CONGRATULATIONS,

GRADUATES!

Graduation Rehearsal & Information Session

Office of Student Affairs | April 2013

AGENDA

• Etiquettes

• Let’s Talk Fashion

• Graduation Agenda

• Practice!

• Important Reminders

• Questions?

What is commencement?

commence ment noun \kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt\

– the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees, certificates, or diplomas (Merriam-Webster)

Graduate Etiquettes• Arrive at the venue no later than 12:30pm to line

up

• Wear proper attire (cap & gown for bachelor/master students; formal or professional dress for certificate/ESL students)

• Remain in your seat AT ALL TIMES; stand and move only when directed to do so

• Keep cell phones & other electronics TURNED OFF until the ceremony is over

• Show respect to speakers, your fellow graduates, and their families by REMAINING SILENT throughout the ceremony

Guest Etiquettes• Keep cell phones & other electronics TURNED

OFF until the ceremony is over

• Sit ONLY in seats designated for guests; REMAIN SEATED throughout the ceremony; only authorized personnel are permitted in the stage area

• Photos may be taken only from your seat

• Show respect to speakers, graduates, and other guests by REMAINING SILENT throughout the ceremony

Let’s Talk Fashion

WOMEN• Formal or business attire• Dress; OR• Dress slacks, khakis• Blouse• Dress shoes

Appropriate AttireMEN• Formal or business attire• Dress shirt• Dress slacks, khakis• Dress shoes

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

How do I wear my cap & gown?

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

Zip your gown up the front.

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

Master degree recipients, you will have droopy sleeves!

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

Your gown should hang to mid-calf.

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

Your cap’s mortar board should sit parallel to the ground.

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

Master degree recipients wear a hood.

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

The velvet rim should be visible, as well as the colors inside the hood.

Cap & GownAlso known as regalia

In the front, the velvet will be visible around your neck.

Wear your tassel on the RIGHT side!

BEWARE OF

the TILTED CAP!

BAD CAP!

Good cap!

We will notify you when your cap & gown are ready to be picked up from Student Affairs!

Commencement Agenda

• Processional

• Welcome

• United States National Anthem

• Pledge of Allegiance

• Diversity Celebration

• Dr. Sarac’s Remarks

• Commencement Address (by guest speaker)

• Valedictorian Remarks

• Graduate Speaker Remarks

Commencement Agenda

• VIU’s Outstanding Faculty Awards

• Awarding of Degrees & Certificates

• Recessional

• Group Pictures

Commencement Agenda

Woodson High School9525 Main Street

Fairfax, VA

Take the GREEN BUS and get off at the Lee Highway at Fairfax Circle Plaza WB bus stop.

Parking

Entrance from street

Bus stop!

Auditorium; enter at Gate 18

WHEN YOU ARRIVE…1. Find your name tag2. Make sure your cap & gown are being worn correctly3. Line up with your fellow grads• Use the serial number on your name tag!

4. STAY THERE!

THERE WILL BE STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

TO HELP YOU!

AMENITIES…1. Cafeteria with live-feed of the ceremony & snacks2. Restrooms3. Staff & student volunteers to help you4. If you need help, call: (703) 507-0842

PHOTOGRAPHYYour picture will be taken…

• While you are lining up

• As you process into the auditorium

• As you walk across the stage and shake hands with your dean and/or Dr. Sarac

• After you have received your “diploma” (backstage)

OTHER PHOTO OPS

• Group pictures after ceremony

• Photo booth with the bookstore in the lobby area

• VIU banners in the lobby area; take photos before and after the ceremony!

OTHER PHOTO INFO• Any photos taken by VIU’s photographers will be

available to you within 2 weeks of the ceremony

• Family/friends will NOT be permitted to leave their seats to take photos!

Let’s Practice!

Important Reminders

WHERE IS GRADUATION?

Woodson High School9525 Main Street

Fairfax, VA

Important Reminders

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

12:30 p.m.

Important Reminders

WHAT AMENITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?

Live feed; snacks in the cafeteria; restrooms; staff & volunteers to help when needed

Important Reminders

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY FAMILY ABOUT PHOTOS?

Don’t leave your seat to take photos; VIU will provide photos 2 weeks after ceremony; etc.

viu.edu/students/services/commencement-ceremony

Questions?