Graduates must bring their cap, gown and tassel (and other regalia for graduate students) to the ceremony. Regalia signifying academic achievement are the only permissible addition to the cap and gown outfit. Valuables should be left with family or friends.
Graduates should arrive one hour prior to their ceremony to allow adequate time for parking. Graduates should use the north entrance between the Taylor Center and Myers Field house (not the front doors where your guests will enter). See map.
Prior to entering the line-up area in the Myers Field House, graduates should make arrangements with guests to meet at a specific location after the ceremony. Graduates should go to their college line-up area in Myers Field House. Staff will be stationed at each college's line-up area to distribute name cards. All graduates must have a University-approved name card prior to entering the arena. These cards will be used to announce graduates' names as they cross the stage. If your name is difficult to pronounce, please print it phonetically on the card in large clear letters. Graduates from the College of Graduate Studies will be handed a yellow card. Honors are not recognized for masters and doctoral students. Undergraduates with honors will receive a pink card which will show your name and honor. All other undergraduates will receive a white card.
Student Marshals wearing gold robes will guide graduates to their seats. Graduates should fill the entire row on each side as they separate. Graduates should not leave blank chairs unless instructed by a Student Marshal.
Student Marshals will lead all graduates to the stage, one college at a time. Graduates must have their name-cards, right side up, ready to hand to the announcer before crossing the stage. The announcer will read the name, and the graduate will cross the stage, receive their diploma cover from their college dean, shake hands with President Richard Davenport or representative and pause for a professional photo. Student Marshals will usher graduates back to their seats. All graduates are to remain for the entire ceremony out of respect for their fellow classmates.
Platform guests will depart first. Student Marshals will lead the student recessional once the ceremony is over.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages on University property is prohibited. Unruly behavior and excessive celebrations inconsistent with the spirit of the event are also prohibited. Security personnel will be instructed to ask those involved to desist and then instruct them to leave the ceremonies should such behavior continue. We also ask for your cooperation as far as post-commencement celebrations are concerned. The surrounding community is made up of our neighbors and we ask that all celebrations be handled in a way that is considerate of them and their property.
