Related Information

Parents/Families: To determine which ceremony your graduate will attend, find his/her major in the list of Undergraduate Majors by College

Information For:

Maps

Directions

Lodging

Future Commencement Dates

  • Fall 2008: Dec. 20
  • Spring 2009: May 16
  • Fall 2009: Dec. 19
  • Spring 2010: May 15

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!

Instructions for Participation in the May 10, 2008 Commencement Ceremonies At Western Hall in Macomb

There will be no graduation rehearsals so please read the information below carefully. All Macomb ceremonies are held in Western Hall. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (309) 298-1891, ext. 224. Please be in line no later than 1/2 hour prior to the start of your ceremony.

Ceremonies:

Upon Arrival to Western Hall: Please report to the long counter along the East Arena back wall (Q-Lot side) to pick up your name card and Commencement program.

The address on the name card is where your diploma and complimentary transcript will be mailed. Please contact the East Arena Information Center the day of Commencement or the Registrar’s Office Monday after Commencement if there is an error. The cards are not returned to our office, so changing the address on the name card does not change our records.

After picking up your name card, put on your cap and gown and line up behind the standard number of your major. It is not necessary to line up alphabetically. Signs will be posted around the East Arena identifying standard numbers and majors. If you are a secondary education major, you will line up and sit with the appropriate major (i.e. history education majors sit with history). Due to a large number of graduates, some departments may have more than one standard.

Tassels are placed on the right side of your cap. When degrees are conferred, move your tassel to the left side. No decorations or writing may be added to your cap or gown.

Once the Ceremony Begins: Eight student marshals dressed in white caps and gowns will direct the graduates throughout each ceremony. Follow their directions at all times. Graduates will march into Western Hall in two single-file lines. Always follow the person ahead of you. Once your row is filled, you may be seated. Please stand for the singing of the National Anthem; gentlemen are asked to remove their caps.

Receiving Your Diploma Cover: A marshal will come to release your row and direct you to the stage. Always exit your row to the right and enter your row from the left. Take your name card with you. When you reach the ramp, walk up to the stage and hand your name card to the reader at the podium who will read your name as you walk across the stage. You will shake hands with the Dean of your college; shake hands with the President and Board of Trustees representative; and then receive your diploma cover and pose for a professional photograph with your department chair. Proceed down the ramp and back to your seat following the person ahead of you.

As you pose for your professional photograph, please hold your diploma cover in an upright position with the school seal facing toward the camera.

At the End of the Ceremony: When the music begins, marshals will lead out the stage party, faculty and graduates. Please remain seated until your row is released.

Attending Commencement Does Not Guarantee Graduation: All academic requirements must be complete and all paperwork on file in the Registrar’s Office by May 23, 2008 before a student receives his or her diploma.

No Alcohol Permitted: Anyone in possession of alcohol will be immediately removed from Western Hall by on-duty police officers.

Congratulations on your Graduation!