All candidates for degrees should report to the following locations dressed in their cap and gown by 9 a.m. (otherwise we cannot guarantee participation in the ceremony).

College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business: Tator Hall, first floor

School of Communications: Echlin Health Sciences Center

School of Education: Tator Hall, first floor

School of Health Sciences: Clarice L. Buckman Center

Students will line up alphabetically in accordance with the numbered card they receive when checking in. At 9:35 a.m., the Commencement marshals will lead students in the procession and direct them to their seats.

Ceremony Protocol:
Graduates must stand and remain quiet as the faculty, staff, and platform participants march to their seats. During the invocation, men should remove their caps. After the invocation, caps are replaced, and all are seated, following the example of those on the platform. Except for the time when receiving the degree, graduates are expected to remain seated during the ceremony.

Each group of graduates will be called in order; the marshal will direct the group to the platform area at the correct time. Graduates will have received a card with their name on it when checking in (at the line-up area). As graduates approach the platform, they will present this card to the Dean, who will then read the name. After receiving the diploma cover and shaking the President's hand, graduates will cross the stage and return to their seats. Once the entire group has returned to their seats, the President will announce the conferral of degrees ("By the power vested in me by the Board of Trustees, I hereby confer upon you the degree of…") After he has finished speaking, the tassel can be moved to the left side of the cap.

When the ceremonies are over, the audience will rise for the benediction. Men should again remove their caps and replace them when the benediction is finished. All graduates will remain standing while the Commencement participants exit. The platform party will leave first, followed by the faculty and staff, followed by the graduates. Graduates may keep the academic robe, cap, hood, and tassel. They are not to be returned to the bookstore.