Advanced Degree Ceremony Day-Of Information for Students

• Plan to arrive at the Murray Center no later than 4:15 pm (in your cap and gown).
• All graduates must go through a security check and walk through a metal detector.
• Once you enter, check-in to receive your procession card. 

Please enter the lower level of the Murray Center and proceed to your assigned location noted on your procession card.

Ph.D. and DNP Candidates

• Please line up with (your accompanying professor).
• Place your hood over your left arm to prepare for hooding. 
• Marshals will ensure you will be in the correct location in the line-up.

Master’s Candidates

• Those receiving C.A.G.S., Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master's of Social Work will line up in the front sections of your Master’s sections. Please place your hood over left arm as you process into the arena.  
• Please check in with your designated Faculty Marshal or Marshal Assistant.
• Master of Nursing, Education, Arts, Accountancy, and Health Care Administration will follow. Candidates should wear their hoods into the arena. 

Processional and Seating of Graduates

• Once you process onto the arena, a Faculty Marshal will direct you to your seat in your assigned seating block.
• Please remain seated in your seating block during the ceremony.

Ph.D. & DNP Graduates

• Ph.D. & DNP graduates will receive their diplomas first.
• Ph.D. & DNP graduates are escorted to the stage by their accompanying professor on the RIGHT side of the stage
• Once you receive your diploma, please return to your seating location

Master’s Graduates

• C.A.G.S., Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and MSW candidates will be hooded on stage.
• All other master graduates will wear their hoods as they enter the arena and will receive their diploma case as they cross the stage.
• Once you receive your diploma case, please return to your seating location for the remainder of the ceremony.

Recessional

• Once the final diploma case is distributed, President Warner will officially close the ceremony and will direct graduates to recess.
• A reception for your family and friends, will follow on the Quad.

Grad Images is the official Commencement photographer. Grad Images will be on the stage to take individual photographs of graduates as they receive their diploma case. Proofs will be emailed to graduates within 5–10 business days after the ceremony and photos may be ordered at that time. For additional information, please contact Grad Images:

Call Grad Images Email Grad Images

Students with disabilities who plan to attend Commencement, and who may need accommodations, should reach out to the Center for Disability Access.

Call the Center for Disability Access Email the Center for Disability Access