2009 commencement - Frequently Asked Questions

What time is my ceremony and how long will it last?
 The ceremony will begin at a11am and is scheduled to last approximately 2 hours. At the conclusion of the ceremony graduates will have one hour to take photos with their guests and return their caps & gowns.

How many tickets will I receive?
Each candidate will receive 10 tickets.  Extra ticket requests will not be accepted by the University.  Any extra tickets will be available the day of the ceremony on a first come first served basis.  Please note hooders and children, will require a ticket.

Can a family member hood me?
A graduate may choose to have a parent or spouse hood him/her on the day of the ceremony.  This person MUST have a DVM degree.   You will find a place on your graduation form for all necessary information. You MUST notify us if someone will be hooding you. The deadline for this is January 12, 2009. We will NOT accept any additional hooders the day of the ceremony.  Please note hooders will require a ticket.

How can I get a visa letter for a family member who wishes to attend?
Requests for visas must be arranged in advance and should be sent to graduationinfo@sgu.edu.  Please include the title VISA LETTER in the subject line. When requesting a visa please be sure to include an address we can mail the letters and the following information on family members: correct spelling of name, date of birth, citizenship, gender and relationship to the graduate. All requests must be in writing.

Is handicapped seating available?
Handicapped seating is available for anyone who requires a wheelchair accessible seat. We do not provide the wheelchair and can not guarantee where the seats will be. You will need to notify us beforehand by emailing us graduationinfo@sgu.edu. 

Will I receive my diploma the day of the ceremony?
You will NOT receive your diploma the day of the ceremony. Once you have been cleared by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive your official diploma in the mail.  Please understand that your completion and diploma dates and the date of Commencement are independent of one another. Any questions concerning your completion date or diploma date should be directed to the Office of Registrar.

How do I get my cap & gown?
You will be issued your cap & gown after you check in. Caps, gowns and hoods are property of the University and you are asked to return them immediately following the ceremony.  A charge of $500 will be assigned to the University bill of any student who fails to return his/her cap, gown or hood at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Is there assigned seating?
All tickets are general admission.  Guests are invited to enter the venue one half hour prior to the start of the ceremony to obtain their seats.

Will I receive announcements?
Each graduate will receive 25 announcements, courtesy of the University.  These will be mailed along with your tickets several weeks prior to the ceremony.  Please be aware these are NOT tickets and can not be used to gain entry to the ceremony.

Dress Requirements
Graduates and guests should dress appropriately. Keep in mind you will be in a gown and it tends to get warm.  Business casual is suitable for all.

Personal Belongings
Please refrain from bringing any personal belongings on the day of the ceremony.   There will be no place to store these items. 

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