Graduation is a formal academic occasion and should be viewed as such in dress and demeanor. The recommended dress is similar to what you would wear to a formal interview. Thus, you should be mindful of the following considerations:

·         Dress clothing.

·         Dress shoes; no sandals or sports shoes.

·         No jewelry on or over the gown. (Some students may have honor cords or medals.)

·         No flowers on the academic robe, and no flowers are to be carried.

·         The mortarboard (academic hat) is to be worn with the front point over the forehead below the front hairline, so the flat board is parallel to the floor. (Not worn on the back of the head with the board pointing upward.) NO DECORATION OF ANY KIND IS TO BE PLACED ON THE MORTARBOARD.

·         Honors students will have honor cords given at the same time as the cap/gown pickup.

·         Candidates should come into the auditorium with the tassel on the right, hanging near the right eye. After the degrees are conferred, the tassel is shifted to the left side. The signal for shifting the tassel will be given by the Provost.

·         In order to protect the dignity of the ceremony, guests will not be permitted close to the stage for pictures.  A professional photographer will take a picture of each senior receiving a diploma. Proofs of these pictures will be sent to each senior in June.

·         Candidates should not chew gum.

·         Candidates should NOT have personal belongings in their possession during the commencement ceremony. NO CELL PHONES OR CAMERAS ALLOWED! Please leave valuables with family or friends.

·         Air horns or other noisemaking devices are not permitted by graduates or guests and will be confiscated. Balloons and banners are not permitted inside the tent during commencement. Photography is allowed from the seat only.

 GRADUATION DECORUM

Graduation ceremonies are, by their very nature, festive occasions. The festivity manifests itself in many ways, including the dress of the students and faculty adorned in academic regalia, and the warmth, joy and satisfaction of accomplishment. The ceremonies are also marked by seriousness where the actual conferring of degrees signifies long, hard work on the part of everyone involved: students, faculty, administrators and parents. As a consequence of the serious nature of the ceremony, students are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consonant with the occasion.  No balloons, banners or noisemakers permitted.