Parking & Shuttles
- Only Accessible parking is available at the Field House for vehicles with valid permits
or license plates.
- Shuttle Service will be provided to and from various campus parking lots. Map of shuttle stops provided here. Signage will be posted.
Processional
- There is NO rehearsal.
- Candidates will line up for the processional inside the Neal Robbins Field House no
later than 1:15 p.m. on Commencement day. Please be prompt.
- Assemble in full regalia. The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until President
Terenzio confers the degrees.
- Faculty Marshals and Commencement Volunteers will assist with formation of the processional.
- The processional will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.
- The entire processional party will walk two-by-two and follow the Grand Marshall.
- Candidates will walk down the center aisle separating left and right filling in rows
of seats. Remain standing.
- You must bring your name card with you to the Commencement ceremony so that you can be introduced as you walk across the
stage.
- Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. All candidates should dress appropriately
and wear proper academic attire.
- Individuals should respect that this special event is also for their fellow candidates
and guests, so proper conduct and decorum is expected.
- There is one outdoor ceremony regardless of the weather forecast. Please dress for
the weather. Proper walking shoes are highly recommended.
Ceremony
- Candidates should remove their caps during the playing of the National Anthem, if
possible.
- At the proper time during the ceremony, a Marshal will direct you to the stairs at
the side of the stage.
- You will give your name card to announcer, who will then read your name.
- Wait until your name has been read before continuing - there is no need to run.
- Cross the stage, at the center shake hands with President Terenzio and accept your
diploma cover.
- Exit the stage using the opposite stairs, receiving your alumni pin from the Alumni
Association and return to your seat
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.
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 Neal Robbins Field House immediately following the
ceremony. Graduates and their guests are cordially invited to join faculty and staff
for this occasion. Please take a few moments to say goodbye to friends and faculty and to introduce your
guest to these people.
After the Event
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.
Please note: No pets allowed with the exception of service animals.