COLUMN: Commencement questions clarified for students
Editor’s note: This column gives students the chance to ask administrators questions about university policy and see their answers in The Statesman. Questions can be sent to editor@statesman.usu.edu.
Question: I heard that for this year’s commencement processional, I can’t walk with my friends or spouse. Is that true?
Answer: As has been well-publicized, this year is a year of creating new traditions for USU’s commencement exercises. These changes have been established by the president and the students with a desire to make commencement a universitywide celebration of the graduating seniors and their accomplishments.
This year, instead of receiving blank diploma covers, each participating graduate will receive a personalized Certificate of Commencement. In future years, graduates will receive their actual diploma. In order to accomplish this without creating confusion and misplaced diplomas, it is important that the graduates sit in the Spectrum in alphabetical order within their colleges. This means that they must be in that order when they enter the building. By extension, this also means that graduates must march in the processional in alphabetical order within their colleges.
There will be many opportunities throughout the day for pictures and celebrations with loved ones. Yours is the unique opportunity to look forward and establish new traditions for future generations.
Question: I’ve been told there is a rehearsal. Is it important for me to attend?
Answer: On Thursday, May 1, there will be a rehearsal for those participating in commencement. Please meet on the HPER Field at 3 p.m. The purpose of the rehearsal is to help you know how to line up correctly, to practice walking into the Spectrum and sitting in the right order, and finally to do an abbreviated walk-through.
It is anticipated that the rehearsal will last no longer than one hour. All students who plan to attend the universitywide commencement should plan to attend unless they have a final at that time.
Question: How will I know how to line up for the processional?
Answer: Each student who has turned in a positive RSVP card will receive a packet in the mail (at the address you gave us on your graduation application). In this packet you will find instructions for the rehearsal as well as the actual processional. Also included in this packet will be two colored cards.
These cards will list your college, your lineup number and your name. One card will be for the rehearsal (please bring it on May 1), and the other card is for commencement (please bring it on May 3). Your card will be used for making sure you are lined up correctly as well as ensuring you get the correct Certificate of Commencement. It is very important you receive these cards and bring them to the rehearsal and to commencement.
Question: Will I be receiving my diploma at commencement?
Answer: This year graduates who attend commencement will receive a Certificate of Commencement. The certificate is personalized, printed on a nice parchment paper and placed inside your diploma cover. It will be presented to you by the dean of your college. In future years, the actual diploma will be presented at commencement.
This year you will receive your diploma when your degree has been verified by the college and posted to your transcript by the Registrar’s Office. This may take from two weeks up to two months. Your diploma will be mailed to the address you indicated on your graduation application.
Question: If I don’t attend commencement, can I still get a diploma cover?
Answer: Yes. If you returned your RSVP card and informed us you will not attend commencement, there will be no charge for your diploma cover. If you did not RSVP or you indicated you will be attending commencement but do not attend, there will be a $10 fee for your diploma cover. In either case, diploma covers can be picked up in the Registrar’s Office beginning May 5.
Question: What if I can’t make it to the Registrar’s Office to pick up my diploma cover?
Answer: The Registrar’s Office will mail your diploma cover to the address you provided on your graduation application. There will be a postage charge of $4 for all mailed covers. This charge is in addition to the $10 fee described above if you did not RSVP. Graduates who want to have their diploma cover mailed should make their request in writing. Requests and checks can be mailed to USU Graduation Office, 1600 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-1600.
You may also e-mail your request, including a credit card number and expiration date, to janalee@cc.usu.edu.
Heidi Jo Beck is the associate registrar. Comments may be sent to heidi@cc.usu.edu.