Parking & Shuttles
- Accessible parking is available at the the Neal Robbins Field House for vehicles with
valid permits or license plates. Directional signage will be posted.
- Shuttle Service will be provided to and from various campus parking lots.
Pre-Ceremony
- There is no rehearsal.
- Line-up: Candidates will line up beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Fieldhouse. Please be prompt. Volunteers will be available to assist you upon arrival.
- Arrive in full regalia with your tassel on the right side of your cap (you'll move
it during the ceremony)
- Be sure to bring your name card that you receive in your regalia packet. You must have this to be announced as you
cross the stage.
- Processional: The processional from the Fieldhouse to the outdoor Commencement site will begin at
11:00 a.m. sharp.
Ceremony
- At the proper time during the ceremony, a Marshal will direct you to the stairs at
the side of the stage.
- When you are called to cross the stage, you will give your name card to the announcer,
wait to hear your name, then cross the stage to shake hands with President Terenzio
and receive your diploma cover.
- Exit the stage using the opposite stairs, receiving your alumni pin from the Alumni
Association and return to your seat.
Photography
Guests may take photographs from their seats. However, in order to avoid obstructing
the view of others, you are asked not to approach the stage area. The College has
contracted with Grad Images, to take photographs of each graduate receiving his/her diploma from President Terenzio. Grad Images, will contact graduates via email regarding the possible purchase of these photographs.
The College does not benefit financially from this arrangement; it is provided as
a service to graduates and their families. You are not obligated to purchase the photographs.
Recessional
The recessional party will be led out by the Grand Marshal. The dignitaries on the stage leave first, followed by the faculty
and staff, and then the graduates.
Reception
- A reception will be held in the Fieldhouse immediately following the ceremony. This
is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with faculty, staff, and guests.
- Guests are welcome to visit sites on campus for photography, but are asked not to
enter any buildings that house livestock or equine animals as to not interfere with
biosecurity measures guarding against the spread of H5N1 (Bird Flu). Signage is posted
in relevant areas on campus.
Inclement Weather
- In the event of heavy rain or dangerous weather, Commencement will be moved indoors
and held in Iorio Gymnasium, Bouck Hall.
- A decision will be made the week of Commencement if the event is to be held indoors.
- If inside, two separate Commencement ceremonies will be held due to space restrictions and expected attendance, with the first ceremony beginning
at 10:00 a.m. and the second beginning at 1:30 p.m.
-
- 10:00 a.m. ceremony for candidates in these academic departments:
- Animal and Natural Sciences
- Management, Communication, and Design
- Liberal Arts, Math, and Physical Sciences
- 1:30 p.m. ceremony for candidates in these academic departments
- Fisheries, Wildlife, Environmental, and Plant Sciences
- Applied Career and Digital Technologies
- Behaviorial and Health Studies
- Candidates will receive six (6) guest tickets each in their Commencement regalia packages
that guests will need if we are indoors. No tickets are needed if we are outdoors.
- You must have previously confirmed your participation in the ceremony on your graduation
application in order to receive your guest tickets.
- You must have a photo ID and sign to receive your tickets when you pick up you regalia
packet from the College Store.
- If purchasing regalia through mail order you will need to pick up your tickets from
the College Store. This can be done the day of the ceremony or prior to Commencement
if you are on campus prior to Commencement.
- Please remind your guests that they need to arrive with tickets in hand in order to
be seated.
- Guests without tickets may watch the ceremony via livestream in Bouck Hall Theater
or online.
Celebrate with Respect
To ensure every family hears their graduate's name and enjoys this special moment:
- Please applaud respectfully
- Save extended celebrations for after the ceremony
- Refrain from noisemakers or disruptive cheering
Your courtesy allows everyone to experience their moment of recognition properly.
Thank you for helping make this ceremony memorable for all graduates and their families.
Please note: No pets allowed with the exception of service animals.