Preparing for the Ceremony
What to expect the day of the Ceremony
- First, verify you have on all your regalia (cap, gown, hood etc.)
- There will not be a hooding ceremony for masters graduates during Commencement. We ask that all masters students come with their hoods already on.
- Arrive one hour before the ceremony and visit the check-in tables and ensure you have your name card.
- No rehearsal, staff and faculty will be available to guide the graduates.
- Graduates will be lined up by degree level, alphabetically by last name (bachelor’s, master’s).
- Graduates will proceed single file for the procession onto the venue floor and to seating.
- Seating will be by degree level in two sections on the floor per college.
- You will be called to the stage by degree level. Alphabetically in a single line, you go across the stage after handing your name card to the announcer.
- Your photos will be taken as you go to the stage as well as when you cross the stage and are handed a university branded diploma cover.
- We ask that everyone to remain until the end of the ceremony for the celebratory tassel change and acknowledgment of being graduated. For recessional, you continue to follow the faculty's instructions to exit the venue floor. We anticipate the ceremony lasting approx. 2 hours.
Personal belongings for graduates
There is no storage at the commencement venue for personal belongings. Please make arrangements for a guest to hold any personal items or carry them with you at all times. Please be advised that the university is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal property.
Photography
The University has coordinated with GradImages Photography to photograph graduates at the ceremony. There will be two photo opportunities during the ceremony: one when crossing the stage and another when coming down from the stage.
How do I wear my cap & gown?
How can such a simple outfit be so complicated? It doesn’t have to be!
Here are a few tips to help you look your best as you walk across the stage in your cap and gown.
Regalia Protocols and Attire
Out of respect and courtesy to the University and graduates, we ask that candidates and faculty do not alter their stoles and gowns. Students are encouraged to decorate their caps! Please refrain from the use of any offensive or obscene pictures, words, or reference. If students violate any of these prohibited items, they may be asked to remove or alter these items.
- Business casual attire should be worn under the gown.
- Please wear comfortable shoes that can be worn long distances, on concrete and/or unstable flooring.
- You are allowed to wear cords/stoles by an approved student organization/department with your standard regalia attire.
Questions? Contact us!