On Commencement Day, May 24, 2009

Graduating Students: What to expect & what you need to know

At 8:15 AM
At 9:00 AM SHARP!
After the speeches
Other information

At 8:15 AM

  • All participating should meet on Lower Sproul Plaza:
    • Grad students & faculty on the north side (near Cesar Chavez Center)
    • Undergrads on the south side (near Eshleman Hall)
    • Friends & family, we will open the doors at 8:30am for you. Line up in the center of Lower Sproul, at the doors to Zellerbach Hall, about 4-6 people wide, and NOT on the steps. Any elderly, injured or otherwise disabled folks should arrive at the very doorway of Zellerbach Hall by 8:15am. They may enter, with one "helper" early to be seated safely. (That means this person does not get your whole party in early!)
  • You should be in your graduation robes:
    • PhD STUDENTS hold onto your hood
    • MAs, hold onto your cowl
    • EVERYONE have your caps on with your tassel toward your RIGHT ear.  A pin/clip may be needed to hold cap on.
  • All students should bring name card (provided by Bob Knight Photo); if you forget, see card table on Undergraduate Students side of Lower Sprowl for replacement.
    • These index cards are provided by Bob Knight Photo, the professional service taking photographs at IB’s Commencement, and one will be in the envelope with your tickets. 
    • You will give your best email address on the index card, as well, and Bob Knight will send you proofs of your photos within 48 hours of our ceremony. 
    • You are NOT required to order photos, yet we do suggest you keep the email Bob Knight sends to you for future use.
  • Line up for the procession:
    • Undergrads may line up in any order they wish;
      • UGs are welcome to gather up with friends, HOWEVER, when we proceed into the Auditorium, you may end up separated as rows fill up.  This is NOT a crisis; you must proceed in a stately manner into your row and seat.  When names are read aloud, you’ll be right next to your friend/s again.
    • Grad students will be directed by Mei Griebenow or her designate. 

[top of page]

 

At 9:00 AM SHARP!

Procession will begin in Lower Sproul and will enter Zellerbach Hall in two streams:

  • Faculty followed by Masters and PhD candidates in the North Stream: 
    • Faculty, PhD and Masters candidates will sit on the stage; remain standing until all undergraduates are in.
  • BA Candidates in the South Stream: 
    • BAs will proceed into the Auditorium, and go down to the front/center section of seats, which have been reserved. 
    • Walk into your row, fill each seat & REMAIN STANDING until the last person in your row has taken position; then you may ALL sit down in one motion. 

Important Details on Procession and Hooding

  • Step slowly and carefully; this is a stately procession.  Therefore, NO chewing gum/tobacco and no stopping to hug or wave to your loved ones.
  • If you are late, you will wait at the back of the auditorium; a volunteer will seat you at break in the speeches. (PhD and Master candidates will be escorted to stage right for seating at a similar break).
  • Undergrads, the walk from your seat to the stage and back involves two darkened staircases and cameras flashing at you.  We recommend flat, comfortable shoes and careful motions.

[top of page]

 

After the Speeches

After the speeches, degrees will be awarded; first the MAs, PhDs, then followed by BAs.

  • Masters and PhD recipients:
    • Hold your hood in your lap. 
    • Stay in your seat until your name is called, then move to the center of the stage (it will be marked) to meet your thesis advisor there. 
    • Turn to face the audience while your advisor places the hood over your head from behind. 
    • You may thank or shake hands with your thesis advisor
    • Then walk over to Chair Sousa to receive your ceremonial scroll - your photo will be taken at this point.
    • Proceed down the steps, across front seats in the auditorium, back up other steps, and back to seat on stage. Once seated, attach your hood to the button at the neck of your gown to help avoid hood strangulation.
  • BA recipients:
    • After the Chair announces the names of the faculty who will read names / help with scrolls, students in the first row should watch for the signal from Nancy to rise all as one, and approach the staircase to the stage.
    • Keep a slow pace and allow at least one arm length between each of you. 
    • At the top of the stairs, there will be a flag station; a photographer there will ask you to pause a moment for a pic, then step to your right, and prepare to walk out onstage. 
    • Keep at least 20 feet between you, so photos include only one graduate! 
    • Walk to the announcer at the podium, hand off your name card and proceed to the Chair for first a scroll (left hand) and then a handshake (right hand). 
    • Your photo will again be taken at handshake; look the Chair in the eye and smile for best results!
    •  Proceed from scroll table to your left and descend a set of stairs. 

Once everyone is seated, the Chair will invite the participants to move the tassel on their mortar boads from right to left and will introduce the Class of 2009!

A reception will follow the ceremony in the lobby of Zellerbach Hall and Lower Sproul Plaza.

[top of page]

 

Other Information

  • Seating is general admission, regardless of any letters/numbers appearing on tickets. All seats must be filled, as this will be a "SOLD OUT" event. Please inform your families that they should leave no empty seats in mid-row and may not be able to "save" seats for late-arriving family members.
  • The ceremony usually lasts from one and a half to two hours.
  • Restrooms are located in the lobby and on the 2nd floor of the auditorium.
  • Commencement flowers available for purchase (leis, bouquets, etc.) will be stationed on steps of Zellerbach by 8 am. No large bouquets, balloons, etc. in auditorium.
  • The elderly or those needing special assistance will be allowed in the auditorium at 8:15am, and may be accompanied by ONE helping adult.
  • Only graduating students, faculty and photographers are permitted onstage at any time.
  • All guests must stay seated during the event. Professional photographers will be present to offer high-quality personalized images for later purchase. Guests blocking the aisles are a safety hazard, or at least intrude on the peaceful viewing of other guests. They will be asked to leave the ceremony if found obstructing a walkway or the view of other guests.
  • Food & beverages are not allowed in the auditorium. (Bottled water ok.)

[top of page]