Tips for Commencement Day
Etiquette
The cap should be worn so that the mortarboard is level and not cocked to either side or placed on the back of the head. The crown of the cap should come to approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows. The deeper portion of the crown is the back.
The gown should be pressed and worn with dark shoes. Women should not wear flowers, pins or other jewelry. A simple straight dress without a high neckline gives the best results. Men should wear a white shirt and tie that will compliment the gown. Coats may be left off for comfort.
The tassel is worn on the right side before the degree is conferred. It is customary to change the tassel from the right to the left side after the degree is conferred. The president will direct you when to do this during the ceremony.
Line-up Instructions
Line up in the Dance Studio under the sign for your degree in alpha order. Please be in the Dance Studio no later than 10:15 am.
Committee members will give you a biographical card. Carry this with you onto the stage end give to the reader at the first podium.
Do not carry anything with you into the arena for the ceremony.
Do not chew gum!
Ceremony Information
Graduates will be led into the main theatre and to their seats by the faculty council chair. Marshals will direct you to fill in the rows of the theatre. Fill in ALL seats. All graduates should stand in front of their chairs and wait until the music has finished.
A marshal will give you a commencement program as you are seated.
Gentlemen should remove their caps during the invocation and benediction.
A marshal will indicate to your row when to stand for the presentation of candidates.
Proceed to the steps on the right side of the stage. Do not wait at the bottom of steps.
Hand your information card to the reader to announce your name.
Proceed to the table, accept your diploma cover from the president with your left hand, and shake his right hand with your right hand. The photographer will take your picture at this time-- stop, shake, and smile!
Move on to the Board of Trustee chair who will congratulate you and shake your hand, then to the alumni representative who will present you with an alumni pin and also shake your hand.
Continue off the stage, a marshal will assist you back to your row.
Associate degree candidates will go first, followed by the Bachelor degree candidates, followed by the Master degrees candidates. After all candidates for degrees (Associate, Bachelor and Master, respectively, have returned to their seats, the president will ask the candidates to stand, confer the degree, and then have you move your tassel from right to left.
Follow the directions from the marshals for the recessional. Graduates are the last group to leave during the recessional.
General Announcements
Photographer will email proofs to your Viterbo University address
Photographer will take two pictures; 1 with the President and one after you pass the second podium