Presentation of the Colors
Men should remove their caps, and all graduates should stand during the presentation of the flag and the National Anthem.
Conferral of Degrees
All graduate candidates will rise, as a group, when presented to the chancellor by their respective dean.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
To ensure that all guests can hear and enjoy the graduation activities, cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned to silent mode in the line-up and throughout the ceremony. Texting is prohibited during the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony Photos
Grad Trak Graduation Images are the authorized photographers for the Commencement ceremony. They will take several photos of graduates in the student line up area and as students commence and receive their diplomas. The photographer recommends that graduates pre-register for Commencement ceremony photos. Go to www.gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event E-mail Registration. Enter your e-mail and e-mails of up to six family members who may be interested in viewing and ordering photographs. After the ceremony, photos may be ordered online at www.gradimages.com, (800) 424-3686. There is no obligation to purchase. The transaction is between the graduate and Grad Images Grad Trak. SIUE is not involved.
1. Line Up: Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony should go to the student activity gym in the Student Fitness Center to check in, pick up a marching card and line up with their respective School or College. Plan to arrive no later than one hour before the ceremony start time. If you have any questions, please contact the Commencement staff at (618) 650-2252.
2. Regalia
All graduation candidates are required to wear approved academic regalia — cap and gown. Students not in compliance with approved academic regalia will not be permitted to participate in the Commencement ceremonies.
Note: If you already own or intend to borrow academic regalia, you must still complete the Commencement Ceremony Participation Form and Cap and gown pre-order form. Check the box “I am not purchasing regalia from the University Bookstore, however, I am planning to walk in the ceremony.”
3. Appropriate Attire
Approved Academic regalia is required for all. For men — long dark pants, dark dress shoes and a shirt. For women — shirt and dark slacks or skirt, or a dress and dark dress shoes. Comfortable attire is recommended.
4. Reader/Marching Card
Plan to check in and pick up your marching card in the student line up area before the ceremony. You will need to hold on to the card and present it to the reader as you prepare to walk across the stage to accept your diploma cover. Do not leave your marching card on your seat.
5. Your Role in the Commencement Ceremony
All graduates are required to remain until the end of the Commencement ceremony and will participate in both the processional and recessional. Graduates are expected to remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony, except when they approach the stage to accept their diploma cover.
6. After the Commencement Ceremony
Make arrangements to meet your family after the Commencement ceremony. Everyone will be asked to exit the Vadalabene Center in order to prepare for the next ceremony.
7. Personal Belongings
Before the ceremony, plan to leave any personal belongings with a family member as secure storage will not be available in the student activity center. Limited locker storage is available in the Student Fitness Center.
8. Reminders for Your Guests
Please remind guests that it is inconsiderate to leave the Commencement ceremony before it has concluded. We ask that guests remain in their seat during the ceremony. Guests will not be allowed to save seats. Once the Vadalabene Center has reached capacity, guests will be directed to the overflow viewing room where the ceremony will be simulcast. Late comers also will be directed to the overflow room. Guests who are disruptive will be asked to leave. Bull horns and other noise-making devices will be confiscated. Guests may take photos from their seats only. All aisles must be kept clear. Guests are asked to exit the building immediately following the ceremony in order to prepare for the next ceremony.
