dean and department chair will organize the line, give you final instructions, and lead you to your seat in the stadium.
At the staging area, students will receive a commemorative program listing the names of all candidates eligible for graduation. Guests attending the ceremony will receive a day program listing speakers and the order of the ceremony and no commemorative programs will be sold or otherwise available.
No extra robes, caps, tassels, or collars will be available in the staging area.
The procession leaves the staging area promptly at 8:50 a.m. for the walk into the stadium. Grand marshals and their teams of faculty marshals are in charge of the ceremonies, and your cooperation with them is necessary and appreciated. Drinking fountains and restrooms are located in Acker and Shurmer gymnasiums and under the bleachers on east and west sides of the stadium. Candidates should take advantage of the facilities before 8:40 a.m.
If you arrive late, after the ceremony has started, please find one of the faculty marshals and they will direct you to where you can sit.
The Commencement Ceremony
- Stadium Map: Saturday (pdf)
- Stadium Map: Sunday (pdf)
Each ceremony lasts approximately two hours and will be over no later than 11:15 a.m. Ceremonies are held rain or shine. Candidates will sit in designated areas according to college. Each candidate will walk across the platform as his or her name is read and will be congratulated by the dean of the college. Out of respect to all candidates and their families and guests, we ask that you remain in your seats until the conclusion of the ceremony. Graduates will process out of the stadium after the departure of the platform party.
University Police Officers will be on hand to provide any needed assistance, and a life-support vehicle and two bicycle EMTs will be available for emergency situations.
No alcohol will be permitted in either the staging area or the stadium. Intoxicated students will be removed from University Stadium.
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