SUMMER COMMENCEMENT 2008

NOTE:  There will NOT be a rehearsal for the commencement.  These are the only directions you will receive before commencement.  Please read them carefully. If you are physically unable to climb stairs and/or cross the stage, please notify the University Registrar’s Office at 257-2176, and special arrangements will be available for you to participate.

WHAT:    Summer Commencement 2008

WHERE:  Thomas Assembly Center, Ruston, Louisiana

WHEN:  Thursday, August 14, 2008.  Be at your College’s Assembly Area by 12:45 p.m. (see table below for your specific meeting area.)  The processional will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.  The location of all the areas for assembly listed below, are on the lower concourse (playing floor level) of the Thomas Assembly Center.

SHOW UP WEARING: You should be wearing your cap and gown. Men should wear a white shirt and tie, with dark trousers underneath the gown.  Women should wear a dress, or pants and a blouse with a collar that does not extend above the neckline of the gown.  All undergraduate degree candidate tassels are worn on the right side of the cap. At the appropriate time during the ceremony, the President will tell you to move your tassel from the right to the left side of your cap.  Candidates for the master's degree will wear the appropriate hood for their academic discipline.  Doctoral candidates will not wear their hood, as they will participate in a "hooding" ceremony on stage.

Note: Only those items approved for wear with the official university cap & gown (e.g. approved academic honor cords, stoles, shawls, or medals/pins) will be allowed in the processional and commencement exercise.  Please, do not decorate your mortar board.  Your Dean will ask you to remove the decoration or replace the mortar board before you will be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ASSEMBLY AREAS: Your Dean or his/her designated representative will assign your position in the processional line-up (alphabetically within each degree-type in each college or division) to assure proper order for the conferring of degrees onstage. Faculty and staff members will be present to assist with last minute cap & gown adjustments or problems. Representatives from the Bookstore will also be available for assistance.

THE PROCESSION OF CANDIDATES: The two lines will be led into the arena seating area via the South entrance to the playing floor.  You will be directed to the proper seating by the Faculty Marshals.  As you move into your aisle, be sure that no seats are left empty.  Follow the Marshal's directions in all cases.

DURING THE CEREMONY:  The following are important points to remember during the ceremony:
 
     - Men:  remove caps during the Invocation, singing of the alma mater, and the Benediction.
     - Wait on the top stair of the stage until your name is called before stepping forward to receive your diploma cover and shake the University President’s hand.
     - After crossing the stage, return to the seating area and remain standing until your Dean directs your college to be seated.
     - After the program, you will leave the seating area as directed by the Faculty Marshals.

AFTER THE CEREMONY: Immediately following the recessional, proceed to the designated room where you will pick up your diploma packet:

     - Last Name Begins With:     A  -  L     Room 110
     - Last Name Begins With:     M  -  Z     Room 168

GENERAL INFORMATION:

There is no storage area for personal items such as purses or cameras, so plan accordingly. Do not bring these items with you! Do not leave these items in the College Assembly Areas!

Guests will not be allowed on the playing floor level before, during, or after the commencement ceremony.  A professional photographer will take pictures as you receive your diploma cover and after you exit the stage.  The photographer will contact you directly by mail with proofs and package costs for purchasing commencement photos.

NOTE:  Official, degree-posted transcripts are available upon written request to the Office of the University Registrar beginning the first working day following commencement. There is no fee for this service.  Any personal debts to the University must be cleared before your official transcript can be released.