December Commencement Volunteers

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 09:55:38 -0500

Greetings All. Some things to note regarding the Fall Commencement Ceremony, December 21, 2021.

The Volunteer roles are not yet posted on the link from the volunteer form. As we finalize logistics these roles may change.

The two main needs for the graduate volunteers we be:

Getting graduates to their seats (there will not be a procession).

Assisting the Event Center staff with seating guests (Ushers)

PLEASE complete the form (link below). We have to have an accurate head count.

1) In order to maximize the number of graduates and guests that we can accommodate in the EC, we had to split the undergraduate ceremony into two ceremonies, as we do in the spring. So there will be a total of 3 ceremonies this winter.

2) There will not be a student line-up in the halls of the EC, or a procession of graduates. Graduates will enter the EC and go directly to their seats. Right now we are working with William at the EC to maximize safe seating for our graduates, but we will be using the floor along with 2 sections of the lower bowl for graduates.

3) Graduates will still walk across the stage

4) Due to the lack of floor space, and the need to physically distance and reduce interactions, the Alumni Association will not be handing out their gift to the graduates after they cross the stage.

5) In order to limit the number of physical interactions, we are going to have graduates scan their own floor passes using a stationary scanner. We will still need to have stage assistants on the stage to assist those that have difficulty scanning their cards.

6) The only faculty and staff participating will be those that have a role in hooding PhD graduates in the Grad School ceremony on Tuesday, December 21. This means that we do not have a procession of F&S, and therefore, no faculty/staff line-up role for volunteers.

7) There will be a Platform Party at each ceremony, the procession of the PP will likely look different. As we are working with William at the EC to maximize safe seating for our graduates, we realize that there may not be room for a center aisle, so more details still need to be worked out on this.

For those that would like to volunteer to assist with this winter's ceremonies, you can sign up using this form. Please know that while we do appreciate each and every volunteer, we know that some of you will not feel comfortable volunteering this year, and we understand that. Please don't feel pressure to volunteer. If you know of anyone else that you think would want to volunteer, please feel free to share.