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Stacey Pitts
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2008 IIT Commencement
Commencement Day Instructions
The 2008 IIT Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 on IIT’s Main Campus.
The Opening Ceremony which will be held on the IIT Stuart Soccer Field will take place from 10–11:30 a.m. The Opening Ceremony will include all candidates for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.
Academic Unit Ceremonies will take place from noon–2 p.m. Students will attend one Academic Unit Ceremony based on his/her college or academic unit affiliation.
Below are detailed instructions to facilitate your participation in the events.
Regalia
Students who registered to walk in the ceremony but were unable to pick up their regalia at the Graduate Salute on April 1 can pick up regalia on the day of Commencement. All students are expected to report to the Expo Center in Hermann Hall to check in and pick up regalia between 7-8:30 a.m. and receive final instructions. All students are required to check in with their student ID prior to the Opening Ceremony. We encourage students to arrive early to avoid long lines. Signs, and greeters will help direct you. If you have already picked up your regalia, please remember to bring it to the ceremony, but you will still need to check in.
Commencement Marching Instructions
Honor Marshals will direct you in lining up. Students will begin at 8:30 a.m. And will move toward the IIT Stuart Soccer Field at 9:30 a.m. to the start of the event. Honor Marshals will instruct students on how to proceed from this point to their designated seats.
Academic Regalia
You should wear the academic cap as near level on the head as possible. All tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap. After you receive your diploma cover and letter at the Academic Unit Ceremony, tassels should be moved to the left side.
Gowns should be closed in front as much as possible. Graduating students should wear business attire under their gowns and dark dress shoes. If you bring a jacket or a purse, please leave it with one of your guests. NOTE: IIT will not assume responsibility for lost or misplaced belongings.
Men should remove their caps in unison with the president and the faculty during the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. Women will always keep their caps on. Candidates will remain standing during The Star Spangled Banner. Please be seated after the singing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Conferring of Degrees
At the Opening Ceremony, the president of IIT will confer degrees upon candidates from each college as a group. The dean or director of your college or institute will advance to the microphone and request each group of students to rise to be recognized.
Academic Unit Ceremonies
Upon arrival at the individual Academic Ceremonies, students will be issued 3x5 cards. These 3x5 cards will include file number, name, degree/major, and any other distinction for graduates to be announced by the presenter during the Academic Unit Ceremonies. It is important that you keep this card with you at all times.
At the Academic Unit Ceremonies, which will be held separately for each college or unit, deans/directors will present individual candidates with letters and diploma covers. Candidates will walk slowly across a stage as directed by their marshals, and family members will have an opportunity to photograph you as you receive your degree.
Please step forward and present your 3x5 card to the dean/presenter to announce your name. As the presenter calls your name, you will receive your diploma cover and letter in the left hand from your dean. Shake hands with your dean and then walk slowly across the stage and back to a seat, as directed by the marshal. Be seated as soon as you reach your seat.
Flowers and Balloons
Flowers will be allowed in the Commencement ceremony locations, but please refrain from accepting flowers from guests until after the ceremonies. Balloons will not be allowed in any Commencement location.
