Commencement marching instructions
Congratulations on making it to commencement day! Here's a recap of the logistical information you need to know about marching in, crossing the stage to get your diploma, and then exiting after the conclusion of the ceremony. (Undergraduate students are those who are earning bachelor's degrees, Graduate students are those who are earning a master's degree or above).
Lining up on Centennial Green
You will begin your morning on the lawn in front of Kretschmar Hall. You will find a sandwich board with your name and an assigned number telling you where to find your place in line.
- Undergraduate students: Line up by your number. Number 1 will be next to the sandwich board sign and the line will extend down the sidewalk toward Kretschmar Hall.
- Graduate students: Line up by your number starting somewhere on the sidewalk in front of Bowers Hall. When the march to Centennial Green begins, rather than follow behind the undergraduate line, you will march side-by-side with the undergraduate student line and in reverse numerical order.
Marching in
Undergraduates
Undergraduates line up on the sidewalk in front of Kretschmar Hall in alphabetical order, then proceed in single file to the sidewalk in front of the library. When you reach Centennial Green, you will wait to march down the aisle until told to do so. Undergraduates march into the commencement ceremony via the main aisle closest to Sittner Hall.
Graduates
Graduate students line up on the sidewalk in front of Kretschmar Hall in reverse alphabetical order, then proceed in single file to the sidewalk in front of the library. When you reach Centennial Green, you will wait to march down the aisle until told to do so. Graduates march into the commencement ceremony via the main aisle closest to the library.
Taking your photo and receiving your diploma
Leave your seat via the aisle closest to the library, walk to the photo station, then get in line next to the stage to receive your diploma. Wait to enter the stage until your name is called. After your have your diploma, quickly exit the stage and return to your seat via the main aisle closest to Sittner Hall.
How to take your diploma from Dr. McVay and shake his hand for the official photograph. (Picture courtesy of Mark VanDonge.)
Marching out
Undergraduates
Undergraduates march out via the aisle closest to the library. Wait for your row to be dismissed before your leave. Rows will be dismissed from the front and back simultaneously. As you exit, find a place away from the main ceremony area to meet your family and friends to allow traffic to continue flowing behind you.
Graduates
Graduate students march out via the aisle closest to Sittner Hall. Wait for your row to be dismissed before your leave. Rows will be dismissed from the front and back simultaneously. As you exit, find a place away from the main ceremony area to meet your family and friends to allow traffic to continue flowing behind you.
