Instructions and Seating

Baccalaureate

The Baccalaureate service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on Saturday, May 5, 2012, in Neu Chapel on the University campus. Degree candidates may sit with family and friends as there is no formal processional for this service in Neu Chapel. Cap and gown are optional. Attendance at baccalaureate is not mandatory.

Commencement

Commencement will be at 1:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at The Ford Center.

Seating for Guests

No tickets are required.

Seating Assignment

Degree candidates should report to The Ford Center no later than 12:30 p.m. At that time the line of procession will be formed. Candidates should keep their place in the line once it is formed so they will be in the correct order as names are called during the program.

Conferring of Degrees

Tassels should be kept on the right side of the caps. Women should wear their caps throughout the ceremony. Men should remove their caps for the invocation and keep them off until the conferring of degrees. Men will remove their caps for the benediction.

When Dr. John Mosbo, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, says "Mr. President, I have the pleasure of presenting to you candidates for degrees," all candidates should stand and remain standing. After University President Thomas Kazee confers the degrees, the first row of candidates should then move forward as directed by a marshal, and remaining rows should be seated. A marshal will direct each row to the platform. When your name is called, move forward, accept your diploma cover with your left hand and shake hands with President Kazee with your right hand. Return to your seat as directed by a marshal.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a marshal will lead all graduates through the recessional.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be handed out to successful Spring candidates AFTER the commencement ceremony. Those who are summer grads will receive their diplomas in the mail after the program requirements have been completed. At that time, we will mail your diploma to your home address as listed on WebAdvisor. If you would like your diploma mailed elsewhere, please contact Mary Wahl in the Registrar's Office with the correct address. Her telephone number is (812) 488-2601.