SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY
Winter 2008 Commencement

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Time 1:30 p.m. 

Location: Morrow Field House 

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Ms. Wilma Cavill Grand Marshal

Dr. Robert Smith President

Captain Kathlene Contres Winter 2008 Commencement Speaker

WELCOME

You are cordially invited to participate in the commencement exercises at Slippery Rock University.  We look forward to having you, your family, and friends attend.  Questions or concerns about Commencement should be directed to:  Commencement Office, 122 Bailey Library, 724-738-4877.

ATTENDANCE

All students who have completed degree or credit requirements for August or December 2008 may participate in the December 2008 commencement.  Attendance is not mandatory.

In order to have your name listed in the program, August graduates must complete the form available in the Commencement Office, room 122 Bailey Library or available on the Commencement website, no later than October 15, 2008.

Candidates who choose to participate in Commencement are encouraged to invite their families and friends to attend. Graduation announcements are available at the SGA Bookstore in the University Union.  Please allow additional time for special orders.

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REHEARSAL  

Friday, December 12, 2008,   1:30 p.m.
LOCATION:   Morrow Field House
All graduates must obtain graduation authorization cards at rehearsal.

THE CEREMONY

Saturday, December 13, 2008
Time: 1:30 p.m. 

Location - Morrow Field House 

The Commencement Ceremony is a fitting conclusion to a successful academic career and earning a university degree.  The ceremony is based on years of tradition and is composed of a processional, honorary awards, introductions, a speaker, and a recessional.  It is colorful, festive, and dignified.

• The processional directed by the Grand Marshal, marches over a route, which will maximize the visibility of candidates, and faculty in their multicolored hoods and gowns.
• On arrival at their seats, candidates will remain standing until the Grand Marshal signals with the University mace that all may be seated.
• Opening of the ceremony will be announced from the stage by the University Grand Marshal, beginning with opening remarks and introductions from the University President.
• UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES: Degrees will be conferred en masse by college.  Following the conferring of degrees, each graduate's name will be read by the dean of his/her college as the graduate walks across the stage to be congratulated and photographed with Slippery Rock University's President Robert M. Smith.
• MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES: Master's degree candidates will wear their hoods.  Each graduate's name will be read as they walk across the stage to be congratulated and photographed with President Smith.
• DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES: Doctoral degree candidates will carry their hoods onto the stage.  Each graduate's name will be read as they walk across the stage to be hooded by the provost, congratulated, and photographed with President Smith.
• All graduating students will receive a mock diploma on stage, since semester grades are not due until after Commencement.  Degree requirements must be completed in December and all financial obligations to the university must be paid in order to receive your diploma, which will be mailed in JANUARY.
• Candidates will rise as directed and remain standing until the entire row has returned.
• After the President confers the degrees, the Bachelor's candidates may move their tassel from right to left.  After closing remarks by the President of the University, the President of the Alumni Association, and the singing of the Alma Mater, the Grand Marshal will lead the recession of new graduates and dignitaries from the Commencement site.  The audience is asked to remain standing in place until the recessional has been completed.
• The ceremony will last approximately two hours, including the processional.
• All graduates must bring a 3 x 5 card OBTAINED AT REHEARSAL printed with their name, permanent address and telephone number.
• A program, which includes both the candidates' names and details of the ceremony, will be provided to all participants in the Commencement exercises and their guests.
• Adherence to a non-alcohol policy for this event will be enforced.  Graduates and their guests will not be permitted to carry onto the premises or consume alcoholic beverages during any part of the commencement ceremony.
• The ceremony will be held at Morrow Field House and tickets WILL BE REQUIRED.  
• Guests should go directly to the Commencement site.  They should NOT accompany you to the processional assembly area.  You may arrange to meet your guests after the commencement exercises near the track area in the field house.  
• Immediately following commencement, you and your family and friends are invited to attend a congratulatory reception in the Multi-Purpose Room at the University Union..

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ALUMNI ASSOCATION RECEPTION FOR GRADUATING SENIORS AND FAMILIES

Begin your graduation day at The Rock with a pre-commencement reception at the Russell Wright Alumni House  between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., sponsored by the SRU Alumni Association.  Members of the Alumni Association look forward to welcoming you among the ranks that call themselves Slippery Rock University Alumni.  Meet fellow alumni and enjoy some refreshments. 

Also on graduation day, summa cum laude medallion recipients and all graduates will have a group photograph taken at 12 noon at the Russell Wright Alumni House.   

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INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of a snow or ice storm causing cancellation of commencement, call 724-738-2998 for information.  All regional news media will be asked to broadcast the cancellation notice.

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SPECIAL NEEDS & ADA ACCOMMODATIONS

Seats have been set-aside for people with disabilities in need of special seating.  Those requiring special seating should check in with a student ambassador when they arrive.    Those persons will be issued a "special seating pass" allowing them and one guest access to the special seating area.

Drivers with handicap license plates or placards should advise the officer directing traffic and you will be directed to the nearest available parking.

Public parking will be available for you and your guests during the Commencement ceremony. University Police will direct you to appropriate parking areas.  Shuttle bus transportation will be provided from West Lake, East Lake, and the University Union parking lots to the N. Kerr Thompson Stadium for parents and guests.  Shuttle bus service will also be available at these drop-off points following the ceremony for approximately one hour.

An interpreter for hearing-impaired persons will be provided.           

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