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Information for Graduates

Student Procession Instructions Grad

Arts & Letters Diploma Ceremony | Sunday, May 19, 2024

Information for Graduates

Timeline

12:15 PM: Graduates begin to arrive on-site (Joyce Center Gate 10) 
1:00 PM: Doors unlock for guests (Purcell Pavillion Main Entrance, Gate 9)
1:15 PM: All graduates must be in line and have their diploma card in hand
1:30 PM: Faculty procession into the arena begins
1:35 PM: Graduate procession into the arena begins
2:00 PM: Ceremony begins

Diploma Card Pick Up and Line Up

Sample Diploma Card

  • Please be on time. You must be in line no later than 1:15 p.m. The procession into the arena begins at approximately 1:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 2:00 PM.

  • Report to Gate 10 of the Purcell Pavilion beginning at approximately 12:15 to pick up your diploma card. Tables will be set up alphabetically, (A – F) (G –K) (L – P) (Q – Z), just inside the doors of Gate 10, cards will be distributed until 1:15 P.M. There will be water & snacks available. There are approximately 715 diploma cards that we need to distribute, so it is important that you get in line ASAP to pick up your card

  • The lineup for the procession will be in two areas of the Purcell Pavilion, Gate 10 (A through K last names) and Gate 8 (L through Z last names). The gate where you are to line up to will be noted at the bottom of your card and your line number will be noted in the upper right-hand corner. You will line up numerically; there will be ushers who will be directing you to your place. You must have your diploma card by 1:15 PM.

  • If you are not in line by 1:30 P.M., and the procession has begun, find an Usher, they will assist you in finding your place. If you are beyond the point of jumping in line, you will be directed to the late section by an Usher. If the procession has begun and cards are no longer being distributed at Gate 10, the late-section usher will assist you in getting a diploma card.

  • Faculty ushers will lead the faculty procession into the arena beginning at 1:30 P.M.

  • Students will be directed to proceed, at approximately 1:35 P.M., to their respective starting points. An announcement will be made introducing the Class of 2024; it is at this time that you will process in following the Faculty Ushers.

  • After all students are seated, the diploma ceremony will convene promptly at 2:00 P.M

Diploma Distribution During the Ceremony

  • As Ushers call your row to line up to receive your diploma, you must have your diploma card in hand; you will hand your card to the person at the top of the steps, and you will be directed by that person when to proceed. Your name will be read as you receive your diploma from Associate Dean Flannery; you will then walk across the stage to greet Dean Mustillo.

  • There will be a photographer at the bottom of the steps before you go on stage and one when you exit the stage. The photographer will also take a photo of you shaking hands with the Dean.

  • Diplomas will be handed out only during the ceremony. We are unable to hand them out prior to the event. If you are unable to attend, your diploma will be mailed to you from the Registrar’s Office the following week.

    • Occasionally, during the course of the ceremony, students are handed blank diplomas only because we need to keep the line moving and those handing them out were unable to locate a particular diploma. After the ceremony, you may come to the stage so that we can give you your actual diploma, otherwise, it will be mailed to you.

Inclement Weather

  • If the University Commencement Ceremony is held in the Purcell Pavilion arena due to inclement weather, all A & L graduates will be asked to remain seated and further directions will be given for the A & L Diploma Ceremony

Information for Your Guests

  • Guests do not need tickets for the Arts and Letters Diploma Ceremony. Please let your family know they should enter through Gate 9, the main entrance of the Purcell Pavilion.

  • Sections 4 - 16 and 104 - 116 of the arena will be open for guest seating

  • Guests who need accessible seating should speak to one of the Ushers on-site. Accessible seating is available in each guest seating section. There are elevators at Gate 9 that will take them to the second level.

  • Hearing-impaired guests should sit in the first two rows of Section 14. There will be a signer for the ceremony.