Event Etiquette & Protocols

Respect Your Fellow Graduates

By tradition, the Commencement ceremony is a formal, dignified event to honor the achievement of graduating students. To help preserve the decorum of the event, it is requested that graduates exercise etiquette appropriate to the occasion. We ask that you please observe the following:

• Be on time: Please make sure you are on time to lineup, check in at the registration tent, receive your QR code and are in line for your processional.
• Cell phones should be operated in silent mode during the ceremony. Do not speak on a cell phone or carry on a conversation during the ceremony as this prevents others from hearing and enjoying the ceremony.
• Graduates are asked to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that demonstrates respect toward fellow graduates, guests and the speakers on stage.
• It is important that students respect fellow students, faculty, administrators and guests who have come to witness and participate in the conferring of degrees. For this reason, graduates are expected to return to their seats after they cross the stage and remain seated until all students have crossed the stage. Please remain until the conclusion of your ceremony.
• Please be considerate and clean up after yourself.
• Professional photographers and videographers are prohibited.

Cap/Gown/Stole Décor

We encourage the tasteful decoration of caps but respectfully ask that you do not alter your gown.

Custom stoles are allowed.