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Graduation

Future Graduates

Students expecting to graduate in future terms may apply for graduation by filling out the graduation application.

Graduation Etiquette

The graduation ceremony is a celebration of each student's individual achievements. It signifies long, hard work on the part of everyone involved. Many people have worked extremely hard to make this event a dignified and memorable experience in order to celebrate your accomplishments.

Students are expected to maintain a measure of decorum appropriate for the occasion. Applause and other recognition of a graduate should be limited. The noise drowns out the announcements of the next graduates, and they are unable to receive the proper recognition that they deserve.

Students are not graduated as a group; instead each student receives an individual award and a moment of individual recognition during the walk across the stage. It is a brief moment, but it is personal.

Students are expected to return to their seats after receiving their awards and to remain seated for the rest of the ceremony.

Preparing Your Cap and Gown

A few days before graduation, take your gown out of its package and place it on a hanger to let the wrinkles fall out of the gown. If the wrinkles are still visible, put the gown on a hanger in a bathroom so that the steam from the bath will help the wrinkles fall out. If you must iron it, place a towel between the gown and the iron to protect the fabric. DO NOT DIRECTLY IRON THE GOWN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

Recommended dress code for gentlemen

  • Dark shoes and dark socks
  • Dark slacks
  • White shirt, preferably with a tie

Recommended dress code for ladies

  • Dark shoes--not flip-flops, house shoes, etc.
  • Hose (neutral)
  • Dark skirt with white blouse or dark dress with hemline that does not show under graduation gown
  • Dark pant suit or dark slacks with white blouse

It is advisable to have some safety pins and hair pins available in case of need.

Heavy jewelry should not be worn.

No head-dress other than cap (square "mortar board") is worn, and it sits flat on top of your head.

All participants should leave cell phones (turned off), purses, keys and other hand-carried items with a friend or relative.

Tassels are worn on the left side of the cap before and during the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, you will be instructed to move your tassel to the right. This is a tradition and must be done as a group.

Last updated: June 11, 2008.