To: Class of 2020

From: Commencement Committee

Date: April 20

Subject: Save the Date to Celebrate May 20 & 21

Dear Class of 2020,

The Commencement Committee is so impressed by your grit and perseverance during this challenging time. We wish each of you luck as you complete your final courses and prepare for life after graduation. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we plan to celebrate your achievements.

We are delighted to ask you to Save the Date for an online celebration of your achievements. We will be hosting an online event on Wednesday, May 20 for Graduate students and Thursday, May 21 for Undergraduate students. Both events will take place at 10 a.m.

Hosted by President Hrabowski and campus leaders, these events will include speaker remarks, campus photos, and individual slides recognizing each graduate. The slides will be made available for download, and the celebration will be shared through social media and can be downloaded to share.

In order to participate in this event, you will soon be receiving an email asking you to record your name and upload a photograph to the website. Names must be submitted by April 28 in order to participate in the event. Photographs must be uploaded by May 14. Each photograph will be made into an individual slide featuring your name and honors. 

Be creative and personalize your photograph. Did you purchase a graduation cap? Decorate and display it! Or, show off your retriever spirit in your best black and gold. The email will provide details and technical requirements. All photographs will be reviewed, please make sure it is appropriate and does not contain offensive images or language.

Please share the May online date with your friends and family. We will be sharing the dates with our campus community in the coming days so that we all can participate and celebrate your incredible achievements.

Hello Graduates,

Your big day is fast approaching and I’m sure you have some questions about the ceremony. Below you will find the details.  Feel free to share with your guests.

Graduation Logistics Information             

·         Doors to the Event Center open at 9:00 am (one hour prior to the ceremony start time).

·         Graduates will use the Auxiliary Gym entrance, located on the outside lower level on the right side as you face the building.  Follow the signs.

·         Make sure that you have your cap and gown and floor pass with you. Before arriving to the Event Center, please complete your information on the back of the floor pass. Do not fold or misplace the floor pass as your name has been pre-recorded and will be announced by scanning the barcode on this card.

·         There is no secure place to leave belongings inside the Event Center, and you will not be permitted to bring personal items onto the floor with you.  Make sure you leave belongings at home or with one of your guests prior to entering the building.

·         Once you enter the Event Center, proceed up the stairs (or use the elevator around the corner).

·         Once upstairs, there will be volunteers to assist you in finding your department and help you  line up

·         Graduates will process onto the Event Center’s arena floor about 20 min before the start of the ceremony.  There will be volunteers leading each line of graduates, please follow their direction. The graduates will be followed by Faculty and Staff and finally the Platform Party.

·         After remarks by several commencement speakers, graduates will be lined up to cross the stage, directed by volunteers.  Those seated on house-left will cross first and, when finished they will be followed by the graduates on the house-right side.

·         On-site professional photographers will take photos just prior to entering the event center floor and one of the hand shake.

·         You will use the side stairs to ascend to the stage, hand your card to the assistant for it to be scanned, and immediately walk to shake hands.  Use the stairs on the opposite side of the stage to exit the stage.

·         You will be directed back to the seating, although it may be a different chair.

·         Final remarks and the Alma Mater will conclude the ceremony.  The Platform Party recesses first, followed by the Faculty and Staff and finally the graduates.

·         As you exit the arena floor, you will be directed to the closest building exit. You can meet your friends and family members outside.  Plan a meeting location with your guests before you come.

Some Notes:

Every guest 12 months and older MUST have a ticket to enter the Event Center

Please make sure that you hang your gown up as soon as you get it to try and reduce any wrinkles

The ceremony is expected to last about 2 hours