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Helpful Hints to Prepare for Graduation

GRAD FINALE

The Spring 2008 GRAD FINALE will be held on Wednesday, March 26th from Noon to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 27th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Crimson and Gold Ballroom, Overman Student Center.   This is your opportunity to pick up your cap and gown and take care of many of your graduation tasks all at one time.   Information concerning Financial Assistance Exit Interviews, graduation fee payment, Senior Class Gift, Kanza purchases, and graduation announcements ordering and more will be available!  Participation in this event usually takes less than an hour.  You may call the Degree Checking Office, 620-235-4211, if you have any questions.

GRADUATION FEE

Payment of the Graduation Fee is required for anyone receiving a degree in May or August 2008.  The fee is $45 for Undergraduate degrees and $55 for Graduate degrees.  This mandatory fee does not include any additional overseas mailing costs for mailing your diploma.  An Undergraduate student may go to the Degree Checking Office [102 Russ Hall, 235-4211] to receive the necessary fee card to make this payment. A Graduate student obtains a fee statement when petitioning for candidacy.   Contact the Graduate Office [112 Russ Hall, 235-4218] if you have any questions concerning the Candidacy procedures.  Payment of Graduation Fees may be made at the GRAD FINALE event.  Note:  Friday, March 28th is the last day to apply for graduation and pay the Graduation Fee for the May 2008 Commencement.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (Undergraduate)

Undergraduate students who are graduating with the University Scholastic Honors Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude are designated by ribbons and medallions worn around the neck.  Undergraduate students who graduate with these distinctions will be notified in the near future.

Undergraduate students who have participated in the Departmental Academic Honors Program and who are graduating with Departmental Academic Honors are designated by gold cordings worn around the neck.  Students will be notified where to obtain their cordings in the near future.

CARDS

There will be an index card listing your name at the concession stand closest to your gathering area.  Please assist those who will be announcing your name by writing in the phonetic spelling if your name is difficult to pronounce correctly.   Pencils will be available at the concession area.

COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL

No rehearsal will be held.  See Your Graduation Day – Agenda to learn more about where to meet, how to line up and the processional.  There will be a Marshall to assist you with the process during commencement.

DIPLOMAS

Your diploma will be mailed to you within a month of your graduation term provided all graduation requirements have been met.  You may also notify our Degree Checking Office if you would prefer to pick up your diploma from them.  Please contact them via phone at 620-235-4211, email jhoyer@pittstate.edu or visit the office at 102 Russ Hall.   If you attend commencement, you will be given an empty cover.  If you do not attend commencement, your diploma and cover will be provided at a later time.

HOODING (Graduate students)

EdS students should have their hoods unbuttoned as they carry them over their arm to the stage.  Unbuttoned hoods will make it easier for the candidates to be hooded by their Dean.

PROCESSIONAL

Please be wearing your regalia, have your name card (see map), and be in your processional area by 7:15 p.m. on Friday evening or 9:45 a.m. on Saturday moring. See commencement map. Processional begins promptly at 7:25 p.m. Friday evening and 9:55 a.m. on Saturday morning.   Don’t forget, if you wish to sit beside another graduate, they must be in front or behind you in line, NOT beside you. 

PROGRAMS

There will be a program in your seat once you are in the auditorium.  Remember to leave the program in your seat as you proceed to the stage so you will have a free hand to accept your diploma cover and shake hands.

REGALIA

Candidates who have not already obtained caps and gowns should contact the University Bookstore (Student Center) immediately or call 620-235-4875.  All persons who receive degrees will wear caps and gowns for the exercises.

The cap should be worn with (1) the deep part at the back of the head, (2) the hair completely concealed in front, (3) the top level, (4) the tassel over the right temple at all times.  Do not remove caps at any time during the exercises.  Corsages and/or jewelry should not be worn on the gowns and no handbags carried.  All candidates should wear dark shoes.  Ladies wear dark slacks or dresses and men wear dress shirts with ties and dark slacks.

SAFETY

Your safety is of our utmost importance.  Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the building and the exits.  Should an emergency arise, please listen for announcements to safely direct your actions. Severe Weather Emergency Plan .

An ambulance will be parked at the southwest doors of the Weede Gymnasium during Commencement ceremonies. Refer any person needing medical assistance to the personnel stationed with the ambulance.