IB: Commencement Day

Commencement Day

The box office will be open at 12:30 pm, selling tickets (cash only) for $10
We will open the doors at 1:00pm for you.
Any elderly, injured or otherwise disabled folks should arrive at the southgate, in Bowles parking lot, at 12:45pm. They may enter early, with one helper to be seated safely. Note that parking at the Bowles lot will not be available, but can be used as a drop off site.

PhD STUDENTS hold onto your hood
MAs, hold onto your cowl
EVERYONE have your caps on with your tassel toward your RIGHT ear. A pin/clip may be needed to hold cap on.

if you forget, see the card table backstage at the Greek Theater for a replacement.
These index cards are provided by Grad Images, the professional service taking photographs at IB’s Commencement, and one will be in the envelope with your tickets.
You will give your best email address on the index card, as well, and Grad Images will send you proofs of your photos within 48 hours of our ceremony.
You are NOT required to order photos, yet we do suggest you keep the email Grad Images sends to you for future use.

Undergrads may line up in any order they wish:
- We will have exact instructions for you closer to the date of the ceremony.
Grad students will be directed by Mei Griebenow or her designate.

Procession will begin from backstage.

Faculty, PhD and Masters candidates will sit on the stage; remain standing until all undergraduates are in.

BA Candidates:
- BAs will proceed into the pit of the Greek Theater and will be directed by volunteers to seats that have been reserved.
- Walk into your row, fill each seat & REMAIN STANDING until the MC steps to the podium and asks you to be seated.

Step slowly and carefully; this is a stately procession. Therefore, NO chewing gum/tobacco and no stopping to hug or wave to your loved ones.
If you are late, find a volunteer to seat you.

After the speeches, degrees will be awarded; first the MAs, PhDs, then followed by BAs.

Masters and PhD recipients:
- Hold your hood in your lap.
- Stay in your seat until your name is called, then move to the center of the stage (it will be marked) to meet your thesis advisor there.
- Turn to face the audience while your advisor places the hood over your head from behind.
- You may thank or shake hands with your thesis advisor
- Then walk over to Chair Sousa to receive your ceremonial scroll - your photo will be taken at this point.
- Proceed to the back of the stage where the second photo will be taken and then return to your seat.
BA recipients:

After the Chair announces the names of the faculty who will read names / help with scrolls, students in the first row should watch for the signal from a volunteer to all rise as one, and approach the ramp to the stage.
Volunteers will direct you onto and off of the stage.
Keep at least 20 feet between you, so photos include only one graduate!
Walk to the announcer at the microphone, hand off your name card and proceed to the Chair for first a scroll (left hand) and then a handshake (right hand).
Your photo will be taken at handshake; look the Chair in the eye and smile for best results!
Proceed from scroll table to the back of the stage for the second photo and then out the south door, where you will be directed back to your seat.

The Chair will invite the participants to move the tassel on their mortar boads from right to left and will introduce the Class of 2012.
Recede out in a stately manner!

A reception will follow the ceremony at the base of the Campanile.

Seating is general admission, regardless of any letters/numbers appearing on tickets.
The ceremony usually lasts two hours.
Commencement flowers available for purchase (leis, bouquets, etc.) will be stationed outside the Greek by 8 am.
The elderly or those needing special assistance will be allowed into the Greek at 12:45pm, and may be accompanied by ONE helping adult.
Only graduating students, faculty and photographers are permitted onstage at any time.
All guests must stay seated during the event. Professional photographers will be present to offer high-quality personalized images for later purchase. Guests blocking the aisles are a safety hazard, or at least intrude on the peaceful viewing of other guests.