Top 10 Questions about Commencement 2013

Commencement 2012Do you have questions about Saturday’s Commencement 2013? Here’s a list of the top 10 questions about Commencement, with answers that we hope will help you!

10.       Q – When do I need to be at Edmunds Center?

A – That depends on whether you are a graduate or a guest. Grads go to the Hollis Center. Guests go to Edmunds Center. The doors to the Edmunds Center will open one hour prior to each ceremony. The College of Arts and Sciences ceremony starts at 9 a.m., so doors will open at 8 a.m. The ceremony for the Schools of Business Administration and Music begins at 2 pm., so doors will open at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as possible.

9.         Q – Where do graduates get their honor cords?

A – The cords representing any of the three Latin honors—Cum Laude; Magna Cum Laude; Summa Cum Laude—will be pre-set on your assigned seat in Hollis Center. Other cords representing various organizations, will have been distributed before May 11. Confused about what cord represents what? Information will be in the Commencement printed program.

8.         Q – For Commencement guests with disabilities, what is the procedure for reserving floor seating?

A – Edmunds Center is fully accessible to all guests with seating available both on ground level and in permanent bleachers. Persons with disabilities can pick up a priority floor seating pass at the tents located at the north and south entrances of Edmunds Center. Ushers will be available to guide guests to the priority floor seating area in Edmunds Center.

7.         Q – What is the procedure for dropping off people with disabilities before parking the car?

A – There will be ample parking available close to Edmunds Center, and it will be clearly marked. Please refer to the campus map that shows locations for public parking. Shuttle service will be available from the Lynn Business Center, Flagler Hall and Allen Hall parking areas from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Shuttle service is accessible for persons with disabilities.

Parking for persons with disabilities is available on the north side of Edmunds Center. Cars parked in this area are required to display a disabled parking permit. Access to this area is on E. Pennsylvania Avenue and Fraternity Circle. Public Safety Officers will be present to offer directions.

A circular drive accessible from E. Pennsylvania Avenue and Fraternity Circle will be available for drivers to drop-off persons with disabilities. Drivers will then be asked to move to the designated public parking areas.

6.         Q – How long will the ceremony last?

A – Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

5.         Q – What foods will be served at the reception between the morning ceremony and the afternoon ceremony? Will it be substantive enough for my family to make it through the day?

A – The reception fare will be delicious, but light. We recommend eating lunch somewhere in the area, enabling you and your party to enjoy both events.

4.         Q – Who should attend the Academic Awards Convocation on Friday afternoon?

A – The Academic Awards Convocation is a ceremony that recognizes those graduates who have been awarded honors in each of the colleges and schools for various projects, research and other academic achievements. All award recipients will be notified in advance through the Office of Academic Affairs. Those receiving awards will be asked to arrive at 2:30 p.m. and sit in the reserved seating area. It is recommended that graduates wear business attire for this event. All graduating students and their families are invited to attend.

3.         Q – How far is the Hollis Center from the Edmunds Center?

A – The Hollis Center is a short walk from the Edmunds Center. If someone in your party needs to ride to the reception in Hollis Center, a shuttle will be available in front of Edmunds Center, traveling to parking areas and Hollis Center.

2.         Q – Where do graduates pick up their caps and gowns?

A – Graduates can pick up their caps and gowns at the Stetson Bookstore, located at the north end of the Carlton Union Building. The Bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1.          Q – I won’t be able to attend the festivities on Saturday. Is there a way to watch the event live?

A – Yes! Friends and family unable to attend the ceremonies on May 11 can access our live video streaming at http://www.gohatters.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml. When the event starts a PLAY button will appear on the page (approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to start). Note: You do not have to register. This is a free service for the Hatter community.

Remember to leave your air-horns at home and do your shouting on social media with the hashtag  #hattergrad !

For answers to these and more questions, visit the Commencement 2013 website. Congratulations, Stetson graduates! GO HATTERS!