Information for Graduates

Commencement Ceremonies

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in university facilities.
Graduates be aware that you will not be permitted to participate in commencement if you are in violation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Graduation announcements may be purchased at the University Bookstore or online.

ARRIVAL OF GRADUATES

Candidates should plan to arrive and assemble in the Johnson Fieldhouse no later than a half an hour prior to your scheduled ceremony.

CAPS AND GOWNS

All graduates are to purchase caps, gowns and tassels.
Gown size is based on graduate's height and weight. Caps are one size fits all.
Available at the University Bookstore or online.
Need your gowns and caps shipped, call the University Bookstore at 715-232-1235, or e-mail at: manager@uwstoutbookstore.com. All orders are shipped via UPS ground at approximate rate of $16.00.

HONOR CORDS

Undergraduates, if you are eligible for Honor Cords, they are available at the Memorial Student Center Service Desk and are to be picked up at the same time as your tickets. Please have your student ID card with you.
Access Stout GPA only reflects your UW-Stout courses and does not include courses transferred in from other institutions. Registration and Records calculates your final GPA for honors determination.
All transfer credits are added to UW-Stout credits when calculations are made to determine whether a student is eligible to graduate with honors.
If you have grade point average eligibility questions, please contact the Dean of Students office, 232-1181.

Cum Laude (Blue Cordons)	3.5 - 3.699
Magna Cum Laude (White Cordons)	3.7 - 3.899
Summa Cum Laude (Blue and White Cordons)	3.9 - 4.000

LINING UP FOR CEREMONY

Line up according to college at the Johnson Fieldhouse. Signs will be posted.
The first student of any major group will be given a card to present to the reader who will announce the major.
Commencement Marshals will lead the procession, followed by degree candidates, faculty and academic staff, and platform guests.
Fill seats in the row in which you are directed by Marshals and ushers.
Upon reaching your seat, remain standing and immediately face the center aisle as a mark of respect while platform guests proceed to their places.
Turn and face the stage as the last platform guest passes the front row.
Remain standing until the platform guests sit down, then be seated.

PICTURES

A professional photographer will photograph each graduate as the diploma is received.
The firm will send a free color copy of the proof to each graduate in approximately 10 days. The graduate can keep the proof copy whether or not an order is placed.
No standing at the front for photos during the ceremony. Please remain seated during the ceremony.
Personal photos may be taken in Johnson Fieldhouse or at the reception following the ceremony.

READING OF NAMES (NAME CARD)

All graduates are to bring a 3" by 5" note card with their name clearly printed on it.
On the backside of the note card, please clearly print your post-graduation address for the Alumni Office.
Card will be given to reader for name announcement as you come on the stage.
Please spell name phonetically, as you would like it announced, if it is hard to pronounce.
Graduates who feel that the pronunciation of their name is difficult should contact Sara Anger, no later than noon, December 15, 2009.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities can fully participate in the commencement ceremony.
The stage is completely accessible for students with mobility impairments.
An interpreter can be provided for students with hearing impairments.
Graduating students with mobility disabilities who require accommodations during graduation, please contact Sara Anger, 232-5169, at least one week before graduation.

TICKETS

Each graduate will receive five (5) guest tickets.
All guests are required to have a ticket to attend the commencement ceremony.
Tickets are available at the University Bookstore, in the Memorial Student Center, with your student ID card beginning November 24 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009.
No more tickets will be available to you, so if you need more, ask your friends if they will share.
There are not enough tickets for everyone. Those who do not have tickets may view the ceremony on a closed circuit projection screen in the Sports & Fitness Center, Multipurpose Room. Refreshments served.
Please contact Sara Anger, 715-232-5169 or e-mail, by November 24, if you are unable to pick up your tickets and need them mailed to you.

Bookstore Hours:

Monday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed

WHAT DO UNDERGRADUATES DO DURING THE CEREMONY?

You are the first to receive your degrees.
The dean of your college will present you to the Chancellor for the conferment of degrees.
The dean of your college will request all candidates to rise to be presented to the Chancellor.
After the Chancellor has conferred the degrees, tassels will immediately be placed on the left side and you will be seated.
Ushers will direct you to stand, leave the row in a single file order and approach the stage.
The first person in the major/school group should move up the ramp and the others follow immediately.
When you reach the top of the ramp, give your name card to the name reader for announcement.
As your name is read, walk across the stage to receive your degree from the Chancellor.
Upon receiving your degree, return to your seat and be seated.