Everything You Wanted To Know About Commencement
(But were afraid to ask…)

Do I have to be a graduation candidate to participate in the ceremonies? Yes. Deadline for May Commencement application is February 15. Students who apply for graduation are charged a $100 fee whether they participate in the ceremony or not.

When is the Senior Banquet? The banquet is in the gym, May 9, 2008 at 6 pm.

When is Commencement? Commencement is in the gym, May 10, 2008 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 let kgrenier@unity.edu know before April 11.

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? The college sends announcements (worded similar to an invitation) to your parents. If you want to send additional announcements, the cost is approximately $0.50 each (subject to change). If you order extra invites, you must pay for and pick them up in Constable Hall, unless other arrangements are made. Extra invitations will be available in March or April.

Who are the marshals? The student marshal is Hannah Brzycki. The faculty marshal is still undetermined.

When is rehearsal for Commencement? This year we are trying something different. There will be no rehearsal. Instead, there is a procedures tutorial found online (under the Commencement link coming soon). 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.

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. (Left as you leave.)

Do I need tickets? Only for the Senior Banquet. Each senior attends free and receives two additional free tickets. You do NOT need tickets for the Commencement ceremony.

Who are the speakers? The banquet speaker is John Zavodny. Commencement speaker Tedd Benson. See the Speaker link for more details.

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 sent to your home address in February or March.

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 900 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? Email kgrenier@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 100 (subject to change).

Is there a reception on campus following the event? Yes, immediately following the Commencement ceremony there is a reception line on the lawn of the library (sun), or in the library (rain).

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 at kgrenier@unity.edu.