Sunday, 9:00 a.m. line up for procession, 9:30 a.m. processional steps off, 10:00 a.m. ceremony begins.
The Senior Class and Mid-Cycle Seniors assemble in cap and gown in the driveway around the Frosh Quad, forming two columns with the head of the procession in the northeast corner of the Quad. Please pay careful attention to the Class Marshals and the Dean of the College, as the class has to line up in perfect alphabetical order. At Commencement, the President awards diplomas alphabetically by last name, so it is essential that each Senior be in the correct place in the procession and be seated in the proper order. The Marshals and the Dean have alphabetical lists and tell you where to stand. The A’s lead the front of the right column facing forward; the middle of the alphabet lines up at the front of the left column facing forward. The only exceptions to the alphabetical order are the Valedictorian, the Phi Beta Kappa Speaker, and the Class Speaker, who are at the front of the left column, and the Class Marshals, who march at the front and the rear. To ensure the proper lineup, please be there at 9 a.m. The procession steps off precisely at 9:30 a.m.
On arrival at the amphitheater in the Library Quad, the Marshals show you to your seats. Please remain standing through the Invocation. Once the President is seated you may sit down and remove your cap.
During the ceremony, the Class Speaker, the Phi Beta Kappa Speaker, and the Valedictorian give speeches. When the Valedictorian says “Fellow Classmates…,” put on your cap and stand until the end of the speech. Afterwards you may sit down and remove your cap.
When it is time to confer degrees, the Class Marshals lead the Seniors to the stage, via the left (north) stairs. While climbing the stairs, move the tassel on your cap from right to left. (This procedure allows your face, rather than your tassel, to be photographed.) On reaching the top of the stairs, stand and wait until the Dean of the College reads your name. When you hear your name, cross to the center of the stage, face the President, shake their hand, turn to leave the stage by the right (south) stairs, return to your seat via the center aisle. Do not applaud while the Dean reads the names. When the last Class Marshal has returned to his/her place, the Dean says:
“Will all members of the Senior Class please stand for the conferring of the degree.”
When the class stands, the President says:
“By virtue of the authority delegated to me, I confer upon you, who have completed the requirements, the degree of Bachelor of Arts. I welcome you to its privileges and remind you of its responsibilities. Congratulations!”
Great applause!!! You are welcome to toss your cap in the air before being seated.
Marching out of the amphitheater, do not break ranks until reaching the far end of Chapin Hall Drive. You may then proceed to Chapin lawn for the President’s Reception.
In the event of extreme or dangerous weather, we will move the Commencement ceremony to the Lansing Chapman Ice Rink. Guest seating is limited. The ceremony will be live-streamed into Chandler Gym and will be available for viewing off campus as well.
The signal for an indoor Commencement is a slow, steady tolling of the Chapel bells at 8:30 a.m. Assemble at 9:00 a.m. in the Ice Rink. In the event of rain, the President’s Reception takes place in Chandler Gym.
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