When is the Senior Banquet? The banquet is in the gym, May 7, 2010 at 6 pm.

When is Commencement? Commencement is in the gym, May 8, 2010 at 1 pm. Processional begins at 12:55 pm.

Do I have to clear my debts with the business office? Yes. If you have an outstanding account with the Business office, such as parking tickets, library dues, etc; grades, diplomas and transcripts will be held. Please see the Business office for further information.

What is the difference between graduation and Commencement? Graduation is the act of receiving your diploma. Commencement is the ceremony and resulting activities.

Can I walk during the May Commencement even though I have already graduated in December? Yes. You must letkgrenier@unity.edu know before April 15.

Can I participate in the May ceremony and still take a class in the fall? No. All degree requirements must be completed before students are allowed to participate.

Do I have to pay for my announcements? No. This year in order to become more sustainable and save paper, announcements will be emailed to parents, graduates and employees. There is a PDF found online if you want to print your own annoucements.

When is rehearsal for Commencement? There will be no scheduled rehearsal. There will be an optional rehearsal in the gym before the BBQ. There is also a procedures tutorial found online. After the optional rehearsal, all seniors are invited to a BBQ the Thursday before Commencement. If you have any questions, contact Kate Grenier.

Do we march alphabetically? Yes. Graduate candidates march alphabetically by degree because we hand your diploma to you. There is less possibility of an error if everyone is lined up alphabetically.

Do I have to pay for my cap and gown? Yes, but they are part of the graduation fee. 

Where do I pick up my cap and gown? In the registrar’s office.

What should I wear for Commencement? All graduate candidates must wear the cap and gown if they plan on walking in the ceremony. Cap and gowns are black. Please wear comfortable and appropriate attire under the gown. Remember that you are on stage above a crowd. While Commencement is a formal ceremony, families and friends of graduates should wear clothing that is comfortable for sitting. Weather changes quickly during this time of year, so be prepared for cold or warm temperatures.

What should I wear for the banquet? While the banquet is not a formal ceremony, many seniors will be honored and will be presented with various awards and nice attire is recommended; however, there is no formal dress code and particpants should wear comfortable clothing.

What do the gold cords mean? The gold cord signifies those who have graduated with honors, or with a GPA of 3.33 or higher.

Where does the tassel go? The tassel, which is usually green and white, should be worn on the right front edge of your cap. Once the degree is confirmed (when you walk across the stage), you may move your tassel to the left side. (Remember "left as you leave.")

Do I need tickets? Only for the Senior Banquet. Each senior attends free and receives two additional free tickets for a total of three complimentary tickets. You do NOT need tickets for the Commencement ceremony. This year in order to be more sustainable, Unity College is taking banquet registrations online. Please watch your email for more information after February 18.

Who is the speaker? The Commencement speaker is Kate Braestrup, acclaimed author and Chaplin of the Maine Warden Service.

How many guests can I have at the banquet? Reservations are limited to a first-come, first-served basis for up to 500 people. Banquet and ticket information will be emailed to you and to your home address in February.

What time should I arrive to the banquet? You should be at the Banquet early because there is no assigned seating. The banquet starts at 6 pm.

How many guests can I have at the Commencement ceremony? Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 1000 people. Please tell your guests to arrive early if they want to have seats.

What time should I arrive for Commencement? All students should be in cap and gown and ready to line up outside of South Coop (in Student Center during inclement weather) no later than 12:40 pm.

Where should my guests park? Signs will be posted and personnel will direct traffic. Handicapped parking will be available near the Student Activities Building. All other parking will be available near the Soccer Field and other designated parking lots.

When and how will I receive my diploma? If you are marching in the May ceremony, you MUST be lined up alphabetically since students receive their diploma alphabetically during the ceremony. Students only receive their diploma if they are cleared by the business office and have completed all degree requirements.

One of my guests attending the Commencement ceremony needs special seating; how can that be arranged? Emailkgrenier@unity.edu before May 2, 2008 with information so arrangements can be made.

How long does the Commencement ceremony last? Approximately an hour to an hour and a half.

How many people are graduating? Around 90 (subject to change).

If I cannot attend the ceremony, when will I get my diploma and transcript? We have 6 weeks to process all graduation applications. If you would like a transcript, you must request one according to the policy. Please contact the Registrar’s office for more information.

Is there any other additional information? Please check the Student Catalog or the website for more information. If you have any questions, contact Kate Grenier at ext. 301 or by email atkgrenier@unity.edu.